Samantha Ruggiero, Model

Hair story: When I was very young, I wouldn't let anyone near my hair. I only allowed it to be washed twice a week, and it was constantly in knots. My mom got fed up when I was 4 and took me to have it all cut off into a bob. I don't think I'll ever get over it -- ever since then, I've kept my hair as long as possible.

Then: I used to spend a half hour every other day straightening my waves.

Now: I'm no muss, no fuss. I wash my hair, add a little product, and I'm done.

Care: Using a brush distributes oils down the hair shaft, conditioning the strands. Start by brushing out the ends and work your way up.

Styling: Thick hair with a little texture is usually the easiest style to manage and shape. To give it that texture, try braiding or twisting and pinning it while it's wet.

Products:

• J.R. Watkins Shampoo cleans with aloe and green tea and is paraben-free.
• Organix Nutritional Acai Berry Avocado Conditioner
• John Masters Organics Shine On uses kelp to nourish strands.

Zuyapa Jackson, Blogger/Singer/Writer

Hair story: I'm Native American, French, and black, so I have three or four textures on my head. I used to relax my hair but stopped in my early twenties, dyed it blond, and wore it huge. I was living in New Orleans at the time, and people's reactions to it were mixed. I had one job where people told me my hair was ruining morale. It took me about four years to learn how to handle my hair, and as I worked with it, I think it was a psychological process of accepting myself. My hair is dry and can be moody and a lot of work, but I think it's fun.

Then: I used to want my hair straight as a pin -- as soon as I was old enough, I started relaxing it and didn't stop for a decade.

Now: I love it. There's nothing like when I'm walking down the street and my hair is bouncing and I can feel the wind in my curls.

Care: When combing, make sure to use plenty of conditioner so fragile hair doesn't break. Otherwise, tight curls are usually best refreshed with moisturizing products alone.

Styling: Dryness is the big issue because the cuticles tend to be rough and lose moisture easily. Tight curls need hydration -- and lots of it. Choose moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.

Products:

• Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Curl Perfecting Shampoo is sulfate-free.
• Free Your Mane Intensive Hydrating Masque infuses moisture.
• Hair Rules Kinky Curling Cream defines curls.

Colleen Saidman, owner and director of Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor, NY

Hair story: When I was 28, I shaved my head. I was going to India to work with Mother Teresa and thought it was very liberating. My favorite pictures are from when I was pregnant -- my hair was thick and looked wonderful. Since I turned 50, I know people think I should cut my hair and have a "mom" hairdo, but I refuse to let society dictate how I should look.

Then: I didn't want curls. I liked my hair long and straight -- it made me feel sexy.

Now: My hair has become my signature and my security blanket. I wouldn't change it.

Care: Combing loose curls keeps them from matting and knotting together. It's best to comb when hair is wet and conditioner is still in.

Styling: Loose curls can become puffy and frizzy when humidity enters the cuticle, so the challenge is to seal it and prevent water from swelling the strand. Ingredients like natural fruit waxes help.

Products:

• Pantene Dry to Moisturized Curly Hair Shampoo
• Burt's Bees Hair Repair Deep Conditioner moisturizes locks.
• Garnier Fructis Style Curl Sculpting Cream-Gel provides hold.

Shira Bocar, deputy food editor for Whole Living

Hair story: For me, the smell of ammonia is my Proust madeleine moment. Growing up, my whole family (mom, dad, sister, and I) got perms. We all have fine hair, and the perms added texture and body. I stopped getting them in junior high, but then I started experimenting with color. My gift to myself at high school graduation was going platinum blond.

Then: I tortured my hair with chemicals and even slept in pink foam rollers for a while.

Now: I've stopped hassling with my hair. My lifestyle is relaxed, and my hair reflects that.

Care: A wide-tooth comb detangles hair gently, so fine strands -- which are prone to breakage -- don't snap.

Styling: Most products weigh down fine hair. Avoid heavy gels or creams with ingredients like petroleum or mineral oil, which coat hair. Look for light textures that boost volume.

Products:

• Living Proof Full Shampoo thickens hair.
• L'Oreal EverStrong Bodify Conditioner strengthens hair without making it limp.
• Tela Boost Sensational Volume Booster is a light leave-in natural styler.