2009 represents the year of change. In the realm of politics, 2009 will be welcomed with the election of the first African-American president. In the realm of economics, 2009 is a test of fire for the guts and acuity of businesspeople against the looming economic crisis. And in the realm of fashion, 2009 is the year for radical hairstyles! This trend towards the extremes is foreshadowed by the hairstyles worn by celebrities towards the end of 2008. But what, specifically, should women look out for and expect in 2009?

Radically long styles

Obviously, the radically short haircuts may not work for many women's face shapes. Thus, it would be prudent for those with long hair to keep or increase the lengths of their tresses. But how do you style your long hair without being accused of being fashionably left behind? Fortunately, there are long hairstyles that will also be the vogue in 2009. To remember these choices, the words to keep in mind are bohemian, undulating, and unforgiving. Admittedly, these seemed to be unflattering words to describe hairstyles. But in 2009, these words will take on new fashion meanings.

The bohemian long hair luxuriously flows free from the top of the head, scatters rebelliously around the shoulders, and ends subtly, merging with the beautiful feminine body. Most of the fashion icons, such as Donna Karan and Anna Sui, have worn bohemian long hair. And the perfect specimens of this hairstyle are that of Lindsay Lohan and Giselle Bundchen.

The undulating hairstyle exploits the sexy wavy curls of long hair. But it should also invoke images of the rising and falling of the ocean waves, creating a sensuous mermaid out of a woman. In this style, long hair should be parted at the side, with the waves sinuously framing the face. Think of Ashley Olsen, Kyra Sedgwick, and Katherine Heigl for inspiration for this look.

And the unforgiving hairstyle is embodied by straight and sleek long hair. It can be parted at the center or parted at the side. The straightness of the hair strands is unforgiving, but the stylish elegance is undeniable. Check out Shannon Doherty and see if her hairstyle will sit well on you.

Radically short haircuts

The few last months of 2008 featured celebrities sporting short haircuts, especially the bob. Conventional fashion wisdom cautions women to strike a balance between flamboyance and taste, and therefore, the chic bob haircut has always been influenced by the age-old belief that long hair is generally beautiful. This is why we find TV show host Lily Allen sporting a longer bob cut, where her hair hovers gently between her neck and shoulders. This is also why Sarah Michelle Gellar wears the bob in a "safe" length.

However, in 2009, hairstylists can no longer ignore the challenge of making the bob radically shorter! Radically short haircuts have challenged the conventional image of long beautiful hair and won. Three of the most popular bob hair styles are the fringed bob that is sported by supermodel Agyness Deyn, the pixie crop that is worn by Victoria Beckham and Natalie Portman, and the cropped bob of Katie Holmes. Some fashion critics were offended by Katie's new hairstyle, stating that it was a little bit boyish. But other critics saw audacity in the hairstyle. After all, only women whose femininity radiates can wear such short cuts with ease and beauty.

Radical hair color

After several decades of tolerating the idea of the "dumb blonde" and after several years of endorsing the mysteriousness of dark hair, 2009 has finally arrive to showcase the trendy radical color known as the peroxide blonde. Supermodel Kate Moss sported it and the world of fashion took notice. This shade of blonde bodes a technologically advanced future, faced by a daring attitude.

2009 will welcome change - including the world of hair styles!