Your ultimate winter hair care guide - by the experts
Photo by Tamara Bellis on Unsplash
How do I look after my hair in winter: the tips and tricks you need for shiny glossy hair.
Want to know how to look after your hair in winter? We’ve got the answers.
We all know that the cold, dry air and harsh winds can strip our hair of moisture and leaving it looking dull and lifeless.
Photo by Martin Reisch on Unsplash
Static can be a big problem in winter too particularly after wearing a woolly hat, or if you spend a lot of time in rooms with the central heating on.
This is basically because the hair starts to pick up a static charge whenever it dries out - under normal circumstances this static charge would be absorbed by water molecules in the air, but dry winter air means there is nowhere for this moisture to go. And that means FRIZZ!
So if you want to know how do I look after my hair in winter, here are our top three tips to try today:
PUT THE MOISTURE BACK WITH A HAIR TREATMENT
Give your hair a lovely hydrating shampoo, use a hair oil treatment or deep conditioning mask to lock in that moisture and stop hair becoming brittle.
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
LOOK AFTER YOUR SCALP
As well as the hair follicles the scalp is covered in a ton of microscopic sebaceous glands (responsible for producing the healthy hair sebum oils that keep the hair nourished).
When the scalp gets dry or irritated, these glands stop working properly and your body’s supply of sebum dries up - so the hair is stripped of its natural protective coating, and exposed to the cold winter air - this is what makes it brittle or dry in the colder months.
To counteract this, look out for specialist shampoos and treatments designed to nourish the scalp. Most of these products have a combo of peptides, proteins and plant extracts to maintain the balance of natural oil needed for a healthy scalp.
GET A HAIRCUT
Regular trims mean that the split ends, and any damaged dry or old hairs are left on the salon floor. We recommend getting a trim every 4-6 weeks, more if you have a shorter style you want to keep in check. Click here or the button below to book your next haircut.
How do I take care of blonde curly hair?
Being blonde and curly are two things that need just that little bit extra attention when it comes to hair care.
Here are our top tips for looking after your colour and curls.
Shampoo sparingly
Over-washing curly hair can strip it of the natural oils you need to keep it healthy, shiny and hydrated. Opt for colour enhancing purple shampoos. Click here to read about our pick of the best.
Condition like crazy
Coloured hair, as well as curl, need extra moisture, so invest in some quality deep conditioner and try and do a hair mask once a week.
Over avoid-styling
Heated styling tools like hairdryers, straighteners and curlers really play havoc with hair, so try to minimise how often you do this, and keep the heat setting low.
How to repair chemically damaged hair
Too many chemical treatments, like hair dyes, professional straightening or perms, can leave your hair in serious need of some TLC.
While going for a drastic chop and starting again is one option, if you can't face a completely new look there are a few things you can do to repair your hair and stop it from getting worse...
Unlike your skin, your hair doesn't regenerate itself once it is damaged. The good news is, increasing the moisture with a hydrating mask can help bond the hair cuticles back, both in the salon and at home. Talk to us today about the moisturising treatments we have on offer.
Weekly hair mask
If you're doing a DIY hair mask, aim for once a week. You can even sleep in it overnight (with hair wrapped in a microfibre towel) for maximum hydration.
Comb conditioner through before rinsing
Another way to improve the appearance of frazzled hair by combing conditioner through your mid-lengths and ends before rinsing, which has the effect of smoothing the hair cuticles down.
Use hair serum
A fortifying hair serum nourishes the scalp and hair follicles. We like L'Oreal's Absolute Repair Serum, which you can buy here.
Regular haircuts
A great haircut will also revitalise hair and make you look - and feel - better about your damaged hair. You don't have to do anything drastic. We can work with your hair to create a style that complements the way it moves.
Everything you need to know about sulfate-free hair care
When you’re ready to make the move to sulfate-free hair care products, there’s more to it than heading to the shops and picking up the first bottle you see.
Sulfate-free hair care products have become super-popular over the years—meaning you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Here’s our guide to L’Oreal’s best sulfate-free hair care products, so you can find the right ones for your hair.
PRODUCTS FOR BLONDE, COLOURED HAIR
Once you switch up your shade, your hair will require special care. That means your regular old shampoo and conditioner won't do the trick any more, so try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment. The EverPure Blonde system can help neutralise unwanted brass tones while hydrating over-processed hair. Once or twice a week, use the hair mask in place of the conditioner.
PRODUCTS FOR DRY HAIR
Just as using the wrong facial cleanser and moisturiser can be a detriment to your dry skin, using the wrong shampoo and conditioner won’t exactly benefit your hair if it’s on the dry side. Focus on finding a system of shampoo and conditioner that moisturises, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. The EverPure Moisture system gently cleanses and conditions dry hair to help replenish essential moisture, lush-touch softness, and luminous shine.
PRODUCTS FOR FRIZZY HAIR
Frizz, frizz go away. Come again…not another day. It’s pretty clear that frizzy hair is one thing pretty much no one wants, and managing it is all about using the right hair care products. Enter the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum, which can be used in conjunction for humidity and frizz control, manageability, and smooth luminosity.
PRODUCTS FOR THIN HAIR
If you have thin hair, you may be wondering how to create the appearance of a fuller-looking mane. If that sounds like you, try the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion. The system of shampoo and conditioner gently cleanses and purifies thin hair, removing buildup and excess oils to help promote the appearance of thicker-looking hair, while the leave-in lotion helps repair the look of damaged, split ends.
PRODUCTS FOR DAMAGED HAIR
You can be as careful as can be, but still your hair may end up damaged. If you have damaged hair, it’s a good idea to look for a hair care system that’s formulated for your hair type. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Repair and Defend Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm, which can help protect damaged hair from daily aggressors like UV rays, water, and heat styling. Use the hair mask in place of the conditioner once or twice a week—you can also use it as a pre-shampoo mask for extra conditioning.
PRODUCTS FOR CURLY HAIR
If you’ve got spirals, you’re in luck: Curly hair is in! Use a system of hair care products that helps create the appearance of soft, manageable, hydrated curls, like the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream Gel. To use the hair gel, apply 1-2 pumps to clean, towel-dried hair, then let your curls air dry.
Pankhurst and Deane is a L’Oreal hair salon and we use and sell their products. This is an edited version of a L’Oreal article. The original version can be viewed here.
Help! How do I grow out a short bob?
When you're growing out your hair it can feel painstakingly slow, and there's nothing worse than that in between stage when you feel like you're neither one style nor another.
The thing is, there is no single product that will make your hair grow quicker (sorry, we wish there was!). But there are certain things you can do which will get your hair in great condition to help it grow:
Treat your hair with some TLC
Try and exfoliating shampoo to properly cleanse your hair and strengthen it against breakage. We like this one from L'Oreal Paris. A rich argan-oil based conditioner like this will also keep your locks in good condition.
Cut your hair every six - eight weeks
We know this sounds scary and counterproductive to someone growing their hair, but regular trims will give your follicles a boost and help with your game-term plan to have long, luscious locks . Book your next appointment by calling us on 01865 553725 or clicking here.
Stop towel drying your hair
If you wrap your hair into a bath towel turban after washing, stop! This causes hair to break, and towel rubbing it dry causes even more damage. Instead invest in a microfibre hair wrap like this, which is more gentle on the follicles and also helps to de-frizz at the same time.
Three easy spring haircare tips you need to try TODAY
Spring is finally here, which means the weather is (hopefully!) sunnier, the flowers are in full bloom and it's a great time to think about changing your haircare routine.
Here are our top three tips for looking after your hair this season:
1. Have a trim
Winter really takes its toll on your hair, with the cold air and indoor heating playing havoc with your locks by drying it out. A quick trim is all you need to get rid of dry and damaged ends and help your hair regain its shine and health. Book your next appointment by calling us today on 01865 553725 or fill in our booking form here.
2. Lighten your hair
In spring, not only the days should be lighter, but it's nice to give your hair a lift, too. If you're not ready to completely overhaul your look with a brand new colour, then we recommend trying our new L'oreal Instant Highlights to change your hairstyle without doing anything too drastic. Not only do they take half the time of normal highlights, they have a really natural finish for that all-important sun kissed look.
3. Let your hair dry naturally
It's madness to go out with wet hair in winter, but now the weather is warming up you can let your hair air dry a bit more. Taking a hairdryer break will also give your hair a chance to grow stronger and it avoids further damaging the strands. Remember to gently towel dry rather than rub your hair as the follicles are at their weakest when wet.
Our favourite hair products that really work
Fed up with hair products that over-promise and under-deliver? We’ve tracked down the ones that we think REALLY work, from frizz busters and heat protectors to hydration boosters and thickening lotions.
Shiny hair secrets, from the experts
Everyday exposure to things like showers, pollution, and hair styling products can decrease your hair's health and make it look less shiny than you'd like.
The most important thing for shiny hair is that the hair cuticle is closed and smooth so it can reflect the light. Well-moisturised, healthy hair is naturally shinier—and applying hot hair oils is the fastest way to boost hydration levels and improve existing damage.
Here are three more ways to boost shine:
Blast your hair with cold water after washing: an icy cold rinse in the shower shuts all the cuticles down, making them lay flat so your strands will shine.
Try a leave in conditioner: a lightweight leave-in conditioner can help moisturise and smooth the hair cuticles.
Avoid harmful ingredients: check labels on shampoo, conditioner and styling products and avoid anything with paragons, which can strip the hair of moisture.
Try this £7.59 deep conditioning trick to add moisture to hair
Is your hair heat damaged and flyaway? Exposure to sun, excessive blowdrying, curling and straightening, can leave hair dry and frazzled, stripping it of its natural oils.
It's unrealistic for most of us to completely abandon our favourite heat styling tools, but you can bring your hair back to life with Argan oil (just £7.59 from Amazon).
Argan oil from Amazon