A: Try playing around with different products that will give you different textures. Try a heavy hold gel to create a slicked sleek look. Try using a wax (such as VO5 Obey & Play) to achieve more separation and a funkier, messier ‘do. Use something with a dry texture like a light pomade to create light texture and fluffiness without the wet look that a gel or wax can give you (try VO5 Play it Again reworkable putty). Also try playing with accessories such as pins, clips, and head bands (which are really hot right now). When you go short you have a lot of options to have fun with the cut as it grows out.

Q: Like so many of my friends, I use my blow dryer and flat iron every day to tame my locks. I heard that it can cause serious problems for my hair. What should I be doing to protect my hair from damage?

A: Heat styling can create damage if you’re not protecting it with the right pre-styling products. You should be using a heat styling spray or cream prior to blow drying and then a spray or serum prior to flat ironing (you can use VO5 Miracle Mist for both). Avoid going overboard with the product to avoid a greasy look.

Q: Help me, please! My hair is oily, making it difficult to style and keep looking fresh. What can I do to give my mane a makeover and have it look healthy?

A: Start by using a shampoo and conditioner intended for your hair type. Go light with conditioner and only apply to your ends. Follow by styling with a volumizing spray (look for new VO5 Volume Blast) as opposed to a mousse or gel which can add extra conditioners. Another good product to invest in is a dry shampoo or a hair powder which you can throw in your purse and is easy to use during the day when your hair needs to be freshened up.

Q: When I hit the town at night, I like to look like glamorous and sexy. What kinds of hairstyles will help me feel great and rule my night out?

A: I almost always think that hair looks most sexy and very glamorous worn down for an evening out. Make sure that it is in good condition and has recently had a good cut. A good way of styling long hair for this is having a professional blow dry or setting it yourself in large Velcro or hot rollers (try styling with VO5 Whipped Volume mousse). For shorter styles play up your texture as much as possible (try Play it Again reworkable putty).

A: Finding a hair stylist who you can develop a relationship with and see you through your growing out process will be helpful during your transition. Keep it looking clean by having it shaped up once a month, especially around your ears and neckline. As it grows longer and works into a certain style or haircut you will discover that products such as a wax (try VO5 Obey & Play) or grooming cream will help give your style control and polish.

Q: This past summer I got great highlights which I love; they really bring out my face. I’ve already been for a touch-up, but am wondering what the best way is to keep my hair looking good in between visits to the salon.

A: Use color enhancing shampoo and conditioner. This will help your color to stay vibrant and fresh and also remove build up and mineral deposits that can cause your color to dull and fade.

Q: New hairstyles aren’t really my thing. Neither are expensive trips to the salon. Tell me, what can I do to give my style, well – some more style? How can I jazz it up without breaking my budget?

A: Start by investing in a good hair cut. A good cut, even if it's not a super trendy one, will last longer and make your trips to the salon more infrequent. Also try adding accessories to your style that can jazz up your look without changing your actual hairstyle or haircut.

Q: I’m a guy that likes to keep up with the latest trends, but don’t necessarily consider myself a metro-sexual. I’m not sure what the newest cuts are for men. Can you give me some suggestions on the latest in men’s hair styles?

A: I personally love the shaggier, more disheveled look in men’s hairstyling right now. This look can be worn short or longer. It has lots of texture and is easy to style for a guy who isn't exactly a high maintenance person when it comes to hair.