Hair is an undisputed symbol of beauty. Fads aside, everyone agrees that pretty hair is hair that is healthy and well cared for. These two attributes can be achieved by following some basic rules regarding hygiene and treatment, knowing what kind of hair you haveand what products are best for it. Besides varying in length and color, hair breaks down into three categories: dry, oily and normal.

Dry hair lacks the necessary moisture and is fragile. It breaks easily and looks opaque. Its pH level is more acidic than usual and needs to be boosted. On the other hand, oily hair is too shiny because the glands in the scalp are too active. So this hair gets dirty fast. Normal hair is the kind with the fewest problems. It shines, is elastic and does not require so much care as the other two.�

The first step towards having good hair is to wash it. This should be done with warm water, massaging the scalp gently and without using too much shampoo. It is best to pour the shampoo into your hands and then apply it to the hair. Don't use rough motions, although it is necessary to wash every part of your head and rinse completely to wash away all the shampoo. Choose the right kind of shampoo for the kind of hair you have.�

Here, advice from a professional is useful. As for frequency, once every two days is enough. But if you must wash your hair every day, choose a mild shampoo.�

You can use conditioners after washing. This helps untangle the hair and restore its thickness if it has been damaged. This kind of product should be applied from the midway point of the strand down toward the tips.

Once the hair is clean, you must comb and dry it. Use the comb or brush carefully, avoiding pulling on it. Untangle it little by little. As for drying, there is nothing better than letting it dry naturally. Driers are useful but they damage hair so it is best to use them only occasionally. It is also a good idea to go to a hairdresser every two months for them to trim the tips of your hair. This will help keep it pretty.�

Hair that has been dyed or undergone a permanent deserve a special mention. Both techniques can be used to make hair pretty, but don't forget they also damage it. Masks, conditioners and special treatments are essential to offset this abuse. Today there are several kinds of hair coloring: permanent, which includes ammonia in the formula, semi-permanent, which lasts up to 20 washings, and temporary ones that use natural pigment and last about seven washings. Any hair dye should have nutritive qualities and it is best if they have filters to keep the color from fading because of the rays of the sun.�

One problem that worries lots of people is dandruff. It is caused by an alteration in the glands of the scalp and can stem from a shortage of vitamin B and betacarotenes, or from emotional problems like stress. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and use of special anti-dandruff treatments can help fight it.�

In fact, good nutrition has a direct effect on the looks of any kind of hair. Fiber, mono-unsaturated fats, legumes and vegetables are essential for having pretty hair.�