Any hairstylist will usually say flat ironing your hair on a daily basis will eventually fry those lovely locks, but there's good news on the beauty front -- pin straight hair is on its way out for spring 2006.

Melinda Hooper, owner of Designer's Denn Salon and Spa, 212 W. Calder Way, said flat iron sales have begun to decrease significantly, while curl products have been this season's hot item, including an increase in curling iron and volume product purchases because "voluminous hair is back."

"Glamour, texture, waves and curl are the theme for hairstyling right now, just like we saw on the red carpet at the Oscars," Hooper said.

As far as hair length goes, Hooper said that long and short styles are in for the season, but looser cuts, a little bit longer with softer lines, are the styles that have been sweeping the runways.

But if you're going to throw away that CHI iron your parents just recently splurged on for you, what else is in for the season that you can make work for you?

"Classic updos are always in, as well as leaving hair down in loose curls," Jessica Scott, stylist and updo specialist at Designer's Denn, said. "Between classic and softer looks, nothing spiky or crazy."

Scott also said wefts -- temporary hair extensions that come in all different colors -- are another thing that many women are using when they are going for a more elegant, sophisticated look. These extensions can serve many purposes, such as adding some length for an updo or simply lengthening hair for a different look.

While many women may be worrying about their decisions to change their hairstyles and about what drastic measures they will go to in the name of beauty, men also have a few new styles for the season to think about.

Molly Daughenbaugh, hairstylist at For Men Only, 125 E. Beaver Ave., said that faux mohawks or "fauxhawks" are the latest craze in men's hairstyles, but that classic short cuts are also in for the spring.

"Since it's warmer, a lot of guys will get their hair cut shorter and highlight it lighter since it is getting closer to summer," she said.

But since almost all college guys literally roll out of bed in the morning, throw on a hat and can't seem to remember the last time they had a haircut, there's bad news for them this season.

"Hair isn't as shaggy; it's a cleaner look and not as long," Hooper said.

Daughenbaugh also reminds men to come back on an average of about every four weeks for a fresh cut.

Hair color is another thing to be kept in mind while trying to decide what look you are going to go for this spring.

Hooper said that while highlights have always been a staple when getting your hair done, this year, less chunky highlights that blend with your natural hair color are in.

But as always, fashion and hair go hand in hand.

"Just like makeup this season, which is more nude and translucent, color is more natural looking as well, and translucent shades can now go over your own color to highlight it," Hooper said.

And although Natalie Portman recently shaved her head for a movie role, Hooper said she does not think that craze will sweep either State College or the nation.

"I think everyone knew why she did it and that it was specifically for her character; I don't think anyone will be getting their head shaved here," Hooper said.