HAIR care is a top priority for most of us today. So HAIR-LINE offers useful advice on looking after our crowning glory, especially in the summer months.

Top hairdresser RALPH KLEELI, right, who has a salon in Bolton's Churchgate, has the tips and facts. This week, he explains how to find a good hairdresser.

UNDOUBTEDLY, the best way is by personal recommendation. If someone you know has a style you like, ask them where they had it done.

This is a good starting point as the style of work produced by different salons is as varied as styles of art. Some salons, for example, produce dressy, more formal looks whilst others produce more natural and simply finished looks.

YOU need to ask yourself what is important to you about your visit to the hairdressers. Is it purely good hairdressing you seek?

Or, do you also look for high standards of service, cleanliness, well-mannered and courteous staff who are up-to-date with the latest trends? Do you need advice or do you just want to tell a stylist what to do?

GOOD salons offer free, no obligation consultations. So, before you commit yourself to making an appointment, meet the stylist to discuss the style you want and have a good look at the salon from the inside.

There is usually no need to make an appointment for a consultation, although it might be worth ringing before you call to identify a suitable time.

HAIRDRESSERS aren't mindreaders, so explain what you'd like and take pictures with you to show them. Be open to ideas from the stylist as they may see how a look will work better.

Assess if the stylist has the sort of ideas you like, if they are listening to you and considering your needs rather than just telling you what they would like to do.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.