August is a rough month for hair. Even the people most careful with their hair often find that the summer's sun and elements has wreaked its havoc. Almost all hair is lighter than it should be, a bit drier, and definitely more brittle. Sometimes it tangles more, is more difficult to comb or brush out, and tends to dry frizzy or fly away. It's quite obvious that your hair is in an altered state, but many women enjoy the look of their end of summer hair. I find that many women will overuse self tanners, wear more makeup, or do whatever it takes to wear their summer hair color and style as long as possible. I always have the sinking feeling at this time of year that women are avoiding me because they don't want me to tell them to trim or tone down their hair. This never fails to amuse me. I always think of hair as a fashion and beauty accessory that you should always have fun with and enjoy. Your hair grows every day. It is ever changing. Your hair cut and color are for right now, not forever.

Now that we are approaching the beginning of September, it is time to rethink your hair. What looked golden, vibrant and sun kissed midsummer can look brassy, dried out and brittle by Labor Day. There are some simple steps you can take to make the summer/fall hair transition as graceful as possible.

STEP 1: I know most women want their hair long, especially in the summer, but it is probably time to get a trim. The ends of your hair are the most porous. Exposure to the sun and elements makes them dry and brittle. This makes a hair cut essential to restoring the condition of your hair.

STEP 2: Reduce the amount of coloring on your re-growth. The bright color you loved this summer probably will start to give you a washed out look by Labor Day. When you do color your hair you should make it a bit darker. If this is more than you can bear, at least touch up the root with a more subtle color. The color of the rest of your hair will look more appropriate once you have depth at the base or roots of your hair.