Hair Today . . . by Theane Evangelis Special to washingtonpost.com Wednesday, February 16, 2000

Link Nicoll for WPNI

ILO Day Spa in Georgetown (1637 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202/342-0350), with its impressive roster of clients such as Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore and the infamous Monica Lewinsky, hosts its color academy in partnership with L'Oreal Professionel. Its purpose is to offer continuing education classes on the latest and best developments in color to experienced area colorists. Colorists attending the academy benefit from the expertise of ILO instructors Jack Howard and Jill Wilson, a dynamic British duo who adapt the hottest runway looks to suit local D.C. tastes.

If you're looking for an instant hair fix, color is a surefire way to update your look. And if you're painfully growing out of an old haircut, a new color can make the transition a lot easier. According to ILO owner Gary Walker, hair follows fashion, so looking forward to spring's flowing, feminine clothes, we can be sure that hair will be equally soft and feminine. ILO's team envisions syrupy, translucent color in shades of chocolate, strawberry and caramel, which is applied in three-dimensional pyramids, utilizing areas of brightness and richness for added depth.

And a new springy color can be yours free of charge. ILO's Color Academy offers approximately 22 lucky volunteer hair models free color services, regularly priced between $80 to $220, every other weekend. To sign up, just stop by the salon and fill out the appropriate form. The salon will take your photograph, and you'll be contacted if chosen. To add to the allure for busy working women, classes are held on Sundays.

But if you can't snag a coveted slot at ILO's Color Academy, head over to efx/bluemercury in Georgetown or Dupont Circle or shop online at www.bluemercury.com and stock up on some proven products to get your hair through the winter blahs. The right products can help transform dull and damaged hair into a smooth, sexy mane. Moisture is a must, so your winter survival kit should include Gentle Shampoo by Bumble and Bumble ($12) and Terax Crema conditioner ($16), a miracle static fighter. Another great find is J.F. Lazartigue Rapid-Drying Shampoo ($17), which cuts drying time by up to 30 percent.

Desperate straits? Pick up Indian Sealing Serum by Aesop ($28). This all-natural treatment contains plant extracts that actually seal the hair cuticle and leave hair super shiny. Best of all, its all-natural ingredients don't build up like silicone-based alternatives. Keeping styling products to a minimum also helps prevent dull build-up. To pump up your locks, all you need are Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray ($18) and Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom ($15.50) to add shine, moisture and manageability to new spring styles.

Coming soon: Haircut classes at ILO