CHINESE New Year may be drawing to a close, but it's not too late to celebrate the new year with a new hairstyle.

New beginnings, after all, beg to be celebrated, and what better way to do it than with a new look?

And last year's styles still seem to be in, say hairstylists. The famous Katie Holmes bob, for example, is still hot - but with a twist.

It's about going even shorter than before.

"This season, the chin-length bob - shorter than last year's shoulder-length bob - is becoming increasingly popular," said Japanese stylist Shunji Matsuo, who launched the coffee-table book, Mane Man - The Life & Styles Of Shunji Matsuo, last year.

If you're daring, go even shorter and let your hair sit just between your cheek and your chin.

British Hairstylist of the Year 2007 Andrew Barton - who has styled the tresses of celebrities like Kylie Minogue and Kate Moss - agrees. He says that the Mary Quant-styled bob, popular in the 1960s, is enjoying a resurgence.

But, Matsuo is quick to add, long hair will always be in fashion too, "because men will always love it".

Hong Kong-based hair stylist Kim Robinson - who opened his flagship outlet, kimrobinson, in Ngee Ann City last year - said that whatever the length, go for "feminine, sexy and even a little dreamy" looks that can give a woman's hair "volume and softness".

Bangs, Barton added, are still fashionable as well. Wear them with long or short hair.

Stylists say women should go for something that is versatile, which can be pinned up if need be for an elegant look for an evening function.

But whatever the style, they stress that it's really just about making an effort with your tresses.

"After all, the hair you wear is like an outfit you wear all the time, 24 hours a day," Barton added.

Still, your crowning glory is more about making a personal statement than about slavishly following trends from a runway.

"It's about expressing yourself, being who you want to be and saying what you want with your hair," added Barton.

New York-based stylist to the stars Frederic Fekkai says on his website: "When I run my fingers through a woman's hair, I feel who she can be."

So be your very, very best. At least with your hair.

Still need tips? Look below for our stylists' advice.

Bang bang! BANGS ain’t going out of style anytime soon, says British Hairstylist of the Year Andrew Barton – take a tip from Taiwanese VJ Linda Liao (above). (PHOTO: INTERNET)	Pump up the volume VOLUME and softness are key to keeping this look feminine and sexy, says celebrity stylist Kim Robinson. It looks lived in and modern. (PHOTO: COURTESY OF KIM ROBINSON)

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