Q: I am a 35-year-old woman with a round face and long, wavy hair. My hairline is receding and I am also tired of the ponytail I wear daily. Can you suggest an everyday hairstyle for me?

A: Serena Liew, senior style director of the Toni & Guy Heeren salon, advises against tying your hair back in a ponytail constantly as this places excessive strain on the hairline and increases the chances of hair breakage and a receding hairline.

Instead, she suggests that you try a shorter, shoulder-length style that is easy to manage without having to gather your hair into a ponytail. A shorter cut will also help to show off the natural bounce and volume of your curls without weighing them down.

When you visit your hairstylist for a new cut, remember to raise your concerns about your hairline and also how much time you can devote to styling your hair every day.

With this information, a stylist will be able to recommend a new hairstyle that suits your face shape and lifestyle. Remember, there is no point in getting a great cut that requires a lot of maintenance if you don't have the time to gel and mousse your locks into submission every day.

If you are not up for a drastic change in length, getting bangs are an easy way to refresh your look. Consider a longer side-swept fringe to complement your round face.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times .