Winter Hair Care - Dos and Don'ts

DO: Use a good conditioner

Perhaps more than at other times of the year, in winter conditioning your hair can really make a difference to its feel and appearance, and professional hair care products are a must when conditioning. Use a top quality, moisturizing conditioner each time you wash. Ideally, once a week, use a richer conditioner, slather on and wrap the hair in a towel for ten minutes. This allows moisture to penetrate more deeply into the hair as a result of the humid environment created. When styling, a silicone-based serum can help to tame the frizz and increase moisture levels even further.

DON'T: Overdo it on the hot tools

During winter, the hair is exposed to extreme temperatures, and this is the major reason for its suffering. Outdoor weather combined with central heating increase static and dryness, as do tools such as curling irons and blow dryers. While you cannot escape from the first two problems, you can limit your use of hot items, as well as protecting the hair by applying a leave in conditioner before use. Washing the hair in warm water rather than hot water can also help, as can using the 'cool' setting on your hairdryer. This can mean that drying your hair takes longer, but the damage done should be reduced.

Care:

1.  Use a shampoo specifically made for color-treated hair
2.  Get a wide-toothed comb
3.  Apply a hair mask every week or two
4.  Trim damaged hair

Avoid:

1.  Hot water
2.  Minimize the use of heat styling products
3.  Showering too long