Hair styles have been changing perpetually from the moment Eve decided to comb her hair for the very first time. The one thing that hasn't changed is every woman's desire to control the texture of her hair. Frizz, unruly waves, or bushy hair have been the bane of women's existence from the beginning of time. The usual remedy to control hair with a mind of its own used to be to make it as straight and flat to the head as possible. Women wrapped their heads, rolled their hair on beer cans, used doobie wraps and even slept in ski caps in the middle of summer to keep their hair dead straight. Bolder women would experiment with mixtures including straight lye to keep their hair poker straight. Most of these remedies worked, at least temporarily. Initially, the women would be thrilled with the results. Then almost universally, the awareness kicked in that pin-straight hair looks best on pretty prepubescent school girls. Anyone past the age of 12 needs volume and fullness to make her hair and face look its absolute best.

Hair-straightening technology has changed rapidly over the years. Now often called "relaxers," the newer products are made of gentler chemicals that tend to wear away slowly, rather than abruptly growing out. One of the most difficult styling problems is to have curly re-growth at the scalp and dead-straight hair at the tips. Even with the best stylist doing your hair and using state-of-the-art equipment, the old-school relaxer was awkward to style unless it was constantly maintained.

Finally, after years of harsh chemical straighteners that often caused hair breakage and even burns to the scalp, the Keratin treatment was developed. This is a treatment that relaxes the hair and conditions it at the same time. It softens your natural curl or wave. A blow dry that previously took an hour now takes 10 minutes. The driest, frizziest hair appears to be in perfect condition, with bounce and body. I cannot tell you how many woman come up to me daily at the salon to say that the Keratin treatment has totally changed their lives.

The biggest realization in the world of hair straightening, done either chemically or with a blow dryer and a brush, is that hair must have body and fullness to be its most flattering. Hair worn flat is too harsh for all but the most beautiful. Even hair worn straight should look full and thick.

To achieve this controlled but full look, you must have the proper haircut. This usually involves the amount of layers needed for your particular hair texture. Most hair would require a few long layers, while thicker hair should be worn almost blunt.

You must also be skilled with your blow dryer. Using a large round brush can control curl and maintain its fullness. The secret is to hold the hair directly away from the base of the scalp while applying heat. Paddle brushes and even straightening irons can achieve the same effect when used properly. Do not force hair down and flat. Use the paddle brush or straightening iron to change the direction of your hair growth to add fullness.

Products are essential to create the illusion of full but controlled hair. Mousses, thickening creams, sprays and gels will add to the look of fullness. Pomades and smoothing gels will turn the most unmanageable hair into a beautiful mane.

Flat hair is not flattering. Women with the finest hair and simplest haircuts should do their best to pump up the volume and create the look of more hair. Remember beauty is an illusion. It just takes a little time, imagination and creativity.