Keep your hair looking great all year

Hair will always be an integral part of fashion. A great haircut is a tremendous way to… Hair will always be an integral part of fashion. A great haircut is a tremendous way to start defining a new look — a modish cut will tweak your style and sharpen your overall look.

Your hair should be something that you can create and change, and adding color is a great way to do this. Some color will instantly modify your look, and if it’s done right, it can look awesome.

Girls might want to try some tasteful highlights. If you’re a brunette, think about adding silky caramel or subtle, sophisticated chestnut. Blondes may consider splashes of platinum. Highlights should be blended and balanced, but not streaky.

Color is great for guys, too. An all-around color lift can give new life to a head of hair. This change should be subtle, not shrieked. For both sexes, the new color shouldn’t clash with skin tone.

Dyeing your hair at home is sure to save you money, but unless you are confident or experienced enough, you may want to seek the services of a professional. If you plan to dye your hair yourself, be sure to do research on the product you are using. You may even wish to read online reviews of your product, so as to ensure your overall satisfaction. Remember that cautiousness and a conservative approach are key: Don’t pick anything too drastic too soon.

Color is also a great way to fight the winter weather: As it gets colder outside, you can spice up your image with warm, lustrous color.

When choosing a haircut, you should think about how the cut will suit the rest of your style. Your cut should be something in which you are comfortable.

Also, take your facial features into account. The softer your features, the more options you’ll have with length. If you’re a guy, and your features are considerably fair, show them off with ultra-short hair.

Your hair should be your ultimate expression. For girls, short is sexy, and I wouldn’t suggest a style longer than your shoulders — it’s just old-fashioned. Lately, there has been an emphasis on layering.

Layering instantly adds depth and texture, and can even provide a desired look of complexity. Bangs have also been quite popular. Bangs should be kept a little longer, as to avoid any fussy curling from 1982. Bangs aren’t necessary, but can be a nice addition if they’re done correctly.

As for guys, longer hair will always set you apart, but some have trouble pulling it off because it requires more attention and greater detail. It’s great to see short, trendy, even impish looking haircuts on guys, maybe something like a crew cut or a trim with a longer front and a chiseled back — anything to drive the girls wild.

When washing your hair, it’s important to make sure, especially for girls, that you’re not doing any damage. If your hair seems dry or brittle, you might want to consider a less rigorous regimen by not washing it every day. Be sure to use a quality conditioner, which puts back what powerful, soapy shampoo takes away.

Finally, to keep your hair your greatest fashion accessory, change it often. Variety will keep things fresh and exciting, and will provide more opportunities to find your perfect hairdo.

E-mail Derek your hairiest experiences at dsf5@pitt.edu.