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As a stylist, I love a broad range of looks from the very classic to the extremely trendy. It’s especially fun to tailor a specific look to a client’s needs. As a working woman, though, I owe a ton of thanks to Meg Ryan. With the introduction of her signature tousled, piece-y hairstyle, she singlehandedly knocked 30 minutes off my morning routine. Now I can leave the house with my hair on the messy side and not feel at all embarrassed about it—it was intentional, sort of…Do you have a favorite hairstyle trend? Let me know, below.

A. Since your hair is a bit darker these days, I would stay away from an overly blonde, highlighted look. Highlights are great because they mute or camouflage gray while boosting shine and luster, but keeping them to within two or three shades of your base or all over color is usually best. I recommend keeping with the highlights you’re doing and adding an all over shine treatment—like Cellophanes or a clear demi-color. The older we get, the less light-reflecting our hair becomes so boosting shine lends hair a younger and fresher appearance. As for your cut, I’m not a fan of “rules” that suggest women of a certain age must have hair of a certain length. If your hair is kept in good condition (with regular trims to keep ends even and thick and shine to improve its look), you should wear it in whatever way makes you look and feel beautiful. If you are ready for a different style, a shoulder blade-skimming cut (or shorter) with long layers and bangs will enhance your facial features—a good thing at any age.

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