Hair Recipes

Your bathroom is overflowing with a rainbow of hair products, each promising the divine hair you've always dreamed of. Stop all this confusion and cut through the clutter! Swipe your bathroom counter clear, and keep a few must-have essentials, which can be combined to create any look you want. Here's how:

You've got: Thin, fine hair You want: Thick, full hair Styling recipe: While your hair is still damp, mix volumizing mousse in your hands, flip your head upside down, and rub throughout your hair beginning with the roots, coming out to the ends. To evenly distribute the mousse, comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb.

You've got: Straight to wavy hair You want: Curly Hair Styling recipe: While slightly damp, set your hair into small sections using small, curlers (I like my Candy Wrappers, $29.99). The smaller the sections, the more volume. Once your hair is dry, use hairspray on each curl and at the roots for added lift.

You've got: Dry, damaged hair You want: Rich, healthy hair Styling recipe: After shampooing hair with a moisturizing shampoo, use a deep conditioner for added moisture. Keep on hair for three to five minutes before rinsing. Apply a spray sheen evenly on dry hair, staying away from the roots (in order to avoid buildup on the scalp). Severely dry hair responds better to a gel sheen.

You've got: Curly hair You want: Straight hair Styling recipe: When hair is damp, mix a straightening balm in your hands and apply up the hair shaft until almost to the roots (again, steer clear of those roots!) Comb through to evenly distribute, then blow dry hair using a large, round brush. Flat iron for a super straight finish.

You've got: Kinky, curly hair You want: Defined curls Styling recipe: For added definition and hold, mix a leave-in conditioner or a pomade with a styling gel in the palm of your hand. Finger through damp hair section by section, avoiding the roots.

No matter what style you create, steer clear from using hair dryers that are too hot because these will fry hair and damage hair's natural texture. Check the number of watts before using a hair dryer and make sure it's not above 1,600 watts.