For years, bodybuilders, swimmers and cyclists have been known to shave excess body hair on the legs and chest, claiming it can make them faster and lighter. However, removing chest hair has also developed into a vanity-related fashion statement. Models, actors and others now regularly sport baby-smooth chests.

You don't need to visit a salon to style your hair in perfect spiral curls. Whether your hair is naturally curly, wavy or straight, you can achieve the look at home using a curling iron and practicing a few techniques. Curly hair is the easiest to style, while straight hair takes more time and practice.

Many women wish their hair would grow longer and faster. Stimulating new hair growth is possible whether you suffer from hair loss due to a genetic condition, stress or chemical treatments or you just want to grow your hair healthier and longer. Generally speaking, hair grows at an average rate of 6 inches a year.

The shampoo you choose can make a difference in the health and appearance of your hair. The pH balance of your hair and skin is about 5, or slightly acidic. Shampoos can be either acidic or alkaline; a shampoo that advertises itself as being “pH balanced” should be slightly acidic.

High-lift color -- color that involves the use of ultra-strength developers, bleach powder, or lift and tone colors -- causes the most damage to hair.

Synthetic hair fibers are fine threads manufactured to resemble human hair. Manufacturers may use single type, monofilament fibers, or a combination of two or three, polyfilament, fibers, Acrylic or polyester is used to make some fibers.

Dry curls leads to frizz and overall dullness. This hair type is more susceptible to dryness because curls prevent your scalp's sebum, or oil, from hydrating the entire length of your strands.

The best hair growth shampoos often include a combination of treatment types. There are four main types of treatment for over-the-counter hair growth: DHT Inhibitors, antiandroginens, growth stimulants, and anti-inflammatories.

Beautiful healthy hair grows from a clean and healthy scalp. Each strand of healthy hair should have a shine or sheen that seems to come from within the hair shaft, with an intact cuticle. Healthy hair has few split or damaged ends.

A head of white hair is striking and elegant. Yellowed white hair, however, looks dull and dirty. White hair turns yellow due to a number of factors, some of which you can control -- such as smoking -- and others that you can't.

Sudden hair growth in an area where hair usually does not grow is often the sign of a hormonal imbalance. Women are especially susceptible to hair growth on the face if male hormones become elevated.

A head full of thick, lustrous hair is what most people want and admire. Unfortunately, many people find their hair is not as thick as they would like. As the years go by, hair loss can become a problem, accelerated by illnesses, medications and aging.