Hair Doctor to the Rescue: How to Solve Your Hair Dilemmas

Got frizz? Got flyaways? Got limp, lifeless, lackluster hair? We've all got our problems. Luckily beauty manufacturers (with the help of science) have found ways of making even our worst hair nightmares history. This guide is a starting point for everyone with a hair dilemma on their hands.

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Fight Frizz

Cleanse

Battle frizz by hydrating hair from the start. Moisturizing  and replenishing shampoo,  or generally anything creamy is a good bet. Clear shampoo should be your enemy!

Condition

Condition well, coating each and every hair strand with a product that contains some silicone polymer or natural oil. This helps seal in desperately needed moisture.

Prep

As soon as you get out of the shower, keep hands of your locks. Use a towel to squeeze out the water. Use a detangler  if needed, but only comb through with a wide tooth comb  -- not fingers or a brush.  Then coat damp hair with a silicon-based serum/cream (for curly hair) or a smoothing creme.  (for straight hair).

Primp

If possible, avoid styling appliances, such as hair dryers  and straightening irons.  However, if you must get use them opt for an ionic hair dryer with a diffuser  or a ceramic flat iron.  Also, when blow drying, don't brush while drying as this will cause breakage and moisture loss. If you straighten, make sure to wait until the hair is nearly dry before you start and when you do, keep the heat level fairly low as high heat on wet hair can cause major damage and excess frizz.

Finish

Once you have dried your hair or while it is air drying, apply a styling product if needed. Again, those rich in natural oils, silicone, or fatty acids will be the best options to infuse hair with moisture.

Ditch Dandruff

Cleanse

Use a medicated shampoo to wash every day. Concentrate on the scalp and not the ends since these shampoos usually dry out hair quite a bit.

Condition

A good conditioner is one that is suited to your hair type, whether it's dry on the ends or oily.

All the Rest

When it comes to styling, the sky is the limit since you have already treated your main problem with your cleansing routine. The only catch when it comes to the final touches is that you deal with any other dilemmas you might happen to have, such as dryness, frizz, or flatness. Refer to the other sections in this guide for more information on how to work with each issue. 

Boost the Blah

Cleanse

Choose shampoos that protect your color from fading, such as those labelled as "color-safe." 

Condition 

Apply a color-safe conditioner immediately after shampooing to lock in precious color. 

Prep and Primp

After cleansing, add a reflective shine booster with some silicone in it to may your color sparkle. 

Finish 

Be sure to take advantage of the great hair glazes  that are becoming so popular lately. These mild formulas help give your color the extra umph it needs to make it through until the next salon visit.  Clairol,  Feria,  and John Frieda  are all good brands to try.

Damage Detour

Cleanse

Organic shampoo  or gentle cream cleansers without sulfates are the least harsh on damaged hair. Also look for those that contain natural oils or but butters to add more moisture to the process.

Condition

Consider buying some jojoba or avocado oil to add to whichever conditioner you prefer. It will give it a moisture boost and provide more protection to the hair shaft.

Treat

Leave-in conditioners and weekly deep conditioning treatments are essential for keeping damaged hair in check.

Primp 

Try to minimize your use of styling appliances that subject the hair to unnecessary heat. Avoid styling appliances, such as hair dryers  and straightening irons.  However, if you must get use them opt for an ionic hair dryer with a diffuser  or a ceramic flat iron.  Also, when blow drying, don't brush while drying as this will cause breakage and moisture loss. If you straighten, make sure to wait until the hair is nearly dry before you start and when you do, keep the heat level fairly low as high heat on wet hair can cause major damage and excess frizz.

Wimpy, Limpy Locks No More

Cleanse

Volumizing shampoo  or shampoo for fine hair  is what you should use on a daily basis, however, once a week be sure to use a clarifying shampoo  to get rid of buildup. 

Condition 

Opt for a featherlight conditioner that won't weigh hair down and be sure to only condition the ends, not the roots of your hair. 

Prep

Root lifters are essential for giving limp hair the strength it needs to balance the weight of the hair. You might also try a light mousse with extra hold.

Primp 

Blow dry upside down and avoid using brushes  or combs  near the root area. A round brush  can be used to smooth and shape the ends. If you need a little extra umph towards the end of the styling process, don't be afraid to use some more root lifter on the roots as the hair dries.

Finish 

Aside from products, there are a few other important things to remember. Don't let hair grow out too long. The more hair you have, the flatter it will become. Also, try fringed ends rather than blunt cuts. The variation in length will create volume.