You know I am always looking at people. It's my job. Checking them out from head to toe, watching for any new trend that has yet to surface. In fact, I must confess I often send my assistant, Lottie, out on the streets to photograph anyone that looks out of the ordinary. Most of the time she comes back with pictures of people with an interesting and unique sense of style.

Sometimes the pictures are scary, so I put them in my "Oh, no, you didn't!" file. Initially these pictures were never meant to be viewed by anyone else but me. I then realized we could all learn from these "Oh no!" pictures. Many people are guilty of these mistakes, but few are photographed. Here are some of the people in question, all anonymous, of course:

Woman #1

Her story: "I was in a hurry, so I jumped out of the shower and threw a clip in my hair."
My reaction: "Oh, no, you didn't!"

These plastic jaw clips were made to hold your hair while you are styling your hair, washing your face, or applying make-up. They were never meant to be worn out of your home. This is not a hair accessory.

TIP: Buy a hair elastic, made especially for hair, to hold your hair back. It just as easy to use and you won't look like you ran out of the house in your bathrobe.

Woman #2

Her story: "I told my colorist I wanted pale baby blond hair. I made her promise that I would not see any gold tones."

...Of course my reaction was "Oh, no!"

Highlights without the slightest shimmer of gold look like old fashioned frosted hair. Pale highlights on darker colors look like grey hair. Blond hair has pale gold tones that brighten your hair; grey hair has ash tones that make it look dull.

TIP: Next touch-up, wash the highlights off ten minutes earlier than usual. Your hair will start to look blond, not grey.

Woman #3

Her story: "I always wanted long hair so I bought some."
My reaction: "Oh no, it looks like you did!”

Extensions should be a believable length, appropriate texture and color for your hair. When extensions are too thick and long, too curly or straight, or an unbelievable color, you are not fooling anyone but yourself. They look fake! Extensions must be chosen carefully and with restraint.

TIP: Extensions should look like thin strains of hair before they are applied to your head. They will look much thicker when they are attached.

Make sure your hairdresser cuts and thins out the extensions after they are applied to your head. This will give your new hair a believable length and texture and keep it looking real.

Woman #4

Her story: "I always end up putting my hair in a scrunchie."
My reaction: "Oh, no! Not another scrunchie!"

I think scrunchies have had their day. I know they are gentle on the hair. I know they come in many fabrics. I also know that you look like you have an old sock in your hair when you are wearing one. They are great to sleep in, wear when you are paying bills or organizing your closet. Think of them like your oldest pair of sweat pants. They are only to be worn at home.

TIP: The simplest twist is just as easy to put in your hair and you won't look like you are stuck in the '80s.

I want to thank Lottie for taking the pictures for today's blog. I can't wait until she hits the street again.

We can all learn from others’ mistakes. I was just sitting here thinking about that Caesar haircut I used to wear. Thank God there where no cameras around!