Elle’s 2009 Top Picks

When ELLE asks stylists for their must-haves, these top 10 products always make the list.

1. L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin StrongHold Hairspray
2. Kérastase Sérum Nutri-Sculpt
3. Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
4. Supermo Magic Move Pomade
5. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray
6. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original Formula Hair Serum
7. René Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo
8. Kiehl’s Creme With Silk Groom
9. Parlux Superturbo 3200 Compact Hair Dryer
10. Hot Tools Curling Iron

How to Banish Bad Hair Days in 2010

Having a good hair day could mean spending money on salon appointments and several products to look as good as one does when he or she leaves the salon.

But dermatologists say having healthy, beautiful hair does not have to break the bank.
Bad hair days are often caused by damaged hair. When the hair cuticle, or the hard outer surface of the strand, is damaged, the inner fibers of the strand are exposed, resulting in frizzy, flyaway or lackluster hair.

Any care routine or products used should be gentle enough to maintain the structure of the hair fiber and cuticle.

• Brush up on one’s hairbrush.

Plastic brushes with wide-spaced needles work the best and do not cost as much as boar-bristle brushes, which put a lot of friction on the hair by going against its natural grain.

“Boar bristle brushes can cause a considerable amount of damage,” Mirmirani said.

Bring the color treatment home.

Hair color found on store shelves is basically the same product used in the salons, meaning one can save considerable money enlisting the help of a friend for quick touch-ups.