How to get a cut above the rest

Jet, August 25, 2003

You're strolling down the street when you spot her--the diva with that hair. You know, perfect cut, flawless style, healthy sheen, flirty bounce. What folks back in the day would call "fried, dyed and laid to the side." Girlfriend looks good and she knows it.

Then you catch sight of your own tresses in a storefront window--a circa '82 hairdo you've worn so long, it came back into style! The message is as clear as your reflection: You are in desperate need of a hair overhaul.

Granted, a mane change can seem a bit scary, especially if you're afraid you'll end up with a hairstyle you hate. Fortunately, the following tips can take the trauma and drama out of choosing a new 'do, even make the trip exciting. So next time you take a stroll, you'll be the diva turning all the heads.

* Imitate. A simple way to find a good hairstylist is to look for friends, relatives or passers-by sporting nice styles, then ask for the names of their stylists. Ask nicely, and they just may tell you. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

* Replicate. Check magazines and hair books for fly styles, then take the photos of your top-picks to a stylist. Or grab a camera, snap close-ups of friends and family with cool cuts and take those to the beauty shop. Also, ask the stylist if she or he keeps a portfolio of signature styles on clients that you can browse through.

* Face facts. A super-short cut that looks sleek and sexy on an oval-shaped face can make a round face look enormous, so make sure the style you select flatters your face. Check out hairstyles on women with face shapes similar to yours, to get a good idea of how they'll look on you.

* Avoid scissor shock. It's very tempting to hack off your black, down-your-back hair for a platinum blonde buzz cut when you're hungry for a funky new look. But before you make a radical switch, remember it's best to change gradually, since you may be happier at an intermediate stage. Also, it's always good to visit the stylist for a consultation before your appointment, which gives you a chance to change your mind.

* Wig out. Wearing a wig is an excellent way to experiment with a new look without a long-term commitment. Find one in the style you like, or have your stylist custom-cut the wig for you. Remember, when you choose a wig, make sure it looks natural.

* Match your style with your life. Are you a wash-n-go girl or a high-maintenance honey? Decide, because if you hate spending prep time on your hair, a style that requires labor-intensive upkeep is definitely not for you. The caveat: Pick a hairstyle that works with your lifestyle. Otherwise, you won't live with it for long.