The Three Big Rules

There are just three things you should always remember:

1. Be sure it's shining
   Shine is the most noticeable quality that gives hair the perception of health, and it's important to use the right level of cleansing, the right level of protection, and the right level of after-style products to get it. When light reflection appears to be trapped in the hair, you don't see real detail, and you get the “Brillo pad” effect.
2. Smooth things out
   Nothing looks more “grandma” than frizzy gray hair. Generations before ours used to go gray, get a perm, and look like dandelions gone to seed. Even if you love a completely natural look, and have some curl or kink going on, you’ve got to really control the frizz. It looks dry, because it is, and it doesn’t reflect light at all.  This doesn't necessarily mean you have to wear your hair stick-straight. Even wavy or curly hair can have a smooth appearance, if it shows curl definition. Setting your hair with rollers, pin curls or a curling iron can help add definition by compressing the cuticle; you’ll get curl, not frizz. And there are lots of lotions and potions and pomades you can use to deeply moisturize your hair – frizz means it’s thirsty – close the cuticle, and make it water-tight. Find out what curly girls like best in the book.
3. Select the right products
   At this stage of the game, you know enough to use shampoos formulated for your hair type. You know if your hair is oily, normal or dry. But it certainly is the time to consider targeted treatment brands. Any surfactant, or surface active agent ionically charged to attract grime, will clean your hair. But only a good shampoo will treat, protect, and improve the quality of your hair.

Does that mean you can’t get good, quality brands in a drugstore or discount store? Absolutely not. There are good brands at all levels. The more expensive ones may offer different ingredients, and different technologies, and that’s what you’re paying for. But whether you shop at mass or class, the key thing to do is pay attention to targeted problem-solvers. Products designed specifically to offer the solution you need. See the next section.