Tress report

Hair statement: "It's who I am. People know exactly who I am when they see the back of my head. "

Hair care products: "Rain is the best! It makes my hair look so nice."

Cost of upkeep: "I'm not telling you how much. A lot." Then she does: cut, $100, three times a year; color, "over $100," every six to seven weeks.

AVA MARIA LENDMAN AND HER DOLL, ELLA

5, kindergarten student

Style strategy: "Whatever is easy as long as it's quick to brush, quick to wash. I'm not one to braid her hair," says Ava's mom, Marsha.

Ava's verdict on a salon visit: "It's boring!"

Cost at human hair salon: Cut, $15, every six to seven weeks; $4 bangs trim every four weeks

Cost at doll hair salon: 2 braids redo at American Girl store, $15

TEENA SUKHWAL

17, high school student

Hair story: "I have never been to a salon."

Ever? "No, never."

Strangers tell her: "You have gorgeous hair."

Hair care products: "Almond oil. You can buy it at the grocery store."

Have you ever cut it? "I used to have it to my knees. Then, five or six years ago, I cut it to my ears and I was, 'I want my hair back.' I was crying."

CORLYN CHEVALIER

27, shoe sales associate

Hair profile: "It's edgy and fashionable at the same time — without having to put too much work into it."

Salon or barbershopÖEG? "Barbershop, but I'm already plotting (to go to) a new place."