Awards show season is here. I enjoy watching the red carpet pre show more than the actual show itself. It's fun to see what's coming down the red carpet and what the trends are this year. Of course I pay close attention to the hair and makeup portion more than the clothes they are wearing. This season I'm seeing a couple obvious trends both in hair styling and in haircuts.

I noticed that coming down the runway were less updo types of hairstyles and more hair being left down, especially on longer lengths. I love the simplicity of it as well as the beautiful waves and curls that come with it. I'm willing to bet that this will carry right into prom and wedding season as this year's requested style. Here's the thing: it may look effortless from your living room, but I promise it's not D. I. Y. hair. A professional blowout and set takes some time; those retro waves are beautiful and take some skill to achieve.

We all got a little spoiled in December with warmer than normal temps, and January is sure to make up for that. Mother Nature isn't going to let us off easy this winter. The bitter cold temperature and dry winter air is here to stay for a while. It takes its toll quickly on us with heating costs, our mental state and our bodies. Our hair and skin can surely suffer during the winter months. It is important to take extra care when the temps drop.

It is obvious that there is a lack of moisture in the air right now. Your hair needs moisture to stay healthy and happy. I always tell people this, but during the winter it is even more important. There is absolutely no need to shampoo your hair every day. Your hair needs those natural oils that your body produces. I suggest wearing a shampoo cap at least every other day and letting your hair get the moisture it needs. To freshen up your style, you can use a dry shampoo if needed. Paul Mitchell Dry wash is a great, clear spray dry wash that I like to call a magic wand. It will remove excess oil and refresh your day old hairstyle.

I think that we have been pretty lucky this winter. But January is here and, like every year, it brings the cold and bitter temps with it. Whenever we have a season or weather change, we see a difference in our hair. This week alone I have had numerous complaints from clients that their hair is flat, dry and uncooperative. We have to take extra care of our hair and skin in the winter. Here are three steps to help keep your hair and your sanity through the winter.

1. Brush your hair. Yes, it can be this simple. The natural oil that your body produces is the best conditioner your hair can get. Brushing helps to spread these oils out. Brushing your hair also roughs up your scalp, helps to exfoliate and stimulate blood flow. Brush your hair at least once a day, before the shower and/or at night before bed (no matter hair length).

How many of you made a list of resolutions to ring in the New Year? I think that so many of us put too much pressure on ourselves, starting with the New Year's resolutions. Goals are great - I am a goal-oriented person. I have learned to set more attainable goals and to make small, baby steps towards a big goal. I ran a marathon last year, and I did it by running it a mile at a time and increasing my miles little by little over 22 weeks. Ringing in a new year is a great time to make some changes. There are a lot of things that you can do to make a big change, and those can all happen at the hair salon.

Have you thought about a new look for yourself? I think this is the perfect time for you to step out and try it. The great thing about hair is that if you don't like it, you can change it. Hair grows back and color can be changed. You can look like a brand new person in two hours or less. Think about something you have always wanted to try and just do it already. There are so many options for you and your hair. Some are simple and quick and others may take more time. Take time to look through pictures for inspiration and tell your hairdresser to book a few extra minutes at your next appointment for consultation.

Can you believe Christmas is here? I feel like the year just flew by. Soon we will be about to enter into yet another New Year: time to think about your plans, goals, resolutions, diets and more for the New Year. If you ask me, we set ourselves up for a big letdown each year, but I have something for you that I promise won't let you down this year! Have you considered a new hairdo? Why not? Take the time to treat yourself to a new hairstyle and possibly even color. After all, it is just hair, it'll grow back. I often tell my clients that hair color is just hair color: you are not marrying it, just dating it.

Start with just a new hairstyle. That means just styling your hair different without changing the actual cut you have. Need some help with ideas? Make an appointment for a shampoo and styling 101 course with your stylist. Is your hair curly? Start wearing it straight more often. Straight? Invest in some hot rollers or a great quality curling iron or curling rod and start rocking some curls! This is one of the easiest things you can do to spruce up your look.

I love this time of year, and there are definitely some great deals to be had all over town on almost everything. I want to bring to your attention one place you may have overlooked when it comes to holiday shopping. I am definitely in strong support of shopping local and supporting hard working businesses. Your hairdresser and the salon you go to is going to have some great deals to offer you through the end of the year.

This is the time of year when our salons have access to the great deals that our product companies offer and get to pass that savings onto you. Most of these deals come in fun gift packs this time of year, but they are a way for you to save on your favorite products and the ones you always use. These savings really only come once a year, so stock up while you can. This is also a time to try out some new products and also cross a few people off your list - seriously, who doesn't love hair products? A lot of these sets are under $20, so they are great for secret Santa, Yankee swap or other gift exchanges.

I am writing to you now from an airplane headed south to Florida for an extended vacation with my family. I don't know about you, but I don't feel like I got a summer at all. In fact, my vitamin D levels can prove that.

Traveling and packing up my family got me thinking about what we need or just think we need. Because airlines charge for luggage (and charge a lot, by the way), I packed myself and my husband in one suitcase for a 10-day vacation. (Of course hubby had far less space in the bag than I did, but oh well.) How does one pack only what one needs when traveling? We need hair products and such, but don't have the room for all of them. How do we plan for vacation hair?

Editor's Note: While Gina is moving in to her new salon we're running some of her older columns until she gets settled.

We may not want to admit it, but summer is winding down. Our kids are headed back to school and we have been busy preparing them by getting their supplies, new clothes and haircuts. Well, what about you? Is your hair feeling and looking a bit too "summer?" Those highlights we all had to have in May combined with lots of sun exposure through the summer have left you with a whole head of dry blonde hair and some pretty dark roots. What do you do now?

The lazy days of summer are upon us. We all have felt the humidity in the air lately. We have an extended amount of daylight right now and I believe you should spend it wisely, not in the bathroom trying to fix your hair. In fact, I hope you are reading this article outside right now. Maine summers are just too short to be fussing over your hair.

Humidity causes a challenge when it comes to styling hair. You can fight it, or you can stop trying so hard.

Have you noticed salon products on the shelf at the local grocery store and/or pharmacy? Most likely you have, and I am here to tell you why you shouldn't participate in purchasing those products.

Professional hair care products from any line such as Paul MItchell, Matrix, Crew, Sebastian and more are professional products only. This means that they are to only be sold in a hair salon by a licensed cosmetologist. No other businesses are licensed to carry or sell these professional products in their stores. This is called diversion and it is illegal. There are many, many lawsuits out there right now to fight this very thing. I know for a fact that Paul MItchell spends millions fighting this and I have personally noticed less and less Of Paul MItchell on shelves where it should not be.