Winter needn’t be so hair-raising

Dec 22 2007 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

Lisa Haynes looks at how to stop your hair becoming a seasonal disaster!

WINTER coats, big boots and super-sized woolly knits are doing a good job of keeping us snug. Unlike our wardrobes, beauty routines don’t get such a drastic overhaul.

We’re quick to transform our fashions once temperatures plummet but our locks are often left out of the seasonal switchover.

Hair can be a hidden casualty of the winter months – and often we can’t see the effects until the damage is already done. Dried-out, frizzy ends or static and lifeless, limp locks are just some of the hair nightmares we face when the weather turns nippy.

Joel Goncalves, creative director at John Frieda, says: “When you wash your hair, it actually remains ‘wet’ in the hair shaft for 24 hours, even though it feels dry outside.

“In the winter, central heating saps out this moisture and has a really drying effect on your hair.”

Not sure how to keep your hair in peak condition ready for the party season?

We check out the best winter fixes for lacklustre tresses from Britain’s best hairdressers, so don’t allow the winter to wreak havoc on your hair.

FRIZZ ALERT

Problem: Wet and windy weather is turning my style into a frizz-ball.

“Serum is your secret weapon against frizz,” advises Charles Worthington. “It calms wayward strands and helps lock in moisture by sealing the hair shaft. Smooth a serum into wet hair prior to blow-drying to achieve fantastic frizz control.”

Try: McAdam Anti-Frizz Intense Moisture Masque, £3.47 at Tesco, Charles Worthington Salon Shine Results Frizz Smoothing Serum Gel, £4.49, available at Boots, or Frizz-Ease Serum Finishing Spray, £4.47.

HAIR TREAT

Problem: I hate these long, dark nights. How can I give my hair some easy home pampering during the winter?

“Use a good deep conditioning treatment once a week to replace lost moisture,” Andrew Collinge advises. Use the intensive conditioner when you’re in a hot bath or steam room as this opens the cuticle, allowing the conditioner to really sink in for best results. Or apply the treatment to towel-dried hair, then wrap your hair in a fresh towel for 10 minutes before rinsing out. This will allow the conditioner more time to penetrate the hair so you will really feel the benefits.”

Try: Andrew Collinge 1 Minute Wonder deep conditioning salon treatment, £4.49 (www.andrewcollinge.com), TRESemme Vitamin E Moisture Rich Treatment Masque, £3.99, or James Brown London Intensive Mask for Hair, £7.99, available at Boots.

TANGLED TRESSES

Problem: Once temperatures drop, my long locks start to look dry and tangled. Help!

“Harsh winter winds can cause long hair to tangle and matt, leaving your hair looking dull, frizzy and in bad condition,” warns Collinge.

“For best results when washing, try a shampoo and conditioner especially for longer hair. ”They’ll gently untangle all those snags and keep your hair looking smooth and shiny.”

Try: Imunal Repair Energy Ends Balm, £8.65 (01264 334466/www.kadus.co.uk), Andrew Collinge Perfect Endings Super Smooth Shampoo and Knot Free Conditioner, £4.49 each, and tease out knots with The Tangle Teezer, £9.99 (020 7274 6128/www.tangleteezer.co.uk).

GOODBYE STATIC

Problem: By the time I’ve arrived into work from my morning commute, half my hair is flying around my head like a halo.

Static is a nasty side-effect of the cold winter months but the problem can be curbed, according to Collinge. “If you find your hair getting static when going from cold weather into a warm centrally-heated house, try turning down the heat setting on your dryer,” he advises.

Try: Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique, £16 (0800 316-4400), Goody So Natural Anti-Static Barrel Boar Brush, £5.99 (www.goody.com), or Nutriheat Hair Nutrition Hairdryer, £39.99, available at Boots, Argos and Tesco, which conditions and cares for your hair as you dry.

DULL AS DISHWATER

Problem: My hair colour looks so dull and lifeless during the winter. What can I do without the sun to brighten it up?

“If you live in the city, winter can be an especially bad time for your hair. The pollution in the rain can leave dulling deposits,” Joel Goncalves explains.

“Use a clarifying shampoo daily to get rid of residues that may discolour your hair.”

Try: John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo, £4.49 (0207 851 9800), Lush Hair Doctor pre- wash treatment, £9.95 (www.lush.co.uk), or Pantene Pro-V Clarifying Shampoo, £1.79.