doing your best.
Most images of women you see
on TV just aren’t realistic. Look
around. Real women’s bodies look
like your mom’s, your teacher’s,
your next-door neighbor’s.
Kindness Counts
As your body is growing and
changing, be kind to yourself.
And remember to be kind to
other girls, too. They want to
feel good about themselves,
just like you do.
Heads Up!
Let’s take it from the top, with tips for handling
your hair, sound advice on ears, and bright tips
for bright eyes. Learn how a healthy mouth
makes for a great grin. Brush up on tooth, gum, and
braces basics. Finally, get the scoop on the skin
you’re in so you can put your best face forward!
Hair Care
Start your everyday grooming routine right at
the top with clean, shiny, freshly combed hair.
Do Keep It Clean
As you get older, your hair may get
more oily. Keep it clean by washing
it regularly. For most girls this means
several times a week. If you’re an
active athlete, or if you have very
oily hair, you may want to wash it
every day. Use a mild shampoo that’s
made for your hair type. If your hair
tangles easily, use a conditioner to
smooth it out.
Do De-chlorinate
If you’re a swimmer, rinse the pool
water out of your hair after every
dip. Chlorine can be very drying,
and other chemicals can turn blond
hair green. You can buy special
shampoos made for swimmers,
but regular shampoo often works
just as well.
Do Wash Tools
Make sure your brushes and combs
are as squeaky-clean as your hair.
About once a week, give them a
swish in warm, soapy water—you
can use shampoo or even mild dish
detergent. Rinse thoroughly.
Don’t Mangle
Tangles
While your hair is still wet, use a
wide-tooth comb to detangle small
sections. Start with the ends first
and work your way up. If you hit a
rough spot, don’t yank! Gently work
the comb through your hair.
Do Use the
Right Tools
Some hair-care tools can damage
your hair and scalp. Choose a brush
with a rubber base and round-tipped
bristles. Never use a brush on wet
hair, which is weaker than dry hair—
the brush stretches the hair out and
can cause it to break. Use a wide-
tooth comb instead.
Don’t Share
Sharing is a good thing, except when
it comes to hair tools. Don’t borrow
combs and brushes from friends or
family members, and don’t lend
them yours. It isn’t stingy—it’s good
hygiene.
Don’t Overheat
Blow-dryers, straightening irons, and
curling irons can really dry out your
hair. If possible, let your hair dry
naturally. If you use a blow-dryer, use
the warm or cool setting. Don’t use
straightening irons and curling irons
every day—save them for special
occasions.
Hair Scare!
When hair-raising horrors happen to you,
here’s how to handle them.
Getting Gum Out
Uh-oh! Somehow you’ve managed
to get a big, juicy wad of gum in
your hair. Before you reach for the
scissors,
