Deciding which hairstyle to take on is a difficult decision, since it can completely alter your appearance -- for better or worse. The main question we answer in these 2008 hairstyle tips for men is: Which men's hairstyles are popular now and which styles will make you look like you've been the victim of a hairdresser's bad day?

Fernando, from the Montreal-based salon Le Pascha, has the answers to these questions along with other 2008 hairstyle tips for men.

What are the most popular hair trends in 2008?

In 2008, the trends involve shapes that are either long or short, and they all have certain degrees of natural parts. Basically, the hair is parted wherever the hair most naturally splits, whether it’s in the middle of the head or on the side; nothing is forced, and then product is put in the hair to emphasize the look.

It’s really a reflection on the hairstyles of the 1940s and 1950s -- like the Humphrey Bogart period, the Al Capone look, the Superman/Clark Kent look…

Should a man change his hairstyle every season?

Why not? Clothes change, so does hair. Everything’s in sync. Don’t forget, though: Only go for hairstyles that suit your face and features. Just because the faux hawk is in style one season, it doesn’t mean a man with a long face should wear it.

Are there age limits for trendy hairstyles?

Age is pretty irrelevant -- it’s all about the person carrying the look. There are some older accountants and some lawyers who walk around looking pretty trendy, so age has nothing to do with it. Obviously, your grandfather shouldn’t have a faux hawk, but if a 50-year-old is in retail, and it fits his style, he might be able to pull it off.

What are some classic hairstyles for men that stick around every season?

There are many ways of defining a classic hairstyle, but today’s classic hairstyle is an overly textured look that makes you look like you just woke up (aka “bed head”). Spiky hair is out; those people are really living in the ‘90s. We’re way done with that.

What is the difference between low-maintenance hairstyles and high-maintenance hairstyles?

Low-maintenance hairstyles are the result of getting the proper haircut. Your hairdresser should be able to give you the proper haircut based on your face shape and your features -- whether you have a long face or wide occipital bones (the bones in the back of your head that stick out), and also based on your hair texture. With the proper haircut obviously comes the need for little maintenance.

Update your look with the help of these 2008 hairstyle tips for men.

The high-maintenance hairstyles are usually the ones that are not properly done, and are forced to look a certain way by applying too much product. So, a bad haircut is the result of putting too much product to achieve a look that you don’t have to begin with. You’re obviously seeing the wrong hairdresser if this happens.

What are the best hairstyles for balding men?

It’s not like people don’t know you don’t have anymore hair, so it’s obvious that you should shave it off. There’s nothing to hide; and that comb-over style is completely illegal. For those with receding hairlines, the balding part should be cut shorter than the rest of the hair because the shorter the front, the more masculine and aggressive it looks, and it helps with the receding in the front.

What are the best hairstyles for men with curly hair?

It all starts with the right haircut, and they should have the weight removed according to their face and features. This will help them look their best and feel more confident. For example, if they have long, curly hair, and the appropriate weight is removed based on their head shape, features, etc., and the appropriate amount of weight is left in certain parts of the haircut, it will allow them to have the style they’re looking for.

What are the biggest hairstyle mistakes men make?

The biggest mistake people make is choosing the wrong products. For example, water-based products, known as pomades, add moisture to your hair, so it’s a great product for people who have dry hair. Products that are matte (that don’t have much shine) are for people with normal hair. If you put shine on normal hair, you get a greasy look. You have to balance everything. So people with dry hair should be using a pomade to balance out their hair and make it look normal. And a guy with normal hair should be using a matte product.

Also avoid adding too much product. A product should be put on when the hair is dry -- never wet. You should always use the right shampoo for your hair and, of course, condition regularly. For example, if you have fine, limp hair, don’t use a moisturizing shampoo; it’ll make it flat and stuck to your head. Instead, use a shampoo for oily and limp hair.

Is it OK for men to dye their hair?

This is something that the metrosexual man is starting to do a lot. It’s a great time in the industry because men with gray hair are now camouflaging -- a technique that blends white or gray hair into their natural color. If a guy’s got black hair and he’s graying, he’s probably freaking out -- most women like it, but most men don’t. So, camouflaging blends the color with the gray and makes it look more natural.

Is it still fashionable for men to add highlights to their hair?

If you highlight your hair one shade lighter or one shade darker so that it’s not very obvious that you’ve done something different, it’s cool.

Fernando is the artistic director at Le Pascha Men’s Grooming Center in Montreal, Quebec.