Bangalore: The way you wear your hair may well define you as a person.

Nothing else can so dramatically change your image as a change of hairstyle, or hair colour.

"Many come to me complaining of `bad hair days.'

With a little care your hair can look its best any day, unless you are seriously ill," says beautician Supriya Hegde.

Illness and poor nutrition can tell on both hair and skin, and then medical help may become necessary.

The type, texture and colour of your hair and how long it can grow, if left untrimmed, is most often genetically determined.

If your father went bald in his 30s or your mother was mostly grey by 40, you may be predisposed to that too.

The good news is that advancements in nutrition and hair care now make it possible to overcome such genetic factors.

"Over-processing the hair can damage it badly. Even blow-drying wet hair or using irons to straighten wavy hair can cause damages over the years," she cautions.

But fashion demands it and many sacrifice long-term benefits, she says.

The effects of over-processing hair get aggravated as one ages because the sebum (oily secretion) produced by the scalp declines with age and the natural shine and bounce begin to disappear. These happen faster if you regularly blow dry your hair.

In our climate and for the type of hair most Indian women have, a hot oil massage at least twice a week helps, she says. Heat oil and water together and have it rubbed into the scalp and on hair, leave it for 10 minutes and then wash.

"Shampoos need not be avoided, especially in cities where a lot of dust and grime stick to hair. Shampoos minus detergents and those made with natural ingredients are better. There are special ones for coloured hair too. After shampooing, use a conditioner and then gently rinse so that some of the conditioner remains... towel dry gently and leave hair open to dry naturally."

Ms. Hegde's business partner, Rohan, who styles hair for men, says shorter hair is still fashionable and is easier to maintain.

"Those with thick, healthy hair can wear them a bit longer. For balding men, very short hair is the best bet. There are shampoos specially formulated for men, so use the best available. If you must use hair colour, try to think terms of covering 75 per cent of the grey hair and not all, it will look more natural," he advises.

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