How To Winterproof Your Hair

If your hair is suffering, it pays to be prescriptive with your wash routine. Instead of reaching for whatever is to hand in the shower, think about what your hair really needs and act accordingly. If the recent cold snap has made your hair dry and your scalp itchy or sensitised, look for something that’s as calming as it is cossetting.

Straand is a new brand with an inclusive attitude to haircare, meaning it’s suitable for all hair types. To relieve some of the irritation, opt for the Crown Cleanse, a prebiotic shampoo designed to tackle dandruff and cleanse the scalp properly without stripping it of those all-important oils. Its Crown Boost Conditioning Treatment is hardworking without being heavy, leaving hair shiny and your scalp feeling balanced and comfortable.

If the cold, drying weather has wreaked havoc with your ends, but your scalp remains prone to oiliness, L’Oréal Elvive’s latest launch might be just what you need. With targeted ingredients to address greasy roots as well as frizzy, thirsty ends, the Hydra Pure Shampoo and Conditioner duo contains both salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid to create a beautifully balanced head of hair.

Although we tend to think of frizz as more of a problem in hot, humid climates, freezing temperatures can mess with the delicate moisture balance in the hair cuticle. To negate any kind of frizz, whatever the forecast, it’s essential to keep hair sufficiently moisturised with a hydrating regime that starts in the shower and ends with a good styling routine.

One of the best stylers is Color Wow’s Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment, which acts like a raincoat for your strands by creating a water-repelling seal over the top. Although it’s activated by heat, it’s worth the effort as it keeps frizz at bay for up to four washes. If you want a longer-term solution, Olaplex’s No.6 Bond Smoother works on strengthening the hair’s molecular structure so that hair is less susceptible to begin with.

If your hair is looking as dull and lifeless as the grey winter skies, a glossing treatment will help revive its lustre. Although diet, UV damage, heated tools and colour are all contributory factors, our hair often looks more lacklustre during the winter months as there’s less light to bounce off its surface. Thankfully, at-home hair glosses are becoming more accessible and an excellent one is the newly launched Hair Gloss from Ouai, which utilises the properties of hyaluronic acid and rice water to add instant and long-term shine to hair. Additionally, it boosts colour vibrancy, protects against fading and adds heat protection.

During the winter, the lack of vitamin D from the sun can manifest as dry, brittle hair that’s prone to breakage. If that’s you, fortify your hair with something that works from the inside out. John Frieda’s latest technology is a breakthrough for brittle strands and helps build resilience so that split ends are reduced by up to 99% and hair is less likely to snap. The Strengthening Super Fluid is the latest addition to the PROfiller+ range and is packed with skincare-inspired ingredients like biotin and hyaluronic acid. To address the vitamin D issue, it’s important to supplement your intake during the period when the sun is lacking, i.e. between October and April. Bare Biology’s Vitamin D3+Vitamin K2 spray is easy to take and convenient, and offers the added benefits of bone-strengthening K2.