Have you ever wished you could find out if the hairstyle you’ve long
admired in a magazine will look good on you before you go to the hairstylist to "do the deed"

Or maybe you’ve thought about how great it would be to try out a radically different cut, but you’ve been too afraid to make the commitment—even though you’re well aware that hair grows back!

You’ve probably heard of virtual makeover software. Perhaps you’ve even bought one of these programs at the local computer store and installed it on your hard drive. If so, you know how awkward such programs can be—and how you just don’t look “quite right.”



Rather than investing in a software package that operates on outdated technology, consider visiting an online virtual hairstyle website, such as Stellure.com. By taking advantage of the most highly developed computer modeling technologies, you can enjoy the adventure of changing your hair, without any of the risk.

There are a number of virtual hairstyle websites on the Internet these days. Some are easier to use than others, most require a fee, but all follow the same basic format:

Option 1: You select a computer model with facial features similar to yours and apply different hairstyles to her.

Option 2: You ask a friend to take a digital picture of you, which you upload to the website. If you don’t have a digital camera, a standard camera will suffice. Simply have your friend snap a photo, and request digital files on a CD when you have your pictures developed. Once your photo is uploaded, you can preview how a variety of hairstyles will look on you.

One well-publicized virtual hairstyle site is thehairstyler.com, which offers a six-month membership for $14.95 and access to 2,000+ hairstyles in 53 different colors. You can use a computer model or your own photo. The site is relatively easy to use, but it has one major drawback: It offers only a two-dimensional view of how you’ll look (face forward).

Virtualhair.com is more complicated to use, as photo uploading is unavailable. Instead, you browse hairstyles on the site (only around 200 to choose from) and write down the numbers of the ones you would like to preview. You then mail an order form, along with a picture of yourself, and the company sends you a binder containing your chosen hairstyles superimposed on your pictures. Prices for binders range from $19.99 for 12 hairstyles to $43.99 for 48 hairstyles. The downside: Selection is definitely limited, and you won’t receive the instant gratification other virtual hairstyle websites offer.

By far, the best virtual hairstyle website on the net is Stellure.com. This is the only site in the world that allows you to try on hairstyles in three dimensions, with views from the front, profile (both sides) and back. (You can actually rotate the model 360°.) In addition, the model is three-dimensional—not merely a flat representation of your photo.

Most extraordinarily, once you upload a digital photo of yourself, Stellure.com creates a 3D model of your face. Within 48 hours of sending your photo, your model will be ready for action, and you can try out thousands of styles, with hundreds of new ones added during your subscription period. This option, known as the “Reflect Membership,” costs $34.95 for one year—and your membership doesn’t begin until your photo is uploaded.

Stellure.com offers a less expensive alternative. You can use the company’s “face shape wizard” to determine your facial structure and then select a model with features like yours to try on hairstyles. The price for this plan, known as “Figure Membership,” is only $19.95 for six months.

Before deciding on the plan that best suits your needs, check out the free trial at Stellure.com, where you can test-drive the site. Comparisons of the features available in the “Figure” and “Reflect” Memberships, with an easy-to-follow checklist of plan options, are available by clicking HERE.