Okay, mamas. Meet Rhonda. She’s my friend and also my hair stylist. I met her years ago through another friend whose hair consistently looked so healthy and fabulous that it was starting to secretly tick me off. So instead of envying my friend’s good hair fortune, I finally asked her who was cutting her hair. One month later, I was sitting in Rhonda’s magic chair.

What I really like about Rhonda is that she isn’t one of those fakey-fake, syrupy sweet hair stylists who will tell you exactly what you want to hear, take your Mastercard and send you on your delusional way. If you ask for her professional opinion, she’ll give it to you. She’s never brutal, but she is honest.

I asked her to host this hair forum because she really knows hair but also because she’s funny, she tells a good story and she’s got two teenage daughters so she completely understands the complexities of hair drama. When your hair looks like crap, your mood often goes right along with it.

So, if you need hair wisdom or a product recommendation or a good laugh, you’ve clicked on the right spot.

E-mail Rhonda by clicking here.

Dear Rhonda,

My husband has worn the same haircut since the day we met in junior high!  I’d love to see him in in new style. He’s very active and is quite handsome, and I would love to see a hairstyle on him that fits his personality. Do you have any suggestions as to how I could introduce the idea of change to him without hurting his feelings? What are the new trends for men’s hair? Do men still color their hair? I’m at a complete loss. Please help me bring this man out of the early 80’s!

Dear “At a loss,”

Thank you for the question! Often a man’s hair needs get overlooked. Just like women, they like to look their best and they do worry about those gray hairs or the lack of hair. They might not admit it to you, but they do. Men most certainly do color and sometimes even highlight their hair.

As far as styles for men, it varies. For a man who is losing a good bit of hair on top, shorter is definitely better. It will actually make his hair look longer all over. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but it really works. The comb-over is definitely OUT, (was it ever really in?) and no good wife in her right mind can allow her guy to commit this hairstyle sin.

Men are too busy to worry with hairspray or spending time “fixing” their look. If your man is blessed with a lot of hair, a carefree style is the way to go. Talk to him and maybe show him pictures of longer or shorter styles, and tell him you think this particular style would accentuate his features even more. Men like to know they still “have it,” just like women do. If he thinks that you think this haircut would look sexy on him, he’ll want to try it. Trust me.

Remember, most men are creatures of habit. Women go in a thousand different directions a day, but men tend to put one foot in front of the other, and that’s it. So don’t make the hairstyle too complicated or he’ll hate it.

You may want to start slowly and, if shorter hair is what would look best on him, let him take his time and inch it up slowly. The biggest thing is to make sure he knows that you’re nuts about him no matter what his hair situation is. That kind of acceptance will make a much happier home for you both.

Rhonda Moulder, pictured right, is a mama to two beautiful daughters and is also a stylist in Bentonville at Estella Studio. E-mail her a hair question at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com or call for an appointment at 479-586-5100. Have a happy hair day.

Dear Rhonda,

I have heard that the older you get, the shorter your hair should be.  I have hit 42 this year and have hair that hangs to about the middle of my back.  I love this length because it is easy to pull up in a pony on those days when I just don’t have the energy to blow it out! Is it “time” to get it cut? I don’t want to go too short, but I also don’t want to look like I’m desperately clinging to my youth.

Dear 42,

When it comes to age and hair, there really is no hard and fast rule that applies to everybody. Sure, most older women tend to have shorter hair but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. The rule that does apply to everybody is this: “Thou shalt get a haircut that accentuates your FACE SHAPE!” If you ask me, nothing ages you faster than a hairstyle that does NOT work with the shape of your face. For example, someone with a long, thin face should not have hair that hangs vertically straight down beside her face because it will only make her face look that much longer.

If you have a square jawline, don’t pick a style that ends right at your chin because it will make your face seem even more square and wide. If you have an oval-shaped face (like Amanda Peet pictured on the right), count yourself lucky because you can wear almost any hairstyle.

So, the answer to your question is “Cut your hair IF AND ONLY IF it accentuates your face. But if longer hair works with the shape of your face and is also the best choice for your lifestyle and time constraints, then keep your hair longer. Just be sure to keep your hair shaped up and in good, healthy condition because long hair that’s dried out or has a ton of split ends won’t look good on anybody, regardless of face shape.

If you’re unsure about your face shape and whether or not your current length works best on you, ask your stylist about it and explore your options. But, rest assured, there’s no rule that says forty-somethings can’t have long, gorgeous hair. Enjoy it.

Rhonda Moulder, pictured right, is a mama to two beautiful daughters and is also a stylist in Bentonville at Estella Studio. E-mail her a hair question at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com or call for an appointment at 479-586-5100. Have a happy hair day.

Dear Rhonda,

My daughter went to the salon to have a few pieces of hair dyed to a blue-green color. It looked fine when we left the salon but, later that night, she took a shower and the color came out….and ran down her neck and back. What happened? Obviously, something wasn’t done correctly, right? Should I call and complain?

Dear Color Catastrophe,

Yes, definitely call the salon back and let your stylist know the color came out. Sometimes, these crazy colors will only stay in if the hair is bleached out first. Lighter blonde hair will accept the color much easier. I’ve found, however, that at times even lighter hair needs to be lightened with bleach before it will accept the new color. It’s really a game of chance most of the time, especially with lighter hair.

I would definitely contact your colorist and let her know what happened. I’m certain he or she will call your daughter back into the salon and lighten the hair first and then re-apply the blue green pigment your daughter wants.  In my experience, this pigment needs to stay in the hair for at least an hour. Best of luck to you! Let me know how things turn out!

Rhonda Moulder, pictured right, is a mama to two beautiful daughters and is also a stylist in Bentonville at Estella Studio. E-mail her a hair question at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com or call for an appointment at 479-586-5100. Have a happy hair day.