new haircutting considerations

There are three essential points to consider before embarking on any change of hairstyle:

1. Be realistic. How much time do you really want to spend on your hair every day? Also, how much time have you realistically got? If you choose a style that requires time you are not happy to put in, you will never get the look you want.

2. Straight, curly, dark or blonde, wavy or wispy, make the most of what you have got. Hair always looks its best when it is in fabulous condition and has a fantastic cut.

3. Use your ammunition! Products are essential daily tools for achieving gloss, body and manageability on all hair types. Experiment a little and learn which products suit your hair best and how to use them.

The long and the Short of hair cutting

Long, romantic, tumbling tresses remain a classic look and a favourite with the opposite gender. To counter the hippie 'curtain' effect and make your hair seem less heavy, as well as keep locks in excellent condition, go for a layered cut. This will add shape around your face to give a defined and confident hairstyle. With well-shaped layers, hair will not fall too heavily across the face. But be warned: there's nothing worse than straggly, uncared-for, 'rat tail' hair snaking down your back, so don't bother growing it if you don't want to spend time brushing, washing, drying and styling your hair.

With its mix of modernity and femininity, short hairstyle can be extremely sexy. It is a great option for women who want a strong, feminine image, a personal signature, yet a low-maintenance hair style. Short, sassy, sexy hairstyles are on the increase - think Meg Ryan, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz. Casual or glamorous, layers help to define texture and volume, giving the hairstyle greater depth and making styling simple.

Going for the New chop hairstyles

Ultimately, whether you opt for a long or short hairstyle, determining your face shape, hair type and texture will help you to find the most flattering cut for you. Once you have this basic information to work with, you can then adapt catwalk styles or ideas from the pages of beauty magazines to create an individual look.

The key thing to remember when going for a new hairstyle is that the face shape should trigger off the hairstyle. In the same way as a beautiful frame enhances a picture, if you have got the right hairstyle for your face shape, then your whole face will look prettier and fresher, your eyes will stand out and your good features will be emphasized. Enjoy your hair's own unique style and, with the advice of your hairdresser select a style to enhance what you have already got. If you try to alter your natural hair too much, you may end up compromising on the condition of your hair and become a slave to a high-maintenance look in the process.