If Scarlett Johansson, Demi Moore, and Anne Hathaway never seem to have bad hair days, it's not just the unfair advantage of their good genes: They all have Kevin Mancuso on speed dial. But the 30-year styling veteran, who started his career by training with salon icon Vidal Sassoon, says that anyone can have a flashbulb-worthy mane. "I ask each client what they do and how much time they're willing to dedicate to their hair every day," says Mancuso, creative director for Nexxus Salon Hair Care. "This gives me a sense of their goals. I've found that today's female role models aren't always on MTV—sometimes they're savvy CEOs. And they want to let their hair down after work, too."
What essential products should everyone have in her hair-care arsenal?
A shampoo and conditioner geared toward the style or texture you want to achieve will set you up for easy, manageable hair once you're out of the shower. For example, you should use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners if you have curly hair, because they deposit a barrier onto the strands, and that gives them weight. It also helps combat frizz and enhances the definition of the curls.
What are some of the worst things you see people do to their hair?
There are three hair crimes people commit. One is tearing through hair with a brush while it's still wet—it's much better to use a wide-tooth comb. The second is using too much or too little product. And the third is not using a thermal protectant before heat-styling.
Do you have any tips for those of us who trim our bangs at home?
Here's a little trick that always works: Gather your bangs from temple to temple, twist them in the exact center of your forehead, hold them down toward your nose, and cut off the tip. Always cut them dry; wet hair can shrink up and be too short.
What's one small thing everyone could do to enhance shine?
Flat-ironing your hair makes it shiny. Be it curly or straight, pressing the follicle creates a flatter surface that is inherently more reflective. But make sure your hair is completely dry before taking an iron to it; any moisture will cause hair to burn.
Are there any hair myths you'd like to debunk?
Many women think UV rays are solely responsible for color fade, but the true culprit is water. Water penetrates the hair shaft, causing it to expand. As a result, the cuticle is lifted slightly, making it easier for dye molecules to escape. The best way to maintain pigment longer is by using a color-preserving product with water protection.
You were inspired by a look from the '80s for a recent ELLE shoot (July 2008). Do you think styles from that era are due to make a comeback?
Yes! Hair will be sexy, glam, and fun, but this time it will also be looser and more modern. It's about your underlying texture coming through so that it's natural-looking, even though it's enhanced by products. When hair is too clean, it can be so slippery that even tucking it behind your ear is a task, but when it's totally controlled by products, it gets too stiff and big. The ideal balance is somewhere in between.
MANCUSO'S MUST-HAVES
For bouncy ringlets, Mancuso loves Nexxus Gorgeous Curls Curl Enhancing Foam Styler: "It provides a touchable and brushable hold without stickiness".
René Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo "is a lifesaver when you have no time to shower. It also volumizes clean hair."
For his fine-haired clients, many of whom Mancuso says are "conditioner-phobes," he recommends "weightless" Nexxus Dualiste Color Protection + Volume Conditioner.
Mancuso uses Carita Paris Daily Protective Hair Cream "to soften and detangle hair."
J.F. Lazartigue Deep Action Treatment with Carrot Oil is "great to use on damaged hair prior to shampooing."
