Many women may not realise looking after their locks during the cooler months is just as crucial as care during warmer weather.
Jack of all trades, Vincent Noble – an international educator, platform artist for Wella and senior hairdresser at Headcase salon in Paddington in New South Wales (NSW), gives us the lo-down on winter hair care.
‘Hair grows slightly slower in winter than summer, so it should keep the cut and colour a little longer. The scalp does become drier than usual in winter and this can lead to scaling on the scalp.’Noble says, winter winds can also be quite harsh on our hair, drying out the hair shaft, which in turn makes styling very difficult.
‘Some products to work on the dry, scaly scalp and hair not containing silicone are L’Oreal Elvive Anti-Breakage Nutri Repair Masque, Aveda Smooth Infusion Conditioner, and Wella System Professional Perfect Hair and Kerastase Dermo-Calm Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps and Dry Hair.
‘These products are all re-hydrating and replenishing. Our hair can also benefit from the use of a leave in conditioner such as Kiehl’s Panthenol Protein Hair Conditioner or Sebastian Laminates Detangling Milk, which acts as a weather shield.’
Noble also suggests, a good multi-vitamin such as Blackmores Nails Hair and Skin Supplement that contains biotin and silica can work well with conditioning hair and growth.
And what about styling? Winter will see the re-birth of high glamour and the classical look, for example, ‰Û÷Grace Kelly or Dita Von Teese’ says Noble.
‘Nothing choppy, too contrived or too strong looking. If you want curls, and straight or curly are both options, then your curl will be very soft and wave like. Bobs are still in but the hair must be in perfect condition. Lots of fringes but they will be softer looking. Too short hair is a not in, but mid length or longer is ideal. ‰Û÷Some styling products which work are RPR Make Me Curly part of their new range of fruity scented styling products or Redken Smooth Down Detangling Cream. Redken has introduced a range of styling products for straight and curly hair or Delva Spray Sheen treatment -Instant Shine for dull hair.’
Hair colours this winter is richer and warmer and no brass in sight. For blondes think of pearl, champagne pastel or strawberry. For brunettes the look is cinnamon, hazelnut and deeper chocolate.
Redheads are auburn, titian or copper – definitely not fake looking.
‘Highlights are minimal well blended and in toffee tones for brunettes and pastel tones for blondes, and extremely subtle,’ he says.
In summary, Noble says ‘winter hair should appear as beautiful and classy as that iconic accessory – the Hermes handbag.’
Noble’s top tips for caring for your winter hair
- Weekly treatments with products such as Wella Biotouch Extra Rich Instant Repair Ampoules.
- More protein in the diet as well as supplements.
- Have your hair cut every six- eight weeks to maintain style and condition and strengthen follicles.
- Use styling irons rather than blow dryers, as they are less damaging to the hair.
- Go to the hairdresser, have a hair consultation and get a prescription for all your winter hair needs.
- Give yourself a scalp massage when shampooing and conditioning. This brings blood to the scalp and feeds the follicles.
- Colour may need re-doing every 6-12 weeks. Get your colourist to add a glossing colour into your shampoo and conditioner. This helps maintain the colour and improves the shine and the richness of the colour tones. You can try Matrix Shade Memory Shampoo and the conditioner. It comes in blondes and brunettes and L’Oreal Elvive Protecting Conditioner Colour Protect. Elvive has a whole range of colour protect products and Sebastian professional Polish Cream, which protects hair from all environmental issues and leaves it shiny.
