Here's to a great hair day

A woman's hair is her crowning glory. Yet 60 percent of us believe that images in the media set the standard for what is considered great hair -- and that it takes oodles of hours, lots of dough and an army of stylists to get the look of, say, Jennifer Aniston. Or maybe Jennifer Lopez. Or Jennifer Love Hewitt. Or Jennifer in your algebra class, who was born with a silver blow dryer in her hand.

The folks at Dove say women shouldn't be tearing their hair out in frustration. To encourage women to stop comparing their locks to the lovelies from Tinsle Town, the company is announcing the Dove Love Your Hair Ad Contest. Winners will have the opportunity to appear in the next Dove ad campaign, which will focus on real people instead of extravagantly paid models and actresses. To enter, go to http://www.doveloveyourhair.com/and let your hair down. Create an ad featuring a photo of yourself and your fabulous hair.

Shoppers also can order free samples of Dove shampoos and conditioners. Dove Hair Care will donate $1 for every contest entry to support self-esteem workshops for young girls through uniquely ME! The Girl Scout / Dove Self-Esteem program. The Dove Self-Esteem Fund is part of the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, a global effort designed to widen today's stereotypical view of beauty.

So hold your heads high. ladies -- and have a great hair day.