There's One Style That's Always In Fashion: A New Hairstyle

Start here for tips, tricks, and all the information you need to get ready for the head-y experience of having a new fashion 'do created just for you

21st Century Head-lines
There's never been a better time to have hair…or NOT have hair, for that matter! Hairstyles for women (and men) today can be traditional, contemporary, long, short, medium, and easily "transformed" by weaves, extensions and wigs; as well as new techniques, improvements in old techniques, and an explosion of "magical" tools and accessories.

For perhaps the first time in history, "What's right" in hairstyles is truly defined as "What's right for YOU." When you leave the salon with one of the new short hairstyles, a medium hair style, or a long hair style, you should be filled with pleasure and self-confidence, not regret.

So don't hesitate. The best time for a new hairstyle is N-O-W!!!

The Three W's of Happily-Ever-After Hairstyling
To make your "New You/New 'Do" experience the best it can be, start with the Three W's of Happily-Ever-After Hairstyling -- Who, What and Where:

· Know WHO You're Dealing With
Without a doubt, WHO cuts your hair is critical to whether you'll be hair-happy or hair-horrified. Short hair styles for curly hair are extremely different than short hairstyles for curly hair…and the same is true for long hair styles and medium hair styles, as well. Different hair textures respond very differently to cutting and shaping. That's why you should choose a salon professional with experience in cutting your type of hair.

· Ask for WHAT You Want
What you ask for is what you'll get: a long hair style, the popular homecoming hair style, a "vintage" 80's hair style, a punk hairstyle, short hair styles that can be worn soft or spiky, or any of the mountain of women's hairstyle choices out there. Your stylist can't read your mind; so if you've got your heart set on an updo hair style, let him/her know! Otherwise you'll have no one to blame but yourself for a hair-do that you don't want.

· Pick WHERE You Take Your Business
If you're looking for an emo girl hair punk style, 80's hair style, homecoming hair style, or another contemporary/retro look, don't expect the stylist at an upscale salon that caters to blue-haired ladies who like an updo hair style to be able to help you.

One way to ensure that you're "in the right place at the right time" is to look through a salon's portfolio. An album with pictures of other punk hairstyles the salon created is the best way to see what they'll do for you.

How About A Little Color with that Cut?
Your quest for a new you through a new 'do may start with a different hairstyle -- a short hairstyle, long hair style, medium hairstyle, etc. -- but it doesn't have to end there. Color can be an exciting way to "jazz up" your hair. Choose between streaks and going "all the way"…try something that will wash out with your next shampoo, or go the permanent root with your roots.

With the help of the following 7-Step Strategy for Coloring Your Hair Successfully, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect professional to "Color You Beautiful":

#1 - Think Ahead
The first step on your journey to great hair color is deciding where you want to be at the end of that journey. Can you handle a high-maintenance style and color that will require constant upkeep? Would you prefer a wash-and-go style and color to match? Can you afford to come in to "touch up your roots" frequently or would you be better off with color-streaking which only requires an occasional touch-up? Do you have time to spend hours at the salon? Do you have the patience to go through time-consuming treatments when necessary? Answer all these questions yourself BEFORE you make your first appointment.

#2 - Call Ahead
Even if you've been going to a salon for while, it makes sense to call and ask brief questions about prices, available color treatments, and (if it's important to you for any reason) the brand of products used.

#3 - Book Ahead
Before you make an appointment to have your hair colored, book a separate color consultation first. (You'll need to pay for this -- a colorist's time is valuable).

#4 - Become an Expert
You'll be asking your colorist for "expert" advice on your hair, but in order to understand the advice you get, you need to do a little homework. The Internet is filled with articles on hair color and you can find everything you need to know to have a "working knowledge" of which colors are good for which skin tones, which products do what, etc.

#5 - Practice Makes Perfect
If you and your colorist don't achieve perfection the first time around, don't be upset…and don’t rush off to find another salon. It frequently takes several color treatments for a client and colorist to arrive at the ideal shade. If you're working with someone you trust, give him/her a chance to satisfy you.

#6 - Ask for Advice
Your colorist can tell you volumes about hair color. Ask questions about maintenance and keeping your hair looking healthy. Express concerns if you have them about going into the sun or helping your color stay bright. Be sure get recommendations on color-extending shampoos and other products.

#7 - Say "Thanks" In A Way They'll REALLY Appreciate
It goes without saying (doesn't it?) that you'll be expressing your thanks for a job well done with a standard tip (15-20% of your bill). But to really make a hit with your colorist and the salon he/she works in, send referrals…they're like money in the bank!

Six Simple Secrets for Salon Serenity
When you're satisfied that you've found the right salon and the right stylist, you still need to be on your toes. Here are six simple secrets that hair-savvy women everywhere rely on when they want to make sure that each visit to the salon is happy…not hair-raising.

Secret #1 - Don't Be Fickle
Getting a new hairstyle is a one-shot deal, but keeping and maintaining beautiful hair is an ongoing process. Instead of jumping from salon to salon, find a salon and hairstylist you like and stick with it!

If you build a relationship with a stylist, he/she will get to know your hair and your styling preferences, and be better and better able to keep you looking fabulous.

Secret #2 - Communication is a Two-Way Street
There's no more painful thing to hear in a hair salon than this statement: "But I thought this is what you wanted." To make absolutely, positively sure that your hairstylist understands the instructions you've given about length, color, style, etc., have him/her repeat those instructions back to you.

Secret #3 - Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say
Before you agree to a stylist's suggestion that you "take two inches off the bottom," you'd better know how long two inches is…otherwise you may think you're getting a trim and you'll end up with a buzz cut.

Before going to the salon, measure on your hand how long an inch is, 2 inches, 5 inches, etc.

Secret #4 - The Customer Is Always Right
Even women who are powerhouses in the boardroom can turn into wimps in the hair salon. A scared or submissive attitude won't get you the haircut you want…and neither will sitting in silence. If you don't like something that's being done to you -- speak up!

Hairstylists WANT to make their clients happy. But they're hairstylists, not mind-readers…so give them a hand and let them know your thoughts.

Secret #5 - A Tip Is Always Right, Too
If you're going to become a "regular" at a hair salon, you should tip your stylist 15-20% for a job well done. If he/she has been especially helpful or gone "beyond the call of duty" in styling your hair, it's not uncommon to give as much as 30% for the "special services."

Secret #6 - Reward a Team Effort
In some salons, you may have your hair-washed by an attendant at one station, have it cut by someone else, and be blown-dry by still a third "team member." Ask at the front desk how you can reward everyone for the services they provided. It may be that all tips are pooled (in which case you should give your tip to your stylist), or it may be appropriate for you to tip each person separately.

Will You Make The Cut
There's a big, wide wonderful world of hairstyles for you to try out there -- short hairstyles, long hair styles, medium hair styles, curly tops, flaxen locks -- and a rainbow of colors -- electric blue "buzz cuts" to ice-blonde Alice-in-Wonderland cuts.

So go exploring, just make sure you have an experienced "Salon Guide" to help you find your way. (Pith helmet optional…you don't want to mess up that beautiful new 'do!)