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Planning ahead means never having to endure a haircut that’s past its prime. Tired of begging your stylist to squeeze you in before a big night? Or just plain sick of the same old, same old? Take time to look at the broader picture–and have a notebook (and large plastic bag) handy.

1) Create a hair schedule

–Grab a calendar and mark down all the events this year (birthdays, weddings, work meetings) for which you want to look good. Book appointments through the next six months. Repeat in June.

–For the year’s first appointment, book the last slot in the day. It’s easier to talk long-term plans if there’s no client after you.

–Remember: A good cut lasts up to six weeks for short to medium-length hair, up to eight weeks for longer locks. For color, figure every five weeks to three months. If hair is longer than four inches and you get it chemically relaxed, space out appointments by at least six weeks; short styles can handle more treatments–every four weeks.

–If you make a major change in length, style or color, give yourself at least a week between the appointment and a big event so you can learn how to care for your new hair. Getting the usual? Then 48 hours will do. For extra-special occasions, bring in photos of the outfit (front and back) and the accessories you might wear.

2) Make a hair wish book

–Paste photos of cuts you like–from Britney’s to Halle’s to Katie’s, even cuts you think are “so not me”–into a notebook to show your stylist. Add one more picture…of you on a day when you think your hair looked good.

3) Evaluate your current style–and stylist

Next, decide how you want your hair to look 365 days from now. Ready to go from Katie Holmes-dark to Jessica Simpson-blond? That may take more treatments than usual (book them now). Even if you’re not planning a huge makeover, reevaluate your stylist.

–If yours greets you with “Let’s get you shampooed,” chances are you’re in a rut. Every visit, you should be having a pre-haircut chat.