Healthy Beauty

Surviving a Bad Hair Day

Sure, there are worse things in life, but let's face it, having a bad hair day can make you downright cranky. Whether you've got the frizzies, fine hair, dry hair, or just haven't had a chance to wash your hair, when your crowning glory is misbehavin' it can ruin even the best of times.

But before you reach for that baseball cap -- or worse yet those sewing shears -- there's something you should know: You can turn bad hair days into, well, stylishly acceptable days, with far less effort that you think.

Where do you start? According to Beverly Hills hairdresser Nick Chavez, it all begins with a great haircut.

"Get the very best haircut you can afford, because in the end, it's the cut that determines how easy your hair will be to style. And a good one can go a long way in helping you avoid a bad hair day," says Chavez, whose line of Perfect Plus hair care products are sold in his salon and on QVC.

When the cut is good, says Chavez, hair naturally behaves better under all circumstances and is more likely to do what you want it to.

To keep it cooperating you should have maintenance cuts every six to eight weeks. "Maintaining a good cut is key, particularly when hair is layered. If it gets too long, your style will be weighted down so you won't get that bounce and body you had when the cut was new," says Chavez.

In between cuts use a shampoo best suited for your hair type and scalp condition.

"If your hair is fine and limp go for a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. The new technologies can really build body into your hair and make a huge difference when it comes to styling," he says. Other products, including his own "hair flocker," actually thicken hair on the spot, making it look fuller so it needs less styling effort.

If hair is damaged, look for the best salon-quality shampoo and conditioner you can afford. And be sure your hair care also includes a leave-in conditioner.

Chavez says coating hair with a leave-in conditioner takes protection and manageability to a whole new level.

"It coats the hair which helps seal in the moisture you replenished with your shampoo and conditioner, but it also seals out further effects of damaging elements, such as the sun or even air pollution," he says.

Also remember that if hair is "normal" - not damaged and not dry - you don't need to use conditioner after each and every shampoo, says West Hollywood stylist Jean-Paul Jouve.

Tips for Problem Hair

If you're like most women, it's not so much the condition of your hair as it is those frustrating styling annoyances that turn a good hair day bad.