If you're wondering what's been coming between you and healthy, lush hair, it may be the products you use. Let's be real - when we meander the hair product aisle, more often than not we are looking to see what a product does and not what's in it. But not paying close attention to ingredients can wreak major havoc on our locks.

As the green movement picks up, an increasing number of brands are swapping out harmful chemicals for powerful, eco-friendly alternatives that work just as well to achieve desired results. In honor of Earth Day on April 22, make the switch; whether you need a basic shampoo or a time-saving blow-drying tool, these hair helpers will save both your strands and the planet.

When it comes to hair, Elgin Charles is the king - excuse us - the emperor. For the past 20-plus years, he's run his salon in the posh West Coast zip code of Beverly Hills, yesterday he made his prime-time debut as the star of a new VH1 reality show, 'Beverly Hills Fabulous.' We caught up with the West Coast's mane man to get some tips for recreating five hot celebrity hair looks. Whether your style is short, relaxed or au natural, here's a step-by-step guide to help you freshen things up for spring.

For centuries, long, lush locks have been seen as a symbol of great beauty. We frequently perm, curl, and weave in strands to help enhance our appearance, oftentimes without much thought about what life would be like without a perfectly coiffed crown. Now imagine the shock and surprise of suddenly losing it all.

37-year-old Sonya Weekes found herself holding back tears as her dermatologist explained that her thinning hair was a condition called alopecia, and that it would likely never grow back. Six years later, she's educated herself and others on her emotionally and physically distressing condition and has gained a different outlook on what beauty really means.

We've all heard our share of old wives' tales when it comes to beauty, but what's actually fact and fiction? We asked, and you shared some of the hair secrets that you swear by. Whether you grew up brushing your locks exactly 50 times because Grandma said it would make your hair shiny, or spent hours parting and greasing, here's some truths to put the traditions to bed.

Whether you're considering braids or rock them regularly, there are some basic dos and don'ts for maintaining cornrows and extensions. Unlike other styles, braids are slightly more challenging to keep neat, take a lot of time to redo, and can easily look messy if not cared for properly. In fact, long wear and upkeep can get pretty pricey unless you know how to keep your style neat from the minute it is done. Hairstylist Jamika Wilson shared some money-saving tips for keeping braids tight without breaking the bank.