Fresh New Hair Ideas

Go for a bob. If you have fine, straight hair and you want a look that's low maintenance but really chic, ask your stylist for a chin-length cut. It'll add fullness to limp strands and can be worn sleek or tousled. Not willing to go that short? The collarbone-skimming "lob" (long bob) is a good alternative.

Create big, bouncy curls. Give your curling iron a rest and break out the hot rollers. Set hair for 20 minutes in large rollers, brush curls out until they are really full, and mist with a lightweight hairspray. A great hot roller set: Conair Jumbo Instant Heat Hair Setter.

Work an evening ponytail. This everyday style has gotten a glam makeover, with celebs sporting dressed-up versions on the red carpet. To get a look that can easily take you from the office to cocktails, keep your hair smooth on the sides and position the pony slightly higher than the center of your head (at about eyebrow level). Tame flyaways with a shine-enhancing hairspray like Pantene Ice Shine Hairspray Maximum Hold.

Get bangs. Snipping a set of fringe will instantly give you a fresh new look. The most versatile bangs are long and angled so they sweep across your forehead to one side. If you want something a bit more dramatic, ask your stylist for soft, piece-y bangs (they shouldn't be too thick or heavy) that start around eye level and taper downward by your ears.

Try a different texture. A fun no-scissors-required way to update your style is to go for the opposite of your hair's natural texture. So if you're a curly girl, apply a styling lotion like Fekkai Coiff Controle Ironless Straightening Balm, then blow-dry using a medium round brush to smooth out your hair. Run a flatiron over small sections for an extra-sleek look. If you're starting off with pin-straight strands, create soft waves by wrapping 2-inch sections of hair around a medium-barrel curling iron. Cup each curl in your palm until it cools to lock the shape in place, then finish with a mist of lightweight hairspray.