I will not have an impulsive cut or colour just because of new year blues
If you're planning a radical colour or style change, arrange to pop into the salon a couple of days before your appointment for a chat. 'Sometimes it takes a while to think things through after you've had your initial consultation and it's much better to be absolutely sure before taking the plunge,' advises Richard Ward of the Richard Ward Metrospa in Chelsea. By all means be open-minded and share ideas with your stylist but unless you are naturally spontaneous don't do anything radical on the spur of the moment.

I won't feel shy about taking along photos of hairstyles and colours I like
It's a bit of a cliché but I would still recommend taking a picture along to your appointment. Mistakes often happen if your stylist doesn't understand what you want. For example, your idea of a heavy fringe or a few highlights maybe very different to theirs. 'I really like it when clients bring in pictures so I know exactly what they want as they can sometimes find it hard to explain verbally,' comments Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck of Essensuals. However do allow for a bit of reinterpretation. 'It's not unreasonable to expect to look exactly like the picture you've selected, if you share the same hair texture as your fave celeb. If you don't, it's more of a tall order - it will however give a hairdresser a guide to work to,' says Bloww's Adee Phelan.

I will try and establish a relationship with a regular stylist rather than trying every salon in town once only
Establishing a rapport with your hairdresser will give him/her a greater insight into the real you and encourage them to be more adventurous if you're into fashion and new trends, or to stick to the classics if you're more conservative. The perfect style can't always be achieved in one appointment. A good cut or colour is an evolving process, particularly if you're growing your hair. Show commitment to your stylist and that elusive great cut will be more of a possibility.

I will give my hairdresser adequate time to do their best
Even if the appointment system is running absolutely perfectly, your visit will be much more relaxed and pleasurable if you leave plenty of time either side for consultations, choosing retail products, settling up and so on. There's nothing worse than sitting in a chair having what's supposed to be a really relaxing experience, when you're clock-watching. 'A quick trim during your lunch break is fine, but a restyle and a new colour can take far longer than an hour. Put your stylist under pressure and you may not end up with the desired result. Take a morning off or go in the evening or at weekends,' suggests TV favourite Lee Stafford.

I will try a salon product range
Salon professional products are a bit more expensive than the majority of designer haircare brands found on the high street but as a rule they contain a higher concentration of hair-friendly ingredients so last longer. Make sure your hairdresser makes it clear to you exactly what products they use on your hair and how to use them to their full potential. 'To make your colour last longer between appointments, use a colour-saving shampoo and conditioner. This way you will get much more for your money,' says British Colourist of the Year, Lisa Shepherd.

I will enjoy the experience
'Don't work or make phone calls while you have your haircut - it's important to sit still and straight. Don't feel obliged to talk away - your stylist is there to chat to if you fancy a gossip, but if you want to chill out, he/she will be happy to just get on with your hair. During the appointment make sure that your stylist stays with you. He/she should not be wandering off around the salon looking after other clients at the same time. Attention should be focused upon you. Ask as many questions as you like about styling and caring for your hair,' says award-winning hairdresser Anita Cox.

I will say if I'm unhappy with my hair
Bear in mind that if you really are unhappy there will always be something that can be done to correct the problem. You should talk to your hairdresser before you leave the salon, that way you'll know what your options are. With colour the cardinal rule is never try to correct the problem yourself! Being firm but reasonable should encourage the salon to do their best for you. But then if you've taken all your other hair resolutions to heart salon mistakes will, hopefully, never be an issue.