Winter brings with it a whole new set of problems for our locks, so we’re always on the lookout for winter hair care tips to get us through the colder months.
Our beauty editor, Martinique Stevens, has spoken to the experts, who shared their clever ways to winter-proof your hair.
ALSO SEE: Our beauty editor’s winter skincare tips
Hair care tips for rainy days
The ultimate winter-hair bugbear, even a sprinkle of rain is destined to instigate a bad hair day. But a blow-dry, in the salon or at home, helps close the cuticle and start you off with smoother hair that can withstand the elements, even those with frizz.
“I always say ‘the smoother the better’ as this will last the longest,” says Kérastase ambassador James Galvin.
“Hair that has all of its movement blow-dried out will slowly start to go back to its own natural state over the next couple of days, so what starts off smooth will stay smooth, but end up with natural movement. Two looks out of one blow-dry.”
Try this:
The easiest all-weather updo is the nape bun. Simply make a ponytail at the nape of the neck, twist your hair around itself, then secure in place with a clip or pin.
Palm Leaf Hair Slides, R59,95 for two
How to handle hat hair
Ever think it seems a bit pointless wearing a hat to protect your hair from the elements, only to whisk it off and find your locks crushed flat and out of shape?
“Avoid wearing a hat that’s too tight on your head,” says James. “If you will be taking your hat off later and wearing your hair down, the best thing to do is gently twist it up onto the top of your head and pin in place.
“This should sit nice and neat under your hat. Then, when you eventually take off your hat, you should have soft movement, and no kinks from where it has been sitting.”
Try this:
Keep on hand “a root-building dry shampoo such as Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Two Day Extender, and spritz it onto your roots to plump up your style once you take your hat off,” says hairstylist Jonny Long.
Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Two Day Extender, R342 for 180ml
Bump up your regime…
Before you lay your head down and nod off, try a leave-in hair treatment to replenish lost moisture and oils. The conditioning blend of vitamins A and E in John frieda Frizz Ease Daily Miracle Leave-In Conditioner, R115,99 for 200ml make this the perfect softening hair treatment, that is light enough to not weigh fine hair down.
ALSO SEE: Make your hands look younger for winter
Prevent a dry, itchy scalp
A flakier or sensitive scalp is more common at this time of year, so try a soothing scalp massage while you cleanse from a range like Schwarzkopf’s Scalp Genesis Range, that was developed to calm a number of scalp issues.
Try this:
Try Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Scalp Genesis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, R275 for 200ml, to solve your flaky scalp woes.
You can also try a much-loved 10-minute softening hair masque, like this Kérastase Resistance Masque Force Architecte, R510 for 200ml, that helps condition the scalp, repair split ends, and nurture brittle, thirsty strands.
Don’t forget supplements….
Cold, wintry months can cause stress and dryness, making thinning hair become an issue, too. Trichotin Hair Regenesis with Co-enzyme Q10, R418 for a one-month supply has had a significant effect on hair volume, growth and texture for a number of colleagues and friends.
Curly hair care for winter
Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair, so opt for a leave-in cream to add a blast of moisture.
Try this:
Perfect for ethnic hair, ORS Curls Unleashed Shea Butter & Honey Curl Defining Créme, R199,95 for 453g nourishes thirsty strands from root to tip.
Tame winter frizz
Snuggling by the fireplace or heater is great, but it’s as drying for hair as it is for the face. And, of course, going in and out of heated rooms can make hair look pretty dull and lifeless in no time, too.
So reduce the amount of heat styling you do as much as you possibly can, or invest in tools that won’t do as much harm.
Try this:
Incorrigible waves will love this nifty Veaudry Power Styler, R399 blow-drying attachment, too. It smooths out kinks, leaving hair silky smooth and shiny.
Combat frizz by braiding hair, then running the braids through a straightener. Leave to cool, and then untie for a chic, modern wave.
The one trick for extra softness and less frizz is to layer in a humidity-resistant styling cream like Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream, R455 for 300ml. It’s lightweight, and helps control frizz that’s worse in winter.
