Get Out of the Haircut Rut

"I Haven't Cut My Hair Since College!"

The dilemma: It's possible that between graduating from college and starting a family, you have stepped into a salon perhaps a grand total of three times. And one of those visits was most likely for the "Rachel" haircut, and you never went back after realizing just how much upkeep that look required. If this sounds like you, remember that even Jennifer Aniston doesn't wear that hairstyle anymore.

Style solution: A great cut for this stage of your life is something Garrison calls "a new take on the shag." It has a combination of bangs and layers around the face and is good for women who love their long hair but need a smart update. "This has nice volume," he says, "and since it touches the shoulders, gives the illusion of length. It's the shorter side of long." The angles around the face bring out cheekbones and eyes. Bangs should be cut on an angle, since boxy bangs (which are cut straight across) are the "harder kind to grow out," Garrison says.

Styling essentials: Garrison adds a texturizer such as Wella Liquid Hair Hair Putty Texturizer, $14, or Suave Smoothing Glaze Gel, $2.29, to the ends to give it a bit of oomph.