Let’s be blunt
You’d think a shaggy, unstructured cut would last forever, since it has no precise lines that can lose their shape. But it’s actually the opposite, says Simone Scheunert of Studio 4, in Larkspur: “A good blunt cut allows the hair to hold its shape and grow out in a uniform way and should last for up to four months.” (Just ask Gwyneth Paltrow, who’s been sporting the look since last summer.) Scheunert is a whiz at classic styling—she’s been doing it for 33 years and still uses techniques that today’s trendmeisters never even learned—and her studio is refreshingly down-to-earth for those who hate all the pomp and circumstance of glam salons. Her standard rate is $70. 479 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, 415-927-1000, studio4hairsalon.com

The Everywoman’s stylist
A blunt cut won’t work if your hair is wavy or curly, but Garret Hamabata, a new stylist at Re:do Salon, knows a great way to modify your style without going back to a pure shaggy cut. He’s a genius at the in-between, which many women have but which can be difficult to style. “Curly hair needs a bit of texturizing, without resorting to the razor you use for a shag cut,” he says, “and it needs a round edge, rather than a straight line along the bottom.” $100 for women, $90 for men. 272 King St., S.F., 415-777-4247, redo-salon.com

The Botticelli of hair
It takes an artist to paint, even if the canvas is your hair—and Robert James, of Robert James Color, is an old master at age 38. He has perfected a technique called balayage (it means “to sweep” in French), involving painted-on highlights, rather than full highlights or foils, that can last six months. Gisele, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kelly Clarkson are all sporting this look right now. “You don’t have to deal with roots or retouching, and you can do a little or a lot, in whatever color combinations you want,” James says. You can also get partial and hairline treatments between full appointments for a fraction of the $160 cost. 1005 Bush St., S.F., 415-447-0773, robertjamescolor.com

Two-timing color
Get more mileage out of your can’t-skip hair color with a glaze, which will double the time between expensive, root-to-tip appointments. (If you usually get your hair colored every six weeks, extend it to every 12 weeks but go in for a glaze at the halfway mark.) Mia, a color specialist who favors glazes, works at one salon in East Bay and another one in San Francisco, so you can also save money on gas. “Glazes soften the color and add softness and shine to hair,” she says—and they cost only around $25. Color by mia: 6250 claremont ave., oakland; patrick richards salon: 3631 Sacramento St., S.F.; call 415-823-4877 to make an appointment at either salon; colorbymia.com

The ends justify the means
“I don’t know what you call it here, but in Brazil, we call it California highlights,” says Nelaine Borges, of Ringolevio, who specializes in ethnic hair. Around here, we call it highlighting the ends of your hair, instead of the whole shebang. This technique replicates the beachy look that Brazilian beauties are known for, and it never requires root touch-ups. Gina Pell, who’s no slouch in the beauty department—she founded style website Splendora—has been singing Borges’s praises for years. 2660 Gough St., S.F., 415-885-4040, ringoleviosalon.com

Sharp as nails
The corner nail salon may be cheap and con­venient, but if you’re clocking too many visits to fix chipping and peeling, you’re not saving money in the end. Bliss Spa’s 30-minute hot-cream manicure and 60-minute basic pedicure are a bit pricey—$25 for your hands, $55 for your feet—but every fashion fanatic in town will tell you that the polish lasts for weeks, even if you keep regular hours in a pool (usually a surefire way to ruin a perfect pedi). To save time, book appointments online. W Hotel, 181 3rd St., S.F., 415-281-0990, blissworld.com

It’s all in the details
No need to update your whole closet—the right accessory is the easiest way to give an old outfit a new look. Here, our top picks for summer from the best new and classic boutiques:

Edition Bianca white-quartz necklace, $198. Edition by Banana Republic, Westfield San Francisco Centre, 865 Market St., S.F., 415-896-9670, bananarepublic.com
Paul Smith men’s brown spotted socks, $35. Paul Smith, 50 Geary St., S.F., 415-352-3520, paulsmith.co.uk
Edition Yvette knotted tassel necklace in plated zinc, $54. Edition by Banana Republic, Westfield San Francisco Centre, 865 Market St., S.F., 415-896-9670, bananarepublic.com
Jeanine Payer Day bracelet in sterling silver with an inscription by 2009 inaugural poet Elizabeth Alexander, $440. Jeanine Payer, 762 Market St., S.F., 415-788-2417, jeaninepayer.com
Dekkori Caprice midrise boot shoe covers in vanilla leather, $126. dekkori.com
Benefit Badgal mascara in plum, $19. Benefit Cosmetics, 2117 Fillmore St., S.F., 415-567-0242, benefitcosmetics.com
Dolce Vita Agave sandals in gold leather, $95, and Jaylen slingbacks in brown leather, $145. Kismet Shoes, 564 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo, 415-454-2629, shopkismet.net