NEW year, new you.

If this sentiment resonates with you, then it's time to think about a new haircut, especially for Chinese New Year. And those looking to spruce up their tresses will be looking rather more adventurous this year - if they want to stay on trend.

Hairstylists my paper spoke to say that hair trends this year are more edgy. Rebellious, even.

That means lopping off your locks because short - very short - hair is in.

For instance, styles like a futuristic bowl cut with a graphic fringe are gaining popularity, said Ms Janice Kok, art director at Toni & Guy Hairdressing at The Heeren.

Ms Doris Thum, Salon Director of Capello Loft Hair & Beauty Spa, said she is seeing a trend of short, pixie cuts with heavy, messy asymmetric bangs.

"People realise that this style is easy to manage. Besides, it can make one look so much fresher and younger," she noted.

Ms Kok said: "The cuts and colours (this year) are much stronger, with inspirations drawn from high fashion, music and street style."

Hairstyles this year are innovative and individualistic, reflecting people's willingness to take risks, she added.

This doesn't mean that longer lengths won't make the cut.

Those who had chosen to go with last year's trendy bob cut, for instance, may be growing it out. But one can do so with panache.

Now, one would sport a more tousled medium-length do, but with a strong fringe.

This style, whether worn straight or with curls, will be the "in thing" this year, said Mr Kuah Beng-Lee, a creative consultant with hair-product company KMS California.

And those with even longer hair can look at playing with colour and jazz up their hair with highlights. But instead of the usual brown, red or blonde tones, Ms Kok said, there is a move from classic colouring to more "adventurous, expressive and elaborate tones", like pastel hues.

The truly fashion-forward will favour bleached blond hair with striking pink highlights, she predicted.

"Vintage hues with futuristic undertones", such as rose golds mixed up with reds for lighter tones, and dark red-browns and violets for darker tones, will also be in vogue.

Accentuate the colours by asking your stylist to give you elaborate layering throughout the haircut.

If you're not into bold, bright shades, some classic colours will be a hit.

While last year was all about being a brunette, with a focus on mahogany brown or earthy colours, lighter shades such as copper with highlights are gaining ground, as the colours "could brighten and enhance a person's features", said Ms Thum.

Mr Kuah said: "This year's trend expresses vitality and individuality, compared to the more subdued tones of last year."

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To get the looks featured, consult a stylist at your preferred salon.

To get in touch with salons featured here, visit:

1) Toni & Guy Hairdressing (#03-03 The Heeren, tel: 6835-4556) or

2) Capello Loft Hair & Beauty Spa (#03-24 The Centrepoint, tel: 6838-0780).

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