The clock reads midnight on New Year’s Eve, kisses are exchanged, glasses are clinked and people ask, “What’s your new year’s resolution?” The probability of the answer being to improve one’s health and happiness is high, and strictly following through on such a commitment consists of daily attention to overall health — both looking good and feeling good. The beautiful people living in San Diego continuously impress me. Southern Californians maintain a healthy look of effortless natural beauty combined with disciplined, conscious style decisions that enhance an idealized “Southern California” style. But the same sun and surf that make Californians so happy can be damaging to the hair, skin and wardrobe — and now is the perfect time to leave overgrown, sun-faded beach hair and summer-weathered skin in 2010 and find a new style to complement a new lifestyle or showcase holiday gifts.   Social, salon-savvy La Jollans who have shared their experiences on the Internet led me to Dearinger Salon, located at 6875 La Jolla Blvd. I was intrigued with the Dearinger philosophy of a contemporary wash-and-wear hair, and I immediately scheduled a consultation with salon manager and stylist Dan Ngyuen. As with any important purchase, a fashionista such as myself always discusses beauty needs with a professional hair stylist before a cut, color or purchase. Dearinger Salon is the crisp, clean, white building sitting on the corner of Nautilus Street and La Jolla Boulevard. The windowpaned front doors open to a zen-like white space with cement floors, matte silver chairs, ambient music, aromatic candles and a friendly receptionist donning a soft but edgy asymmetrical hairstyle. Ngyuen introduced me to contemporary precession hairstyles influenced by both current hair trends and timeless styling techniques from London, Los Angeles and New York City. From classic 1960s Jackie O bobs to 1990s long layers worn by the women of the hit TV show “Friends,” Ngyuen believes hair, much akin to fashion, marks history and provides a fresh start in improving any image. Current fashion, asymmetrical hair trends and the Californian lifestyle inspired my new year’s makeover. Ngyuen transformed my ordinary 2010 look into an extraordinary contemporary style designed to compliment my bone structure and a beautiful 18K black gold lacy dream pendant I found at Aja Fine Jewelry, located at 7884 Girard Ave. Bearing 2.14-carat brilliant diamonds artistically crafted by Michael John, the piece wasn’t a hard choice when seeking an accessory to compliment my new look. My precision haircut combines an old-school bob with the new-school concept of styling soft layers of shape, length and texture. This versatile hairstyle can look high-fashion and elegant when straightened with a flat iron, or the wispy, loose layers can look casual and low-maintenance with a rock-star edge when diffused to enhance my natural wavy texture. Ngyuen gave me a hairstyle I love, and that fits my fashionable, yet laid-back, image. My boyfriend, Matthew, joined me in getting a new look. Ngyuen worked with Matthew’s thick, curly hair texture, facial structure and personality to design a stylish cut that transformed his curly locks from “beachy” to professional. Keeping the hair long on the top of Matthew’s head gave his look a 1970s vibe, while the graduated short sides kept his style current.   Coloring your hair is another makeover option that will increase the impact of a preexisting style. Glidia Holland of the luxury Glidia Salon, located on 7760 Bay Ave., said shades of red are what her exclusive clients are asking for this year, as it is a classic style that has reemerged on the beauty scene. A fashionable local referred to Glidia Salon as being the “in” salon for the stylish Californian who expects more than an average hairstyle and salon experience. As a newcomer to Southern California beauty salon ins and outs, I suggest surfing the web to research hair trends, reading local salon reviews and asking a fashionable local where they get beautified. The secret to knowing where and who offers the best hair and beauty treatments can save you time and money and help you achieve your beauty goals for the New Year. — Holly Lauren Beedle has been designing for New York City luxury brands since her graduation from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, where she studied fashion and textile design. A new addition to the Southern California fashion scene, Beedle has worked for Isaac Mizrahi, Bettye Muller, Coach, Macy’s Inc. and New York & Company.