The mane thing: get healthy hair, naturally. (bodycare).

Understanding the anatomy of hair is important to understanding how to treat it. The outer portion--the cuticle--protects the inside, or cortex. If the cuticle is disturbed, hair can lose its shine. And cuticle damage can result in dull, dry, broken strands.

While external factors such as sun, wind, chemicals, coloring and excess styling can make hair flat and dull, internal factors affect hair too.

"A healthy diet is the best way to maintain healthy hair," says Jeffrey Light, president of Jason Natural Cosmetics. "Protein, biotin, iron, zinc and fatty acids are all beneficial to hair." Other lifestyle factors such as smoking and inadequate exercise decrease circulation to the scalp, making hair dull and dry.

Ready for lush locks? This simple program can restore luster, body and health to distressed tresses.

shampoo. Shampooing two to four times a week is ideal for removing residue that dulls shine and lessens body. A big, foamy lather shouldn't be your goal: Voluminous suds mean your shampoo contains harsh detergents.

Use a natural shampoo that contains ingredients such as keratin, rosemary, horsetail, plant proteins and seaweed extract.

Some to try: Nature's Gate's Chamomile and Lemon Verbena Shampoo, Dr. Hauschka's Pure Shampoo, Jason's Damage Control Creme Shampoo, Mill Creek's Keratin Shampoo, Aubrey's Blue Green Algae Shampoo.