1. I’ve started a high-impact fitness regimen. I love my new workouts, but what do I do with my hair?

Beauty Director and Cover Editor Mikki Taylor says, “It’s most important to have a fuss-free do. Braids, chignons, texturized short cuts or cropped ‘fros will keep the number of your styling concerns to a minimum.”

“A secure ponytail works for me,” says Beauty Editor Tasha Turner. “If I leave the ponytail intact until the perspiration dries, I can still wrap my hair at night and have a bob that works the next day.”

2. I know my constant use of flat and curling irons can’t be healthy for my relaxed hair. I’m thinking about going natural, but I don’t know where to start. What transitional styles do you recommend?

“Braids, twists and even full weaves can make your style life easy as you grow your hair out,” says Fashion and Beauty Features Editor Pamela Edwards. “Just make sure you don’t encourage any unnecessary shedding by leaving add-on hair in for more than six weeks.”

Stylist Derrick Scurry says, “If you’re not into braids and twists, you can press your new growth after you have about an inch of virgin hair. Press it, then set it with rollers or pin curls. Curly sets are better than straight looks when you’re dealing with two textures. The curls camouflage the new growth if it reverts.”

3. My scalp is especially dry and flaky just at the hairline, around my face. No matter how much oil I use, nothing seems to make a difference. The hair in this area seems to be shedding as well. Help!

“Fungus on the scalp is a common problem that can cause dryness, flaking and shedding,” says dermatologist and creator of brownskin.net, Susan Taylor. “You should see your dermatologist to determine if in fact these symptoms are due to a fungal infection or psoriasis, another condition with the same symptoms. Prescription shampoos like Clobex and topical medications like Olux Foam can easily treat these conditions.”

4. I’m entering a new phase in my life (graduating from law school), and I want to take the braids out and wear my hair straight. How should I initially straighten my hair?

“Start by pressing it,” says Scurry. “You have more styling options that way. You can wear your hair both straight or natural. If you prefer the ease of a relaxer, go ahead. Just be sure to deep condition before you dry and straighten. You should also trim the hair, whether it’s relaxed or pressed. You’ll be much happier with the results of your straight look if your hair looks lush and healthy.” We love Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak ($2, sallybeauty.com) and Dove Advanced Color Care Reviving Mask ($6, drugstores nationwide). Edwards says, “Color-specific conditioners are great for coarse hair, colored or not. They have extra moisturizing agents that are beneficial to our hair.”

5. Is it okay to use Rogaine on my relaxed hair?

“No scientific data has compared the two, but I have found no problems in prescribing Rogaine for hundreds of my patients who have relaxed hair,” says Susan Taylor. “However, whether you have a relaxer or not, you have to watch out for the drying effect Rogaine can have on your hair. Counter this with additional moisturizing hairdressings or oils.” One to try: Luster’s You Grow hairdressin