Hirsute inspiration. (The Roving Eye).

SUPERSTITIOUS athletes tend to wear a lucky charm or favorite pair of socks during a playoff series but for Lakers' coach Phil Jackson it's all about hair.

During the 2001 playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, Jackson had his hair styled before every game by feng shui guru Billy Yamaguchi. Then, the good karma ran out against the Philadelphia 76ers, when Jackson didn't get feng shui-ed and the Lakers lost the first game.

The Chinese have been using feng shui to harmonize living and workspaces for centuries. Feng shui means "wind water" in Chinese, and is used to increase the flow of "chi," or good energy.

With hair, Yamaguchi has become a master of one of feng shui's most adventurous strands. He seeks to incorporate a client's external attributes, such as facial structure and skin tone, with "inner" characteristics.

A customer who identifies with the color blue reveals a "wood" element, for example. People with "wood" characteristics are typically outgoing types and Yamaguchi recommends a playful, tousled hairstyle. Clients who prefer green hues reflect a "metal" element Because of their meticulous and structured nature, Yamaguchi will design a more formal, classic look.

"Phil's makeup is earth and water," said Yamaguchi, who offers haircuts at several L.A.-area hotels at prices ranging from $85 to $250. "The earth element reflects his supportive, nurturing side while the water element is stylish and contemplative." The result? A short, neat cut that is no fuss and chic.

After his 2001 experience, Jackson curbed his ritual haircuts for the 2002 playoffs. "He got his hair cut only once during the playoff season. But by the time the Lakers got to New Jersey, frankly, I don't think he even needed me," Yamaguchi said.