During the summer months, I find that many of my clients are looking for options on what to do with their hair. Living in Los Angeles, it can get quite hot; at times some of the ladies that pass through my chair become flustered with their hair and the heat.

Spring and summer are a great time for new things. I suggest a whole new shorter look, cutting off some length to get some air to your neck. I’m a great fan of the shag, be it long or really short. It frees up the weight of your hair and actually takes few years off you since it is such a sassy look. I just cut a woman of 60 who had hair to her shoulders, all one length. It was so much fresher and made her look a good 10 years younger.

Of course not everybody is ready for such a big change. I don’t suggest cutting your hair off on a whim, since often I find women regret spur-of-the-moment, radical changes —then spend the next year growing their hair back out. If you keep thinking about going for something shorter, though, then I think it is time to go for it. Tear out pictures from magazines and even look back through old pictures of yourself to see if there’s not something you’ve done before that can be done again, but with a more modern approach for today.

Don’t necessarily go completely retro, though: Haircuts of decades gone by tended to be more styled and “done.” Styles today are definitely more natural and allowed to be messier and piecey, more ropey if you wear your hair longer. And if your hair is between wavy and curly, please don’t brush it out when it’s dry; it just gets big and frizzy. Comb it out in the shower with conditioner and then let it dry naturally with perhaps some serum in it. Companies such as Phyto, John Frieda, and Sebastian all have clear serumlike products in their lines.

I always suggest leaving hair long enough to still be able to put it up. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take out some weight by adding some long layers. Great on straight hair for taking away the bulk at the bottom; and on wavy hair, layering a little heavier all around gives you the option of letting your hair dry naturally for a sexy, tousled feel.

Or discuss with your stylist about adding a little layering around your face only, maybe with some long bangs, then do a face frame of highlights. Just a few can go a long way in giving you a brighter look for the summer, and they look great when you pull your hair back, too.

Speaking of pulling hair back: Headbands are hot right now — thin for that Greek flare; or scarves, bandanas and wraps to hold hair back from the face, which gives you a bit of a rock ‘n’ roll to your look.

Matthew Shields was attending Fashion College in England when at 16 he realized that hair styling was the natural extension of his creativity. At 21 he moved to the United States and has found great success. Fifteen years ago, he was discovered by international stylist Sally Hershberger, who developed his eye and honed his talents. His career includes working on movies and with actors such as Meg Ryan, Jane Fonda, Greg Kinnear, Ellen DeGeneres, Lisa Rinna among others. Send your questions to Matthew@smartnow.com.