Cut, color, blow dry, pay $100, wait six weeks and repeat. Like so many other aspects of life, hair care has somehow fallen into the black hole of repetition and rigidity. Change is not always easy, and when it comes to what is nearest and dearest to your head, a trial run is simply not an option.

World renowned celebrity hairstylist and North Carolina native Oribe knows what it takes to get the look you want. He shared his thoughts on the topic during a visit to Samuel Cole Salon in Raleigh this past June.

First step: Evaluate your own style. You may not realize it, but your personal style, lifestyle choices and physical appearance all affect what you can — or are willing to — do with your hair.

“I don’t like to make so many rules. I think the first thing you need is a great hair dresser. Bring a picture (of the hairstyle) to your hairdresser, see if it would work and see how much maintenance it requires,” said Oribe, who counts Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Lopez as clients.

Maintenance should be a deciding factor, too. A short, trendy ’do may seem appealing at the salon, but consider that rainy Monday morning when you don’t want to think about getting out of bed much less spending an hour styling your hair. If short hair is what you are looking for, be realistic.

“Are you willing to wear more makeup; are you willing to wear earrings?” said Oribe of things to consider before going short. “It’s a big change. It’s not just cutting your hair off … You want to look put together; you want to look sexy, so you’re going to have to do a lot more to it.”

For those of you who want a new look but aren’t willing to lose your locks, you are in luck. According to Jack and Joelle Ray, owners of Samuel Cole Salon, long, thick hair is in this fall. The husband and wife duo accompanied Oribe at Giorgio Armani’s Couture Privé Show in Paris in June and returned with the latest in hairstyling trends.

“Big hair with texture is in this season,” they said. “Try a mix of textures and styles with lots of contrast to create the messy bed-head look.”

For a more sophisticated look, the Rays suggest a “tight, sleek ponytail” that is crimped and teased to create volume.

Color is always in style no matter the season, and this fall is no different. When looking for the right shade, let the changing seasons and your natural hair color guide your decision.
“Don’t stray too far from your natural hair color for a perfect, polished look,” said the Rays. “Coloring your hair three shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color is a good rule of thumb to follow.”

Your hair should also be an accessory piece. It should complement your physical appearance and most importantly, the shape of your face. As professional hairstylists with more than 25 years of combined experience, the Rays shared tips on what to accentuate — and avoid — with each shape.

Oval
An oval shape balances the facial features, allowing you to wear a variety of styles. For the most flattering look, however, avoid styles that “cover up the face such as heavy bangs.”

Rectangle
Those with a rectangular or oblong face should stick with short or medium length styles that provide fullness on the sides. Long hair will only make your face appear longer.

Round
Styles incorporating fullness and height at the crown of the head along with off-center parts work best for round faces. A chin-length cut accentuates the round shape, so stick with a length that falls below the chin.

Square
As for square faces, an “equally square hairline” should be avoided. A short or medium cut with a wave around the face is suggested. Anything linear — long hair, straight bangs, center parts — is not ideal.

Triangle
Short hair, shag styles, wedge shapes and center parts are good for those with triangular faces, while the opposite — chin length or longer with side parts or forward-swept layers — flatter heart-shaped faces most.

At the end of the day, or appointment at the hair salon, Oribe believes finding your desired style comes down to just one thing. No matter the shape, color or cut, “It’s all about feeling good about yourself. If it makes you feel good, go for it.”