Being concerned for the environment doesn't have to mean being any less glamorous in terms of your hair care routine.

First, let's look at the basics -- establishing good habits for your hair and your planet. Some of this is common sense but goes a long way. For starters, don't wash your hair every day. Why not? Save water, save power, use fewer products when washing so consume less and create less need. You get the idea. And what's more, most women (and men) seem to find that they actually look better the day after they've washed their hair than the day itself. Everyone has differing levels of oil production to the scalp, so if yours is very oily you may choose to wash every other day, which is great. If your scalp is a bit more dry, you might find yourself being able to extend this time even more.

Another basic point is blow drying -- nix it. In our hurry to rush out the door, we create a false need for this foul appliance. Not only is it adding to our problems with global warming and energy conservation, it's also flat out bad for your hair! It increases damage to the delicate shaft of your hair strands, stressing it out and helping to create bad hair situations like frizz, split ends, and overall fragility. If you care about your hair being damp when you go out, don't wash it right before leaving. If you have a lot of hair, you can wear your damp hair in something like a bun to keep it out of the way. Just be sure to take it down as soon as you're able to let it thoroughly dry out (and air out).

Also, consider skipping chemical hair colorants and going for something more natural, like a tea dye or a henna. Just be sure you strand test it first to avoid potential problems. Sometimes henna has a very unfavorable reaction on hair that has been previously treated. Or, forget all the colorings and perms/relaxers and show your natural color and texture.

What hair care products can you use to be more eco-friendly? Here are a few of our favorites, which can all be found at Pristine Planet or your local grocery or natural foods store. As an aside, they all smell fabulous. There are a lot of cruelty-free and eco-friendly products on the market, but a lot of them have unusual scents. I can be sort of a fragrance snob, so you can be assured that these scents are not only pleasant, but actually wonderful.

1) Giovanni. This brand makes different formulas of shampoo and conditioner as well as styling products, like frizz-easing serums. It's also usually less than $5 a bottle if you locate it in stores, so it's a great bargain in an expensive market. It's cruelty-free and vegan, biodegradable, and certified organic.

2) Desert Essence Organics. This brand has shampoo and conditioner available. Italian Red Grape scent/formula is fabulous. It's vegan, certified organic.

3) Nature's Gate. This brand has big rounded bottles and is organic and cruelty free. They make shampoos and conditioners.