IF THERE was a magic product abolish bad hair days, it would sell in its millions.

A hairstyle disaster can ruin the best outfit, so the average woman is prepared to spend an estimated 45 minutes looking after her hair every day.

Despite spending years searching for a cut which will always look great, and devoting a chunk of every day to blow-drying, straightening, curling and general tweaking, many of us still struggle on a daily basis with an unmanageable bird's nest.

Celebrity stylist Andrew Jose insists that everyone's hair has great potential. For those who regularly leave the hairdresser feeling it is far from their crowning glory, his new book, Love Your Hair, offers tips on how to make the best of your barnet.

The stylist suggests you start by getting to know your hair:

Run your hands through it and work out what the texture and condition is. Hair is dead, so if it is damaged by chemicals or heat it can not repair itself;

Find a cut which suits your own hair;

For the perfect style, you need a good stylist -- they should be able to give you expert advice, as well as knowing the latest trends. If you feel you are being browbeaten, you are in the wrong place. Try asking your friends for a recommendation;

If you are trying somewhere new, book a wash and blow-dry before surrendering to a stranger's scissors.

Jose says you should always be honest with your hairdresser. Are you prepared to spend an hour blow-drying it every day or do you want to be able to wash, style and go in 10 minutes?

The right cut should also suit your lifestyle, be easy to maintain and grow out well. Be realistic. If you have curly hair, you are not going to have a sleek bob without a lot of work.

As well as your hair, your cut must work with your face. Heart-shaped and oval faces can carry off most styles, while square shapes need softer styles, round faces should avoid width around their cheeks, and long faces look best with longer hair.