10 winter hair care tips

Keep the gloss this winter

Winter can take its toll on your hair - cold winds, pouring rain, icy snaps, central heating all take their toll on your locks. So it's worth starting a change-of-seasons care regime to keep your hair in the best shape possible.

Follow this advice from hairstylist to the stars and creative director at the Daniel Galvin salon in central London, Asgar, to keep your tresses looking glossy, moisturised and full of life - whatever the weather.

1. The winter months can dull hair, so invest in a good quality shampoo and conditioner to get a healthy shine. Wash and condition your hair, then blast it with a cold water rinse to help seal in the conditioner to add shine and make your hair easier to style.

2. Your winter hair may already be in damage deficit from exposure to the sun and sea during the summer months, so needs to be nourished from within. Choose an intensive moisturising shampoo and conditioner: look for products with the word ‘replenish’ on them.

3. Add a hair treatment mask once a week to your hair care routine.

4. Moisturise your hair once a week with a hot oil treatment to promote a healthy scalp and nourished hair. Some natural oils that work particularly well include coconut oil and almond oil.

5. Give your hair a new lease of life in the autumn/winter months with a cut to get rid of split ends. Aim to get your split ends trimmed every six to eight weeks as this will promote healthy hair.

6. As the weather becomes colder and the air drier, it takes its toll on your hair and can cause it to become brittle and dry and to break. Indoor heating can also damage hair. Wear a scarf or hat when outside, and add humidity to the air in your home or office - your hair and skin will benefit.

7. To avoid frizzy, static-prone hair in the winter months, keep your hair tied up as much as possible, particularly when out and about, and especially when exercising.

8. If you use heat styling tools, like curling tongs or hair straighteners, then you must always use a good quality, nourishing heat defence spray or leave-in conditioner to protect your hair and keep it looking glossy and hydrated. This is especially important during winter, when cold wind, rain and the added heat from styling tools all contribute to hair damage.

9. Try not to leave the house with wet hair: the cold weather can cause your hair to freeze at the cuticle and cause it to break.

10. Lastly, why not rejuvenate yourself and go for a new look this winter by dyeing your hair a dark, warm colour? On-trend colours right now include mahogany, plum and chocolate brown.