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.

It's official. Memorial Day has come and gone. Summer is here. This is the season when you want to feel free and breezy. It's probably not unusual for you to walk out the door with your hair still wet, letting it dry naturally. Why spend time blow drying or styling your hair? The humidity will either make it bushy or straight the moment you step outside. It is never more important than now to have the right haircut. Your face shape, hair texture, body shape and lifestyle are the factors that should determine the right haircut for you.

Look in the mirror to determine your face shape:

Square faces look best with layers, waves or curls that soften the angles of the face. Volume is best at the crown, with sleek sides. Side parts are most flattering for people with square faces.

Round faces benefit from hair that is worn in longer styles. It can be worn blunt or with long layers. Side parts create the illusion of a slimmer face shape. Bangs should always be wispy, never blunt.

Heart-shape faces look best with cuts that have more volume at the bottom than the top. Bangs are an easy solution to disguise a prominent forehead and to keep face shape balanced.

Long faces work best with haircuts that create width from the ear to the chin. The chin-length bob is perfect for people with long faces. This haircut will give the illusion of a shorter face.

Let your hair dry naturally to determine its texture. Your hair texture will help you decide on the right haircut. If your hair is fine and straight, do not attempt to wear it long or with styles that require extreme volume. If you have full, curly hair, avoid straight, sleek styles.

Your haircut should always complement your body type. Shorter, shapely women should never look overwhelmed with excessively big or long hair, which will make them look shorter and possibly wider. Don't hate me for saying this, but tall, thin women look good with hair of almost any length. No matter what your height or weight, I always advise that your hair style should be in proportion to your body shape. The right haircut can make you look younger and thinner.

Your lifestyle is key to your hair style. You must always take into consideration the amount of time you have to keep up your look. Pick the haircut that works with your lifestyle. Trying to have a hair style that you don't have the time to maintain is futile.

Summer is here. Kick back and relax. Pick a haircut that works for you and your hair. Your hair will look great all summer long.