If you suddenly feel that the condition of your hair has changed, you need to ask yourself a few questions.

I remember having tips put on for my junior prom. They were glued on and buffed. There was no overlay of acrylic or anything besides polish. The result was a funky, indented look.

Layers can be adjusted to look more modernized and fresh. A new color blocking technique may give you the subtle change you desire.

Asking your stylist about new and innovative methods might help spark a bit of creativity and you could easily be on your way to that new cool look.

Never be afraid to ask "What's new?" You'll be happy you did.

I am reticent to say that I became a victim of my own carelessness just this past week.

It was a wonderful week of relaxing by a beautiful lake in the Sierra Foothills with my children and good friend. We had so much fun doing all of the water activities we could dream up.

I became lax about sunscreen application on my face. After all, it's August. I have spent quite a bit of time in the sun already. Burning should not be a problem.

Well, my lips will disagree to that statement quite strongly. My Northern European heritage will never allow me to be so careless. My lips got quite burned and even blistered.

Please follow my advice and not my example in this case. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Remember: this is the only skin you get!!

Stopping at every mirror you pass. Obsessing over every potential flaw. Never leaving the house without your hair and make up to perfection. These are situations when the individual may want to consider why they must be perfect.

Beauty is not about perfection. It is simply about confidence. How do you feel when you go on a job interview, or meet a new client? Having your features and natural beauty enhanced by the right shade of lipstick or a great haircut should be the intended goal. When the effort outweighs the benefit or end result, it might be time to reevaluate.

It is always important to remember that what you may see as a flaw in the mirror might be considered character by someone else. Don't be so hard on yourself, and feel free to feel pretty!

I hear it all from my pubescent girl clients, to the mother of pubescent girl clients, to the dinner table at my house. My twelve year old daughter wants to know why she can't have highlights or something equally cool done to her hair. Here is my personal as well as professional position on the matter:

Over the past few decades or so, professional hair color has changed drastically and dramatically. For that matter, so has retail. I love color. I love painting my bathroom a very intense red (which my husband hates). I love changing the color of my own locks when the mood strikes. What I really love is hair color. As a stylist is so fun, as well as rewarding. Each client is my muse. The best part is that I get to recreate in 6 to 8 weeks. That's more fun than Michelangelo had with his very permanent frescoes.

Back in the 80's bangs were quite popular. Pretty scary ones at that. We had the big pouff which then turned in to the "Something About Mary Look" of mall bangs. Mercifully; someone, somewhere decided to wake us up to the ridiculousness of said bangs.

I have written a lot about the benefits of semi permanent color in these situations and I remain steadfast.

Using semi permanent color can be quite beautiful. It tends to look very shiny and rich. It eventually fades out rather than growing out so you do not see a line of demarcation when your hair grows. If you have previously lightened, or if your hair is very porous there is a chance that the color will remain longer, or even permanently.