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The Lob. The Pixie. Pink hair. Crimped hair. Trends come and go as quickly as a New York minute. But not before most of us wonder: Should I or shouldn’t I? How do you decipher the right from the wrong, the good from the bad, the flattering from the disastrous? Patrick Melville Salon colorist Alexandra Matiz makes her case for embracing trends without being a slave to them:

I love trends for the inspirational value they add to the beauty industry. It’s a call to continually reinvent yourself and stay on the cutting-edge of style. I encourage my clients to switch things up regularly — it doesn’t have to be anything crazy, just a small shift can be so uplifting.

Trends are just guidelines, not set in stone. You can — and should — interpret them and make them your own. But first you need to understand the difference between “trend” and “fashion.” A trend is the forecast of the fashion or beauty to come in six months or a year. This version is usually softer and more consumer-friendly. They key is to choose a trend that will suit your face shape, coloring, personality and lifestyle. This is where your stylist comes in. He or she can ensure that a trend is right for you, and makes you look your best. Hair is our greatest accessory. Without change you’ll get bored, so have fun with it!

Photo by Melisaki.

We’ve all been there. You ask your colorist for “sun-kissed blonde” and leave the salon looking like Platinum Barbie. How did it go so wrong?

Hair color is a powerful thing. When it’s good, it can brighten your face and put a spring in your step. When it’s bad, well, see above. Getting it just right is an art form. No matter how talented the colorist (and we know a few good ones), knowing how to communicate with yours can mean the difference between auburn and eggplant. Patrick Melville Salon & Spa Color Director Rick Wellman breaks down the color-language barrier so that you can achieve your perfect hue:

Open communication is key to a successful client–colorist relationship. Schedule a separate color consult to discuss your options, and speak up about what you do and don’t want out of your color.

Bring photos. They’re a great reference tool to ensure that you and your colorist are on the same page. Likewise, don't be afraid to bring in a photo of what you don’t want. Just be sure to limit it to 3-5 images so as to not overwhelm or confuse your colorist.

Be Realistic. Facial shape, skin tone, eye color, and hair texture all play an important role in selecting a flattering shade. When sifting through magazines for examples, make sure to choose celebrities who share your features.

Observe your jewelry preference. It’s an indicator of the most complimentary hair shades for you. If you’re drawn to silver, think cooler tones. If gold flatters your skin, most likely a warm hair color tone will as well.

Don’t freak out or cause a scene in the salon if your hair color doesn’t turn out how you wanted. This will only fluster your colorist and affect her focus. Correcting color is often a quick and simple task.

Fall is officially here, bringing with it a new set of skincare challenges. Cooler weather outdoors and drier air indoors can wreak havoc on your complexion, leaving it parched, red, and irritated. Now is the time to switch up your skincare regimen, and Patrick Melville Salon & Spa skin care specialist Paula Genna is the perfect expert to tell us how:

1. Undo sun damage. Our unique Microcurrent Facial banishes brown spots, evens skin tone, smoothes wrinkles, and detoxifies, giving skin a fresh start for a new season.

2. Swap your foaming cleanser for a creamier, gentler one that won’t strip skin of natural oils.

3. Exfoliate several times a week to help remove toxins and buff away dead, dry skin cells that can pile up and keep skin from absorbing moisturizer.

4. Keep skin hydrated by upgrading to a more emollient moisturizer. Consider adding a serum or face oil for extra comfort.

5. Oily and acneaic skin need moisture, too! Depriving them can cause the skin to overcompensate by producing even more oil.

6. Wear sunscreen year-round. The sun’s rays can still cause damage when it’s cold and cloudy. An SPF 15 or higher is your best defense against freckles, age spots, and skin cancer.

7. Rejuvenate skin with a professional peel. Our naturally exfoliating Pumpkin Peel Treatment brightens skin tone and boosts collagen and elastin production using powerful plant enzymes.

Fall is notorious for turning hair trends on their head—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. This season’s ladylike looks take cues from the past and give them a modern twist. Here, five of our favorites

In Living Color
“The season’s colors are much stronger, much bolder than seasons past,” says Patrick. Blonde, red, and brunette are all fair game, just be sure to request highlights to give your tresses more dimension.

Pony Up
The easiest styling trick in the book just got upgraded from lazy-day hair to updo-of-the-moment. But don’t just toss your hair in a scrunchy and go—work that pony! Try it high and sleek, low and soft, or curled and off to the side.

The Messy Bun
Lucky be a lady who doesn’t take herself too seriously. This low-maintenance updo will carry you from day to night, and only requires an elastic and handful of bobbi pins. The less perfect, the better.

Fringe Factor
A key cut for fall: “Heavy full-blown fringe with soft movement and interior layers throughout with texture on the ends,” says Patrick. The contrasting textures capture the feeling of the 60s and give hair movement.

Go Big or Go Home
In another nod to the 60s (and our endless obsession with Mad Men), the bouffant is back and better than ever. After you’ve teased and teased some more, try it half up or with a deep side part for a 2011 upgrade.

Photos courtesy of: perpetualbliss, oopspinion, {a glamorous little side project}, Hot chicks with big hair, (not responding)