Signs Of Healthy Hair

In order to keep hair healthy, daily protection from the elements (which should include a sunscreen for your hair), gentle grooming (avoiding the kinds of combs, brushes, bands and clips that can tear into hair) and thorough cleaning are basic.

The most important precaution in cleaning is to dilute your shampoo, no matter how mild it is. Also critical: rinsing for at least two minutes. Irritating detergent stays deposited on the scalp, where it can promote flaking, and on the hair shaft, where it damages the cuticle.

Next step: conditioning, to seal the cuticle. Don't dilute conditioners, but do choose a light formula and rinse thoroughly.

Cutting for Shine

Straight, smooth surfaces reflect light best, but movement also enhances reflection, according to salon owner and hair designer Bruno Pittini. Maybe that's why many top stylists are singing the praises of the Veronica Lake-like swirls of long hair popular this season.

Pittini created the looks on pages 60-65. For fall, he favors shorter cuts evocative of a Beatle's mop top. The fluffiness at the crown adds bounce but falls smoothly. Tapered edges complement the way hair moves naturally, layered tiers show off contrast in shade.

Short, medium or long, cutting for style is one thing, but since all hair doesn't grow at the same time, bimonthly maintenance trims are a must to restore uniform edges and keep the surface smooth.