5 HAIRY QUESTIONS

It would be wonderful to think that there was no relationship between quality and price when it comes to hair salons. Unfortunately, it is not true. You can beat the high prices, though, by going for a good cut about twice a year and getting a less expensive hairdresser to shape the style in between. It is also worthwhile to find out from your 'expensive' hairdresser what the cost would be of going to her assistants, because they will have been taught to cut in the same way as she does.

You are entitled to give input on the style that you like. You are, after all, the person who must live with the style and get it looking good every morning. Go with a wish list and a picture of what you like, if you can find one. However, you should also be open to advice. The hairdresser may see that the style or colour won't suit your face or skin tone. When contemplating a big change, it is worthwhile saving up to go to a reputable salon.

Your hair texture and thickness determine what you can do with your hair. Here are some general pointers.

• Keep fine hair short and add texture and body with styling gel and wax.
• Curly hair, whether it's long or short, looks good when left wild and tousled. Achieve the look by combing through leave-in conditioner and oil, pinning the hair back and pulling out strands to frame your face.
• For frizzy curls, go for a cut with graduated layers.
• For thick hair, opt for layers that make it easier to handle. Add shine with serums and spray-on laminators. Short, messy pieces add volume and texture to thick hair, whether it is straight or curly.
• Straight hair looks good in anything sophisticated and sleek. Keep ends blunt-cut to add weight.
• Wavy hair can be coaxed into a sleeker look, using a paddle brush and drier, or a straightening iron.

Old: Strong-hold gel
New: Straightening balm
Why it works: More fluid and flexible than heavy-duty gel, straightening balm helps make hair smooth and shiny. It is great for straightening thick hair.
Try: L'Oreal Professional Tec Ni Art Volume Control, R99,95, or Clinique Hair Care Perfectly Straight straightening balm for fine/medium hair, R115.

Old: Gel
New: Foaming pomade
Why it works: It gives the glossiness of gel, the hold of mousse and the convenience of a liquid that spreads easily through hair. It's great for sleek, wet-look styles, without the flakiness of gel, or to add shine while you are finishing your hair.
Try: Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade, R95.

Old: Wax
New: Wax sticks
Why it works: It's more user-friendly. You can apply it directly to the hair or, if you need only a little, you can apply it to your fingertips and then to the hair. It's great for defining sections of a layered cut, taming frizziness in curly hair or smoothing down mid-length hair.
Try: Tigi Bedhead, R175, or US Rumble Boys Shark Attack Pomade Schtick, R117,33, available at Carlton Hair Salons. It may sound pricey, but it lasts for a long time.

Old: Serum drops
New: Serum spray
Why it works: With serum drops, it's easy to misjudge the amount and apply too much, making hair look lank. A lightweight serum spray distributes a fine mist over hair, so it doesn't get weighed down.
Try: Pantene Pro-V Strengthening Serum Spray, R49,95.

Old: Hairspray
New: Sculpting lotion
Why it works: This liquid gives hold and shine without stickiness. It is great for putting on damp hair after towel-drying to make it more manageable, or on dry hair for extra hold.
Try: Paul Mitchell Sculpting Lotion R88.

Stress can play a big part in hair loss. If stress means that you are not eating properly, your poor diet will affect your hair. It is important to eat lots of carbohydrates, especially at breakfast and lunch, to fuel the body and feed the hair. Iron and vitamin-B complex are also essential, because most menstruating women have reduced iron levels. Stress can also mean that nutrients aren't being absorbed properly. Crash diets, illness and certain drugs affect hair loss too. Remember, though, that losing up to 100 hairs a day is normal.