What does she think about her post-Hermione chopped locks?  ”I’d never been allowed to cut my hair off, so I just seized the first opportunity. It wasn’t meant to be rebellious–it certainly wasn’t my Britney Spears moment.”

Money can’t buy you class but it can buy you a better weave.

BEFORE - Bad hair is sad hair

When did you develop your unique method of cutting hair? What made you realize this was revolutionary and would work in a salon?
When I was working in Israel, I had a lot of hair to work with. Israeli hair is often thick and coarse, and the basic method of hair cutting they teach in school always worked. When I came to America, I was introduced to a new hair type that was softer and thinner – it was challenging for me. I tried to find a way to give the same feel of a soft, layered haircut without taking too much thickness out. My background in architecture helped me figure out how to create a similar layered look without taking too much weight from the bottom. That’s how the upside down haircut was developed. When the head is flipped over and you pull hair from the back, it doesn’t reach the rest of the hair you are trimming so you don’t end up touching it. This angle ensures you won’t take off too much length, if any at all, but you can still create the same movement and shape.

After getting a wonderful wash, Valery starts the cut with me standing.

The upside down haircut continues in the chair.

What makes your method of cutting hair different from other salons and stylists?
Other stylists tend to adopt one haircut and use it on all of their clients no matter the texture or thickness of their hair. Many of them feel it’s safer to know one haircut and do it on everyone. But when I do my upside down haircut, I am able to individualize it based on the type of hair the client has. Most new clients I see complain about previous haircuts –  there are too many layers, it looks shredded in the back, too much length was taken off, etc. This often challenges me to create a soft, layered look without doing all of the things many women don’t like. Based on those common complaints, I developed that method. It’s also important to remember that a lot of layers don’t always create thickness. It’s best to just layer the crown and angle at the front.

Why is this method most effective in creating a cut that naturally frames the face?
It’s important to target the front area of the hair to create soft loose angles in the front. By flipping the hair upside down, I am able to cut it at an angle so it’s not a straight cut. The look stays soft because layers aren’t chopped into the hair, creating a harsh look.

Blow drying with a diffuser gave me the most beautiful waves I've ever seen.

I can't believe how amazing my hair looks.

Why do you layer from the crown rather than cutting straight across?
Layering the crown gives the illusion of a layered haircut. You get a lift from the crown while keeping the bottom thicker, making the bottom of the hair a great foundation. It allows you to create movement without affecting thickness and length.

Final styling touches

What advice can you give to our readers on taking good care of their hair at home in between cuts?
Condition, condition, condition! Hair masks are a must, especially if you want to grow your hair. Summer is a great time to grow your hair and take a longer break in between haircuts because you can skip frequent blow dries and style your hair in more of a natural, beachy look. Avoiding heat damage whether it’s from a blow dryer, curling iron or straightening iron is key. If you need a little added definition, it’s okay to visit the salon in between haircuts to let the stylist re-frame the front of your hair and trim your bangs without touching the rest.

Voila! I am a new woman thanks to Valery Joseph & his team.

I would recommend the Valery Joseph salon to anyone because every aspect of the experience there will make you feel absolutely fabulous. I am truly walking around New York City with the best haircut I’ve ever had. For more salon information and locations, visit valeryjoseph.com.

Photos by Christopher Hall Photography

BEFORE - Bad hair is sad hair

After getting a wonderful wash, Valery starts the cut with me standing.

The upside down haircut continues in the chair.

I can't believe how amazing my hair looks.

Final styling touches

2006 – Here’s a young Hayden in her long Heroes hair, and her millionth cheerleader uniform, (ahem, Bring it On 2: All or Nothing, I Love You Beth Cooper, and more).

2008 – Her hair took a slight trim as Beth Cooper, whom the awkward boy loves. The change was hardly noticeable.

2009 – And, she started hacking away. She raised the cut to shoulder grazing and layered it á la The Rachel.

2010 – A Rihanna bob? Seriously Hayden? Sure, she’s throwing off the whole teenage look, and boy, did she have to do something. Even Jennifer Aniston hated The Rachel. But she went a little severe for her facial structure.

2011 – Hayden SCRE4Med long pixie as attempts to escape death. SPOILER: Her hairstylist gets stabbed to death by his own shears.

How do you like Hayden’s hair best?

Bieber is not a little girl anymore! Though the teen star might be years from a mustache, his face is clearly losing baby fat in exchange for man-reminiscent cheekbones.

Look out, Selena Gomez. Bieber is used to getting what he wants. And with newfound testosterone pumping though his veins, Bieber’s likely to pounce on Gomez’s back like a lion dominating an antelope.

It doesn’t seem like a deal but the regular Ted Gibson haircut is $125 to $175. Also, they are offering single-color processing for $75 (originally $125 to $150), and blowouts are $40 (originally $95 to $110). Drop off your business card or fill out a registration form today from 10 a.m. to noon for a chance to win a free makeover worth $950.

184 Fifth Ave., nr. 23rd St., second fl. (212-633-6333); T (9?6).

LINKAGE: NY MAG