PRETTY GOOD ADVICE: hydrate your hair

When the temperature drops, I can never seem to infuse enough moisture into my hair. Static, split ends, the frizzies all end up being everyday occurences. That's why I always look for ways to revitalize my hair. Pureology Colour Care Ambassador Natasha Sunshine offers some simple ways to keep your hair looking great all winter long.

1. Keep a mini bottle of Evian spray in your purse. A light blast of water can help with static or even hat head. Spritz a light mist all over your head from about 12" away, then smooth your flat palms over your hair.

2. Condition, condition, condition. Choose a daily conditioner with extra moisture during the driest months. Plus, a once a week conditioning masque for five minutes will give you that extra dose of hydration your hair needs. Try Pureology's Hydrate Conditioner and Hydrate HydraWhip Masque.

3. When it comes to styling, be sure to lock in moisture by using a leave-in conditioner and a deeply nourishing styler. Pureology's MiracleFiller is a leave in that will give you a supple dose of protein while hydrating the hair as well. Choose a wet/dry styler like Redken's Argan-6. This incredibly light oil goes on wet and melts over the hair in a protective shine while blowdrying. You can add a couple drops after your style is complete to get extra shine, nourishment and protection.

4. Stay away from too many hot tools. If you're going to blowdry, skip the iron and vice versa. If you opt for the flat or curling iron, go to bed with a wet head and style in the morning.

For more information visit www.Pureology.com.

craving conditioner

Welcome to spring (we thought!) Between the cold air and dry heat, my hair's been having its ups and downs...or rather, more downs than ups. It's been craving moisture lately so you can imagine my panic when I reached for the conditioner in the shower and picked up a bottle of shampoo. Then another bottle of shampoo. Then another bottle of shampoo. They were all bottles of shampoo! No conditioner in sight.

Just as I was about to call out to my husband and ask him to rummage through the beauty stash in search of conditioner, I saw it: A silvery marine blue tub of product nestled in the shower rack between the shaving cream and the loofah. I picked it up and--yes!--it was conditioner. After unscrewing the top, I scooped a goop and smoothed it through my hair, dispersing it throughout. It felt soft and creamy and my hair seemed to drink it up. After rinsing, my hair felt smooth and sleek again. And it even looked smooth and sleek after blow drying.

Redken Nature's Rescue Cooling Deep Conditioner is ultra moisturizing and helps re-balance hair while cooling and soothing the scalp. What it's made of: A Sea Algae Hydracomplex, complete with sea algae to protect, soy protein to replenish, aloe vera to moisturize and oceanic calone for fragrance. Use daily after shampooing or after using Refining Sea Polish.

For more info, go to www.redken.com.

happy vday: three must-haves for a night of romance

Got a romantic evening in store? Fit these three beauty/fashion essentials into your vday routine and you'll be ready for romance.

#1 Show your hair some love.. with the LOVE Collection from Davines. Whether your hair demands deep conditioning or hydrating definition, the LOVE formulas nurture and care for hair in need of some TLC. Try LOVE Smoothing Shampoo ($22) for dry, frizzy hair. The prickly pear extract provides intense moisture to hair and scalp while Indian Fig Extract heals hair cuticles, leaving hair manageable. LOVE Smoothing Conditioner ($25) works to replenish both hair and scalp, restoring heat-damaged hair with Vitamin E so hair looks soft, silky and manageable. More info at www.davines.com.

#2 Get your senses in the mood with the ultra- creamy Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sensual Black Currant Vanilla Body Lotion ($13) before you get dressed. Black Currant Absolute inspires heightened sensuality while Vanilla Absolute soothes and calms. Go to www.bathandbodyworks.com to purchase.

#3 Stilettos equal sexy...foot pain doesn't. But with the help of Foot Petal’s Rose and Rosebud Tip Toes, your night will be pain-free guaranteed. "Instantly look 10 lbs thinner and 10 yrs younger by slipping on high heels,” says certified pedorthist and creator of Foot Petals, Tina Aldatz. “ I love the look of opaque tights with patent pumps, but tights can cause toes to slide forward--Foot Petals will prevent this." Virtually invisible in all of your shoes, Tip Toes help prevent calluses from forming, protect bones and tissue, and cushion the sensitive ball-of-foot area. $6.95 at www.footpetals.com.

happy vday: get come hither hair

You don't have to spend a fortune on a professional blow-out to create a sexy, tousled, bombshell look this Valentine's Day. Just purchase these Remington’s T-Studio Pearl Ceramic Heated Clip Setters ($39.99)--flirty, pink rollers that will get you in the mood while getting ready by creating sexy curls to go with your little red dress (of course)! Whether you’re hitting the town with the girls or having an intimate dinner with your mane man, make sure you have the perfect hairstyle to heat up the night. Celebrity Stylist, Richard Marin, suggests making the look soft and romantic by brushing out curls after the hair has cooled and finishing the look with a spritz of shine spray. It's a great way to make heads turn and ensure a fun, flirty, fabulous Valentine's Day. Go to Target, Ulta or www.remingtonproducts.com to purchase.

get your spa fix

You know the feeling when you walk out of a spa after a luxurious treatment? You're refreshed, revived, walking on air? That's what you get after using Aubrey's new Organics GPB (Glycologen Protein Balancing) Lavender Ylang Ylang Shampoo and Conditioner. Sure, the hair-nourishing proteins, emollients and shine boosters make your hair look clean, healthy and shiny... herbal oils, aloe and shea butter smooth and moisturize, soy and milk protein and strengthen and mend hair fibers and split ends (a great remedy in the dry winter air), and horsetail extract balances and fortifies your scalp. But it's the relaxing Lavender and Ylang Ylang scent that gives you that ethereal feeling. Just close the bathroom door, lather up and create your own personal spa ambiance. Check out www.aubrey-organics.com for more info.

pony up!

Shu Uemura hairstylist Matthew Morris gives the traditional ponytail a new edge for spring.

The clothes that fashion designers Andy and Debb sent down the runway for Spring were based on international design elements; they were simultaneously hard and soft since they have hard lines but soft colors. To complement the look, Matthew Morris, lead stylist for Andy & Debb from Shu Uemura Art of Hair, was commissioned to create a masterful hairstyle that could incorporate both elements. What he came up with: A pulled back ponytail that was slicked on top but full of volume at the tail.

“There’s an explosion of texture in the ponytail after it’s bound,” says Morris, who used Shu Uemura Liquid Fabric Mineral Texture Spray ($33; 8.5 oz.) along with Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Hair Spray ($33; 8 oz.) to create the look. Liquid Fabric is designed to revitalize your curl/wave pattern with a natural looking finish while offering moisture balance, humidity resistance and frizz-control. Sheer Lacquer is a weightless finishing spray that gives hair hold as well as a soft, natural-looking finish. Layer it on for your desired amount of control. To up the authenticity factor, Morris left some “fuzzies” to frame the face for a just-pulled-on sweater effect. He fastened the ponytail with an elastic instead of wrapping the hair, which he says is “SO pedestrian.”

The best part: This is a look that women of any age can pull off. While more mature women often wear their hair in ponytails to try to preserve their youth, it can often look staid—and outdated. But this sleek/volumized style gives the traditional ponytail a fresh, modern edge.

Too extreme for your measures? Use minimal product to avoid making the slicked or volumized part look too severe. For the show, Morris spent a good deal of time teasing and fluffing the model’s ponytails for volume, body and personality. His advice: Real women should tease lightly for a softer yet equally alluring effect.

For more info on Shu Uemura products, go towww.shuuemura-usa.com.

Fashion's Night Out: Get Beautiful

Who: Warren-Tricomi Salon
Location: The Plaza Hotel (New York City)

Join the Warren-Tricomi Salon at The Plaza Hotel for complimentary hair styles and updo’s to start your Friday night off from 6-8pm. While you are at The Plaza, you can also join us in viewing the CFDA Incubator Project designs throughout the Shops. Musician, Corinne Bailey Rae, will be performing an intimate concert at The Plaza’s Palm Court. Following the concert, Joel Warren, Edward Tricomi, Douglas Hannant and Frederick Anderson, co-hosted with the CFDA and Shops at the Plaza, invite you to an after party in the Terrace Room from 9 – 11pm to celebrate this night of Fashion.

Who: The Plaza Beauty

Location: The Plaza Hotel (New York City)

The Plaza Beauty will offer complimentary mini-facials, hand treatments and makeup touch ups to get you ready for your Friday night out! Meet the creators of top beauty companies such as Alison Raffaele and Kimiko and receive insider tips on how to create the perfect look for fall! Enter to win a custom-made hair accessory from Lucia Tristao Hair Designs and look out for exclusive offers that night from Miriam Mirani and Diego Della Palma. Afterwards, show off your new look at a concert performed by Grammy nominated EMI artist Corinne Bailey Rae hosted in The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel

Who: Pur Minerals

Location: Duane Reade The Look Boutique (Soho) (233 Lafayette St. New York, NY)

Join celebrity makeup artist to the stars, Jackie Gomez, for complimentary makeup touch ups from 6:00pm – 8:00pm with Pur Minerals. Gifts with purchase will also be available throughout the night from 6pm-11pm.

Who: Completely Bare

Location: Completely Bare (25 Bond Street, b/w Lafayette & Bowery New York, NY)

CONNECT THE Dots!! This Fashion’s Night Out, participate in a scavenger hunt-themed styling contest in multiple Soho New York-based locations called “Dots SPOTS.” Follow the clues and choose your favorite Dots pieces to create your own personalized look! Meet back at Completely Bare and get a free Richie Rich vatoo, enjoy refreshments and have your photos taken on the pink carpet.
Celebrity stylist Mia Morgan and fashion legend Richie Rich will co-host and judge your personalized looks! Winning looks will have a day of beauty and styling with Mia Morgan, a new Dots wardrobe and a trip for two to a tropical location! Proceeds to benefit the Family Justice Center, which helps victims of domestic violence put their lives back together. Follow @Dotsfashions, @completelybare @kingcollective on FB & Twitter for more details. Stay fashionable!

For more Fashion's Night Out info and listings of events, go to http://www.fashionsnightout.com/.

brush with greatness

There is no such thing as frizz free--especially in summer. There's "more controlled frizz" or "limited frizz" but frizz free? C'mon. I wasn't born yesterday. Goody's new brushes come close, though, to offering reduced frizz for your hair. I have been determined to find a great new brush every since my last one flew off the handle during use a couple of months ago! (It was wood.) Now I love my Dual Bristle Oval Round brush from the Goody Pro Achieve Collection ($2.50-$7.50). The unique oval shape provides maximum lift while ball-tipped nylon bristles on one side of the brush give you height and control and natural boar bristles on the other side deliver control and beautiful shine. After the first time I used it, three people asked if I had gotten my hair done. And if that's not reason enough to make the purchase, I don't know what is. Check out the entire Goody Pro collection at www.goody.com.

earth day: walking on sunshine

All I ask is, just smell it--the ginger, mandarin and lime scent simply makes you happy in just one squeeze. Not just because you're doing something great for your hair, but you're doing some good for the Earth at the same time. I'm talking about Walking on Sunshine Daily Shine Conditioner from TIGI's Love, Peace & the Planet Collection. The creamy formula has honey, jojoba oil and soy protein to add moisture and strength and leave your hair smooth and shiny. The line of nine products features natural and organic ingredients combined with a minimal amount of synthetics. And all bottles and tubes are made from 50% post-consumer recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. Also designed to revitalize your senses: Totally Beachin' Body & Waves Styling Mist in Coconut Mango Vanilla (yum!) and Free UR Mind Firm Hold Hairspray in Cherry Almond (prices range from $18.95 - 22.95). Look for them in fine salons nationwide or go to www.tigihaircare.com for more information.

expert advice: keep your hair frizz-free with these tips from Yves Durif

In less than two months, we'll see the start of summer and the onset the most frustrating hair season. Sun, humidity, sea-air, wind and humidity all contribute to an abundance of frizz. There are plenty of frizz serums out there but how do you know which to choose? Yves Durif, of the Carlyle, shares his tips for keeping hair frizz-free.

Prettyisprettydoes: What are the biggest mistakes women make when trying to de-frizz their hair?

Yves Durif: "They do not use a nozzle on their hair dryer to concentrate the airflow, they do not dry their hair completely or they use an incorrect product for their hair type. If you visit ProfoundBeauty.com, every woman can find their own personalized routine and select the products that are right for their specific hair concern."

PIPD: What can you do to avoid the frizz in the first place?
YD: "Using a defrizzing product like Profound Beauty Linear Serum or Hush Time-Out treatment before blow drying will help to eliminate frizz once the hair is dry. After blow drying you may want to add a finishing product like Profound Beauty's Design Paste to keep hair free of frizz throughout the day."

PIPD: What should you look for in a de-frizzing product to know that it will work?
YD: "You always want to look for a product that has conditioning elements in it. All products for eliminating frizz might not work on all hair types. Different hair textures need different products, for example the coarser the hair the stronger defrizzing agent the product should have. Again, log on to ProfoundBeauty.com to fill out your unique hair profile to find out what products are best suited for your hair type."

For more info on frizz control, log onto www.profoundbeauty.com. Stock up on these frizz-fighting products from Profound Beauty and you'll be set for summer.

expert advice: brush up on your brush basics

We all do it, usually every day. But sometimes little things like brushing your hair can become so routine, we may forget the basics. TRESemmé celebrity stylist Mara Roszak helps us brush up.

PIPD: Why is it important to brush your hair?

MR: "It is important to brush your hair because everyday we shed a certain amount of hair naturally and if your hair isn't being brushed daily, some of that hair gets locked into the other hair and causes knots and tangles. It’s best to brush hair when it’s wet in or out of the shower to cause less breakage."

PIPD: How often should you brush?

MR: "Daily in the shower, preferably with conditioner to prevent breakage. Brushing dry hair can cause damage and breakage. Always brush starting at the ends and work your way up."

PIPD: How do you choose the brush that's right for you?

MR: "I always recommend metal brushes or brushes without the balls on the ends of the bristles, which can damage hair."

PIPD: What's the best way to clean your brush?

MR: "Clean your brush with a wide tooth comb by scraping it at the base of the brush."

For more great hair care tips and products, check out www.Tresemme.com.

shiny happy people

There's so much hype about this product--backordered for months--thar I just had to try it! A miracle serum, they say? Hmmm... Let's see. I smooth it on pre-shampoo to intensely hydrate and condition my hair and I also try it after blow drying as a shine serum with UV protection (just a drop will do to avoid the greasy look). When I style my hair, it looks chic, straight, and--yes!--it really shines. But I'm not the only one who thinks so. Chris McMillian uses it on Jennifer Aniston's famous locks. Sheryl Crowe, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kate Bosworth and Emily Blunt are also fans. It smells sweet (think camillia) too which makes you want to rub some on. The best part is that you get such a gorgeous shine, you instantly think you should save it for a special occasion but, the truth is, you can use it any day! To try it yourself, go to www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/styling/design-and-perfect/essence-absolue.htm and order your very own bottle.

hair that gets noticed

True story: I was waiting on line at the bank and a woman walked up behind me and said: "Wow! You have beautiful hair!" The day before, I had washed my hair with two new hair products, Redken Body Full Shampoo and Light Conditioner, proving that they do offer volume that lasts for 24 hours. The clear hair shampoo provides cotton (softens and detangles), wheat extract (adds texture, volume and body) and soy protein (reinforces hair to prevent breakage) for a fuller, voluminous look. It gives you a rich lather and leaves your hair smelling clean and fresh. The creamy conditioner is an ultra-lightweight detangler which contains soy protein to give hair bodifying strength. Plus, it's safe for your hair color and leaves hair with a natural-looking shine. See for yourself at www.redken.com or a local beauty supply store.

moisturize your hair

I love the look and feel of sleek, smooth hair so I'm always searching for a good hair moisturizer. Of all the hair products out there, I think hair masks make the best hair treatments, especially in winter with frigid temps outside and dry, steamy air inside. Profound Beauty's Anatomy Anti-Oxidant Mask ($32) gives you deep conditioning, leaving your hair soft, smooth and sleek. The flat tub is easy to stash on your shower shelf and the creamy mask feels nourishing (that's the vitamin E) and revitalizing while it sets. I love the thickness of the formula! Plus, it's great for maintaining your salon color and keeping it looking fresh. The directions say use it once a week but I actually use it twice a week because I love how soft my hair feels afterward as well as the compliments I get after I use it. Find your personalized Profound Beauty Routine and shop for the Anatomy Anti-Oxidant Mask at www.ProfoundBeauty.com.

holiday looks: sleek locks

During this hectic holiday season, the best holiday hairstyles are effortless and beautiful. "Whether you are hosting an intimate gathering at home or going out for a night on the town, tousled loose waves do the trick every time," says celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims, who addresses the tresses of Wanda Sykes and Queen Latifah. "Start with your hair down and change your look in 10 seconds by pulling it up in an undone updo. If your hair is short, add texture to make it a short, sassy style. Whether your hair is short or long, make sure you protect your hair from thermal heating damage with Smooth 'N Shine's Silk Style Iron Styler. It protects and prevents hair from dehydration during thermal styling." Check out the complete collection of Smooth 'N Shine products at your local Walmart or www.walmart.com.

holiday gift guide: give Profound Beauty

Don't let friends ring in the new year without showing off their luxe locks. Just in time for the gift giving season: Profound Beauty introduces its new limited edition Styling Kits ($49 each). Each kit contains three essentials to put hair in the spotlight. Hush controls frizz without weighing hair down, Stylist will accentuate the natural shape, texture, look and feel of their hair to create a style all their own, and atmosphere which is designed to mimic the best weather conditions for their hair (read: no more bad days ahead!) Try the Arctic Straight kit for sleek style and high shine (for my TV-reporter pal), the Desert Volume Kit (for moi!) for root to tip lift, texture, separation and bounce, and the Tropical Curl Kit (my sisters will fight over it!) for lush, dewy, plump curls. Go to www.profoundbeauty.com to purchase.

holiday gift guide: give Pureology

Wanna be a celebrity? I do! But not for all the obvious reasons. It's because this holiday season, Hollywood A-listers like Sarah Jessica Parker, Heidi Klum, Reese Witherspoon and Charlize Theron got this incredible gift set from Pureology--and I want one! The Holiday Hydrate Kit is the best antidote to cold, dry winter weather. Packaged in an eco-friendly box, the gift set includes three essential products to keep hair hydrated during the winter months: Pureology's top selling HydrateShampoo, HydrateCondition and GlossingMist. The shampoo helps you keep your color from fading and smells like rose, sandalwood and green tea. The conditioner moisturizes without weighing hair down and is scented with peppermint, sage and rosemary. And the GlossingMist offers UVA/UVB protection and gives you a gorgeous, glossy shine. I told my hairdresser about the products and even got her hooked! Click on www.pureology.com and try them for yourself or give them as a gift this holiday season.

holiday gift guide: give Ouidad

The perfect gift for the stylista in your life: Ouidad's Classic Curls Kit. For friends who spend hours and hours trying to create hairstyles for their curly hair but don't have time or cash to get to a professional hair salon, the Classic Curls Kit lets them create brand new hairstyles every time they use it. And since it was developed by Ouidad, the queen of curly hair, herself, it has everything you'll need to do your curls justice this holiday season. What's inside: Ouidad's best sellers at a remarkably discounted price. The Celebrate Classic Curls Kit ($35; a $46 value) includes: Clear & Gentle Essential Daily Shampoo (2.5oz), Balancing Rinse Essential Daily Conditioner (2.5oz), Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel (2.5oz), Botanical Boost Moisture Infusing & Refreshing Spray (2.5oz), 12 Minute Deep Treatment Intensive Repair (2.5oz), a wide-tooth detangling comb and Ouidad’s How-to Guide to Effortless Curls. Visit www.ouidad.com for a complete list of all 2009 holiday kits.

holiday gift guide: give paul mitchell

The holidays are all about lifting people's spirits and giving back to people who need it most. Add meaning to your gift giving traditions with these Paul Mitchell Holiday gift sets--a portion of the proceeds go to Amnesty International and American Forests. I love the clean, salon-like scent of the Extra-Body Daily Shampoo, the lightweight feel of the Thicken Up Styling Liquid and the powerful hold of the Extra Body Finishing Spray. Choose from these hair-perfecting options...

Paul Mitchell Holiday Gift Set Trios ($19.95 each)

Smoothing Gift Set: Super Skinny Daily Shampoo, Super Skinny Daily Treatment, and Super Skinny Serum

Extra-Body Gift Set: Extra-Body Daily Shampoo, Extra-Body Finishing Spray, and Thicken Up

Flexible Style Gift Set: Shampoo One, Super Sculpt, and Fast Drying Sculpting Spray

Firm Style Gift Set: Awapuhi Shampoo, Sculpting Foam, and Freeze and Shine Super Spray

Paul Mitchell Holiday Gift Set Duos ($14.95 each)

Color Care Duo

Moisture Duo

Strength Duo

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Gift Sets

Love in the Present ($21.95)

• Tea Tree Special Shampoo, Tea Tree Special Conditioner, and Tea Tree Body Bar

Joy in the Present ($21.95)

• Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo, Lemon Sage Thickening Conditioner, and Lemon Sage Energizing Body Wash

Peace in the Present ($21.95)

• Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo, Lavender Mint Moisturizing Conditioner, and Lavender Mint Moisturizing Body Wash

Joy for Every Body ($24.95)

• Tea Tree Lemon Sage Energizing Body Lotion, Lemon Sage Energizing Body Wash, and Lemon Sage Energizing Sugar Scrub

Peace for Every Body ($24.95)

• Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Body Butter, Lavender Mint Moisturizing Body Wash, and Lavender Mint Moisturizing Sugar Scrub

Call 1.800.321.JPMS or visit www.paulmitchell.com to find a salon near you where you can start shopping.

holiday gift guide: give terax

Whether you're looking for a token Chanukah present or a stocking stuffer, sometimes the most basic of necessities will do. Take Terax Crema conditioner ($9), for example, You can never have too much of the stuff. It glides through hair, smells clean and fresh (thanks to the creative combo of rice flower, shea, bergamot and juniper) and leaves hair feeling soft and looking shiny. Stuff some stockings with Terax Crema – this pint size product packs big beauty benefits. Kate Beckinsale and Liv Tyler are fans--you will be too! Get more info on www.terax.com or pick up your portable, holiday get-away Terax Crema tubes at select Sephora stores, www.sephora.com, Ulta and www.Ulta.com.