Health Tips and Beauty Tips Blog: 2007 Back-to-School Hair Trend Forecast Tips from Damien Carney, Joico's International Artistic Director and Dean Banowetz, American Idol Lead Stylist

(MS) - When it comes to making an image-transforming statement on campus it's not the new back-to-school wardrobe that screams "this is the new me" loudest, it's the hair!

"From geek to chic or punk to jock, nothing quite says more about a student's personality, lifestyle, personal style and social aspirations than back-to-school hair", says Damien Carney, internationally renowned celebrity and fashion hairstylist.

For statement-making hair this school year, Carney and Dean Banowetz, the Hollywood Hair Guy who styled the American Idol contestants from all seasons and other Hollywood stars recommend students:

Keep it Healthy

"Hair condition is a priority between the months of August and October because it's the transition period between a hot, sunny, damaging summer and a cold, harsh, drying winter," says Carney.

He recommends students start off their hair-care regimen using products that repair and strengthen sun-damaged summer hair (like K-PAK Shampoo, Conditioner and Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor, and K-PAK Sun Therapy). To target sun-damaged hair use K-PAK's newest addition to the Sun Therapy Line. This line includes a Nourishing Shampoo, Treatment Masque and Protective Sun Milk. Then to add moisture in the hair, use products that deeply restore the hair's moisture levels (like Joico's Moisture Recovery line with Hydramine Sea Complex).

Keep it Simple

"Simplicity is the key to great campus style," says Carney. "Don't take it too seriously and don't forget to have fun with it."

For everyday chic, Carney recommends what he calls his top three "disposable styles" of fresh, modern looks that are effortless to style and keep hair "controlled" and off the face:

#1 The ponytail! "A high ponytail looks sporty and fresh, while wearing a ponytail low and loose in the nape is more editorial and high-fashion."

#2 Half up, half down. "I'm not talking about the high 1980s half up, half down held with a scruncci. This is gathered around the temple and worn loose and low with an inconspicuous fastener like a tiny clip or hairband that's either clear or matches your haircolor."

#3 Up, but not "updo." "I like a quick, loose little bun held in place with bobby pins, chopsticks or even a pencil. If hairs come loose, don't worry about it, it's not supposed to look perfect, it should look like you just put it up quickly before running out to catch your ride."

To add cool, interesting touches of texture to everyday styles, Banowetz recommends adding accessories -

especially headbands - or even wearing a face-framing braid like a headband (think Sienna Miller at the Golden Globes).

For girls with curls or waves, Banowetz says "It's all about maintenance. You can wear whatever everyone else is wearing, just remember to use the right hair care and styling products to keep curls defined and frizz at bay."

For formals and special events, he recommends keeping styles similar to day but making them just a tad more "structured and controlled for a dressier, more assertive look.

"You can do curls, but don't go overly curly because that's not flattering to anyone. Think bigger, looser curls that aren't too uniform or structured. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, then try flat ironing hair for a change."

Have a Blast with Color

"Color is the exclamation point of your style statement -go bold, have fun; now is the time to go for shocking pink highlights or an all-over teal blue," says Banowetz.

To satisfy the young student's craving for color without risking hair damage or panicking parents, he recommends semi-permanent haircolor in cool, electrifying colors that wash out over several shampoos. His favorite? Vero K-PAK Color's new Color Intensity line available in cool, intense colors like purple, pink, blue, green.

"If students don't want to color, go for a clear gloss that will enhance your natural color and shine. Do whatever you want, just remember to have fun, fun, fun."

For more information on Joico products mentioned here, please visit www.joico.com.

CAPTION: Back-to-school hair: Keep it healthy, keep it simple, and don't forget the color.