Shape of Things to Come

With every women's magazine insisting that it's a "new year" and a "new you," we suspect a change is gonna come. And, we bet it's on your head because changing a look and changing your hair go hand in hand. Before you run to your salon with a tear sheet in one hand, and cold cash in the other, take a minute. Think it over. If it's a cut, decide if the shape will flatter your face. If it's a color, weigh whether it's best for your skin tone.

We've asked Globe Salon Director Staci Linklater to help you with this crucial decision. But, according to her, it's really not that crucial. "One thing to remember is that it's just hair," she says. "It will always grow back or we can change the color." Once you've accepted that, Linklater says you'll have the mental freedom to do what you want. Not sure what you want? Here's a little guidance for you.

Pixie

Emma Watson's delicate features work well with the bold pixie cut.

Short of taking a razor to your head, it's probably the boldest hairdo ever created. Is it for you? While the oval-shaped face can do most any hairstyle, Linklater says the pixie was made for the diamond-shaped face. If you've got a pointed chin and narrow forehead, this could be your look for '11.

Bangs

Taylor Swift grabbed onto the bangs trend, but let it go in favor of her signature curls.

The Big Bang Theory hit salons in a big way in '10 and will likely hang around for a little while. But, they're not for everyone. This one looks best on long faces and round faces. Also, Linklater advises against the trend if you have a short forehead and/or if you have a cowlick in the bang area.

Shag

R&B singer Keri Hilson went with loads of layers to create her shag look.

Unless you have a particularly small face, you should be able to get away with this one. Otherwise, the volume that all the layers creates will overwhelm your face and you'll get lost in the cut. It's a classic look, but Linklater says people will gravitate more toward longer layers in '11.

Bob

We've never seen Anna Wintour in another hairstyle, which speaks to its timelessness.

The bob will never go out of style. Linklater says it's because it flatters most every face shape and there are so many variations, so many angles in which it can be interpreted. The bob of '11 would have to be the "Tron" look. The sharp edges make it a fun, new 'do for the new year.

HOT HUE

Red

Khloe Kardashian debuted her new red locks at the People's Choice Awards.

Linklater predicts a "Mad Men" red hair color will be the must-have shade of this year. Depending on your skin tone, you can interpret red a few different ways. For fair-skinned Kardashian, it's a fiery shade with subtle hints of bronze.