The Daring Crop

Alicia Moodley, art director

She wants:

"A cut that's versatile and can be styled each day without too much effort," says Moodley. She's a little nervous about her adventurous new look, but is excited about the change after 10 years of longer lengths.

Expert advice:

"I've gone for something contemporary, a little androgynous but very versatile," says Barney Martin, of Barney Martin Hairdressing in Sydney, and Pantene expert hairstylist. "At the moment, crops are about the contrast of short, sharp sides against a softer, fuller top section. As she has fine hair, I've gone shorter at the crown for extra body."

Her reaction:

"After a few days of experimenting and people's positive comments, I really like this cut. There's so much more volume and it's easy to style," reflects Moodley. Her new 'do has also opened up her wardrobe options: "I feel like I can now get away with big earrings and more feminine clothes - things I would never have worn with my old cut because they felt too girly."

Steal this style:

"If you have very fine hair, short is the way to go, as it will make you feel like you have more body," advises Martin, who adds that oval face shapes best suit this crop. If you have a square, round or heart-shaped face, opt for extra length around your jawline and neck to complement your features.

We recommend:

Body-building care and styling products such as Kérastase Bain Volumactive Volumising Shampoo, $34; Pantene Pro-V Style Body Builder Mousse, $6.99; and light hold with label.m Hairspray, $29.95.

A Blunt Fringe

Felicity Robinson, deputy editor

She wants:

A striking, full fringe. "However much I try to replicate the fringe effect, I'm not sure how it's going to look," says a nervous Robinson before getting snipped. "But I've had this hairstyle for a long time and I'm ready for something new." While excited about the change, she's apprehensive about the extra time needed to tend to her new style: "I'm quite a low-maintenance person, and I know I'm going to have to straighten it every morning."

Expert advice:

"I want to give her a strong, statement cut that still has a softness to it," reveals Robert Maiolo, of Maiolo Copeland salon in Sydney, and John Frieda Australia style consultant. Maiolo slightly curved Robinson's fringe at the edges to not only complement her slim face, but to fit into her lifestyle as well. "It's a versatile fringe that can be worn with her hair loose or pulled back into a ponytail," he adds.

Her reaction:

"I really like it, and while I suspected it was going to be relatively high maintenance, it takes only slightly longer than normal to style," says a pleasantly surprised Robinson. "It's quite a dramatic change for me. I've never really worried too much about my hair, but I think it's going to encourage me to be more adventurous in the future."

Steal this style:

Robinson's curved, full fringe will suit anyone with a long, square or heart-shaped face. Opt for a straight cut if you have an oval or round face. But be warned: fringes can be very high maintenance. Expect to straighten it every morning, plus you'll have to make regular trips to the salon.

"If it sits above the eyebrow, you'll probably need to come in every four weeks for a quick trim," says Maiolo, who adds that most salons offer this as a complimentary service between full cuts.

We recommend:

A weekly treatment to beat brassiness, like Redken Blonde Glam Pure Pearl, $27; a styling lotion with heat protection, such as John Frieda Sheer Blonde Root Lifting Spray, $16.99; Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hair Repair Moisture Enrich Shampoo and Conditioner, $6.79 each; and straightening irons for a smooth finish - try ghd IV Mini Styler, $279.

Luxurious Volume

Anna Saunders, features editor

She wants:

"I'd like to keep it about the same length, but because my hair is quite thin and can get limp very easily, I want more fullness," says Saunders, who hasn't changed her hairstyle in 10 years. Deterred by the trashy Paris Hilton connotations of hair extensions, she is understandably hesitant about experimenting with them. "I've always equated extensions with really long, straggly hair, so I was surprised that you can have them for volume, as well," she admits.

Expert advice:

"Her hair is sparse and fine, so I've added some extensions to thicken it up and to add a bit of length," explains Simon Bright, celebrity colourist and hair extension expert. "We've also used four different shades of brown, so it's going to appear even fuller when the light hits it." Bright attached $1600 worth of Great Lengths extensions to Saunders's hair to give it the desired fullness.

Her reaction:

"I'm pleasantly surprised with the result," says Saunders. "I'm particularly impressed with the colour - the mixture of shades has given my hair a bit more depth." However, she found her new extensions "hurt a bit when washing and blow-drying my hair".

Steal this style:

Extensions are ideal for not only adding volume and length, but for experimenting with colour without permanent risk. "After about two weeks, you'll need to head back to the salon for a complimentary wash, blow-dry and check-up," explains Bright. You'll then need to revisit every six weeks to move the extensions closer to your roots.

You'll need:

A gentle shampoo and conditioner, like Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner, $39.95 each; Great Lengths Vital-Care Lotion, $31, for detangling; and a soft-bristled brush, such as the Hairs & Graces Large Pad Brush, $16.95.