A: The stylists I spoke to all agree: The best approach is to get regular "mini" trims every six weeks. (Were you, like me, skeptical about this suggestion, thinking it might be motivated by greed? Stylist Cristophe of Beverly Hills says you shouldn't be charged for these kinds of trims.) You should have a goal: Are you aiming for an all-one-length bob? A shaggy, piecey look? Once you've settled on the goal, your stylist can give you shaping trims with that in mind. In general, keeping the back short while you grow out the layers at the crown can ease you into a longer style; don't cut the top or the sides until they're as long as the back, says stylist Mario Russo, at Salon Mario Russo in Boston.

Keep in mind: It will take about nine months to grow your hair to the length that allows you to cut it into a completely new style.