How to Change Your Hairstyle

Hairstyles convey both positive and negative messages about the attitude and lifestyle of the wearer. Whether the need for change stems from an outdated hairstyle or from the need to correct hair breakage, it can be difficult to let go of your present style. Changing your hairstyle involves determining your individual preferences and desired outcomes.

Instructions

1. Determine your reasons. Are you changing your hairstyle due to hair damage or hair growth? Are you changing your hairstyle due to professional or personal factors? Answer these types of questions to narrow down the viable list of hairstyles. For example, certain professions don’t allow for extreme hair colorings or extensions. Avoid making rash decisions based on impressing others or feeling depressed.

2. Define your desired level of change. Determine aspects of your current hairstyle that you’d like to keep such as bangs or length. Narrow down the list of possibilities to hairstyles that fit into your lifestyle and comfort zone. Don’t focus your attention on cute styles that you’d never wear. If you’re in the mood for a complete hairstyle overhaul, look beyond the mirror for inspiration. Magazines and movies are popular places to find hairstyle options.

3. Piece it together. Although you may not have a specific hairstyle in mind, create possibilities by making a list of options that fit into your style needs. Combine multiple elements into potential style packages. For example, feathered bangs combined with long extensions and highlights may be the complete style you’ve been searching for.

4. Get a second opinion. Ask a trusted friend for her views about your hairstyle decisions. Take her recommendations and criticisms into account before making the final cut. Styles seen on television actresses and movie stars don’t always translate into real life budgets and time constraints. Ask your significant other for his analysis of your choices to keep him involved in the process. Although hairstyles are personal decisions, it’s important to take his opinions into consideration.

5. Keep details to yourself. Refrain from discussing your desire to change your hairstyle in mixed company. Extra opinions about the changes you should make could cause you to become frustrated or lose your nerve altogether. Shock the world by making an unexpected change.

Tips & Warnings

• Hairstyle changes don’t have to be drastic. Subtle changes can update your entire look.

• Never choose a hairstyle that makes you feel uncomfortable. You have to live with the hairstyle decision that you make.

Resources

• Get hairstyle inspiration here.