1 of 5

Write now Article Tools

So it's time to change your hair style. Maybe you've seen a celebrity hair style and it's sparked your imagination. Maybe you want to trade those long tresses in for a short hairdo. Whatever the reason, it's time for a hair cut and you want to make the best of it.

1. Scout Out the Lay of the Land. Get Pictures. If you've ever tried to bumble your way through a beauty appointment with a stylist, trying to explain the latest prom hair style or short hair cut, you know how silly you sound. You also know that what you come out with looks nothing like you imagined. Assemble some photos you see in magazines or online hairstyle galleries. Try to imagine them on you.

2. Assess Strengths. Make sure you understand the kind of hair you're working with. Just because your hair was thick and curly when you were young doesn't mean that it's naturally that way still. You need to know if your hair is fine or thick, sparse or dense, and curly or straight. You could pick out the best hair cut in the world, but if it's not right for your hair, it won't work.

3. Train. Get that Hair Fashion Knowledge score up where it should be. Learn about the techniques stylists are using today and which ones benefit your particular hair type. Learn about which hair styles require the most products or the fewest, and compare that to the lifestyle you lead.

4. Call for Backup. If you still need help after following those steps, consider visiting hairstyler.com or a site like that. It'll allow you to upload your photo and "try on" various haircuts. Then you can print it out, and bring it to your stylist.

Alright soldier, with these hints in mind, you should be ready to ship out, and come back looking fabulous.

Learn more about this author, Stephanie Dray.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Ways to get that perfect hair cut?
We want to hear your view. Write now!