What’s the first thing people notice when you meet them for the first time? Psychologists tell us that second to the eyes, it’s hair.

They also tell us hair not only provides an everlasting impression, but also elevates our self-confidence. We all need confidence to succeed and to feel good. We spend a lot time and money choosing the “right” pair of glasses or the “right” shoes to match the pants. Yet for most of us, when it comes to hair, it’s a penance. A bad hair day can almost be an everyday occurrence.

Color and form of hair are the only two aspects of its appearance which can be appreciated; this simplicity is the result of an amazingly complex process involving the very construction of the hair itself. Professional image consultants ––who provide advice to actors, models, news anchors, politicians, and executives––stress a good hairstyle frames the face and brings out the best in people.

Most of us have seen those before-and-after makeovers in popular media. These show how an average look can be transformed into a striking image with some basic touches to the hair through color and form. So what are the fundamentals of hair care?

Here’s some basic information:

• Get the right haircut. What looks good on someone else may not look good on you. A good hairstyle matches the shape and size of the face. There are five basic facial shapes: oval, triangular, square, round, and long. Ask your stylist for advice on what will look good on you. A good stylist will always spend time to discuss your look with you; be open and communicate your needs.
  
  
• Get the right color. Color can totally transform a person’s look, but it has to be done right. There are two color groups everyone falls into: warm or cool. An experienced stylist can tell you your group and let you know which color best suits your skin tone, personality, and life style. Chemical treatments for color are either permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary. As the name indicates, permanent color isn’t removed by shampoo, and its action lasts until the hair roots grow again. As for semi-permanent coloring, this gradually fades away with each shampoo. Finally, temporary coloring provides a slight modification of the natural color and adds highlights until the next shampoo. The richness in color of chemically treated hair is affected by the pH balance of the water and the shampoo and also by UV light.
  
  
• Keep your hair clean to maintain its health. There are four types of hair: dry, normal, oily, and chemically treated. Use the right shampoo for your hair type and chemical treatment. Manufacturers of color treatments carefully match shampoos and conditioners for longer lasting rich color. Therefore, it’s important not to mix brands. You can also buy shampoos specifically formulated for baby-fine or extra-thick hair. Seek advice on which shampoo best meets your needs.
  
  
• Condition your hair. Dry hair can look like straw. Conditioners work by trapping moisture in the hair shaft, leaving it soft and shiny. There are only two types of conditioners: moisturizing/softening and deep reconstructing. Hair that’s been colored or seriously damaged is normally treated with reconstructing conditioners.
  
  
• Texturize your hair. This may be a new concept to some, but it’s simply “shaping” your hair using gels, sprays, and chemical treatments. These products allow you to shape your hair for a different look within minutes. They also give your hair volume, texture, and shine for a fresh look throughout the day. Advances in chemical and thermal treatments now provide even more latitude to texture your hair; you can have permanent curls or permanently straight hair until you get new growth at the roots.

Your hair is one of your most visible assets—use it to look good, feel great, and create a positive first impression. TPW