I have worn my hair the same way for years. I have always been scared to try something new, but I really feel like I want to update my look. Can you suggest some hairstyles I can try?

It’s as if there’s no greater commitment than owning a new hairstyle. For many of us, going for a brand-new cut and color requires careful planning, many hours of research, an opinion poll among our most trusted friends, building a relationship with our hair stylist. It is ample preparation on a mental and emotional level.

This all might sound overly dramatic, but really, it’s “not just hair,” and, no, it won’t just “grow back.” We’ve all been traumatized by a terrible haircut at least once in our lives, and we would much rather not have it happen again.

Lucky for us, the latest hairstyle trends won’t have us cropping or erasing our photos five to 10 years from now. Hair has taken on a sleeker, more wash-and-wear approach, which works well for the commitment-phobic. Not necessarily less stylish, we discover that adding a fringe or layers around your face can make a huge, sexy difference.

I went to hair-stylist-to-the-stars Jing Monis of Jing Monis Salon to help us dissect the latest hair trends and give us tips on how to update our look.

The hairstyles to watch out for are the pixie cut, for ladies with short hair, and for mid-length to long hair, big waves is the go-to ’do.

Also, bangs, in general, are making a comeback. Apparently, fringes are so happening—short bangs are making a big wave, and so are curtain bangs.

If you haven’t already noticed, we have been seeing more retro-inspired trends that are fast becoming sought-after hairstyles.

According to Monis, expect to see more haircuts and color influenced by the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, like fresh revivals of Twiggy’s pixie cut, versions of the bob cut made famous by Vidal Sassoon, and the iconic sexy hair of the late Farrah Fawcett.

When it comes to color, it seems pastel hues in blue or purple are all the rage, but definitely not for the fainthearted. Celebrities like Katy Perry, Kelly Osbourne and Kate Bosworth bravely adopted the trend. This may look cool on them, but not necessarily on us.

Monis suggests an easy way to follow the trend is by resorting to color highlights instead of dyeing a full head of hair.

Also, ombre hair (hair that looks dip-dyed: darker roots and light ends) can work for you. This is an easier way to adopt the trend without having to bleach your hair.

Got a beauty question? E-mail the author at ask.kellymisa@gmail.com.