10 Ways to Winter Proof Your Hair

• Shampoo less
  Surprisingly, the air in winter is drier than in summer and, coupled with central heating, it can make hair drier, too - but at least it's less inclined to flop. If you switch to a moisturizing shampoo that won't strip your hair and the right styling products, you'll probably be able to squeeze in an extra day between washes. That means you won't need to blast your hair with a dryer as often, which is good news for your hair.
• Extra conditioning is essential
  Stop hair drying out like straw with a richer conditioner. If the ends are really dry, rinse out your normal conditioner in the usual way and follow with a leave-in conditioning spray where you need it to help soften and seal the ends. Treat your hair to an intensive conditioning treatment once a week to increase elasticity, strength and shine. Some of the best work in under three minutes.
• Fight the frizz
  Top hairdressers recommend using nourishing and smoothing shampoos and conditioners to help put moisture back into the hair. Best thing is to use a straightening balm on the mid-lengths to the ends and divide your hair into sections so that you can blow-dry or flat-iron one area at a time. Always point your hairdryer down the hairshaft to keep the cuticles lying flat and try to keep your hair out of the rain.
• Treat your scalp
  Freezing cold weather, warm homes and a generally drier atmosphere can take their toll on your scalp. It becomes drier, flakier and can feel tight and itchy. First give your scalp the gentle brush off to loosen flaky bits, before using a soothing moisturizing shampoo, like Nizoral's. Stimulate the circulation by massaging your scalp daily before reaching for stronger, anti-dandruff alternatives.
• Tame flyaways
  When hair strands are dry and brushing has caused friction, the ions that are produced repel each other, causing static and annoying flyaways. The newest Ionic hairdryers - from Nicky Clarke Electric and Revlon - release streams of conditioning opposite ions that surround each hair, to help remove static build-up. Mia McCarthy, at top South Wales hairdressers, McCarthy's, says: 'Static is often a problem for fine hair and using a good hairspray after styling will help flatten those short strands that refuse to lie down.'
• Control wild locks
  Curls often need coaxing into a smooth, defined shape. 'To get control of your hair you need to smooth and coat it with a product that tames but adds flexibility,' says celebrity and Royal hairdresser, Denise McAdam.'Work a small amount of serum or anti-frizz cream through half-dry hair before blow drying or winding onto Velcro rollers. Remove them when you're hair's dry, or try twisting sections of hair into shape and letting it dry naturally. Really unruly locks may need the heat of a curling gadget to really get that tousled look.
• At war with the elements
  'If your hair fluffs up at the first sign of rain, use a product that will seal the hair shaft and help prevent moisture from getting in,' says Charles Worthington, who recommends his Q&A Frizz Humidity Block Hairspray, to keep your hair smooth and frizz-free. For short hair that needs texturising or sculpting and won't flatten completely in the wind, try using a firm hold gel or waxy pomade. And, apart from securing your hair back into a smooth J-Lo bun or a side plait, a gel spray will help keep curl, body or shape in longer styles.
• Hair should shine
  Colour doesn't fade as fast in winter but as your skin is paler, you should go for slightly richer shades. Colour expert, Lisa Shepherd, advises going for shades you would find in a chocolate box, from caramel to bitter brown. And use a colour enhancing shampoo/conditioner once a week with a spritz of shine spray to add a gloss to your hair on gloomy days.
• Check your diet
  Don't give in to excessive sweet and stodgy comfort foods, which won't do much for your hair. Protein and certain fats are essential for the growth of strong hair that's in good condition, so include more dairy products, oily fish such as sardines and salmon; chicken, cereals and vegetable oils. Top hairdresser, Andrew Jose says: 'Up your zinc, iron and B, C and E vitamins with fresh fruit, green vegetables, wholewheat pasta, brown rice and pulses'.
• Drink more
  Water, that is. Since 70 per cent of the body is made of water we have to keep it stocked up, so rehydrate your hair from the inside by drinking eight glasses a day. Sadly, tea, coffee and alcohol have a dehydrating effect, so remember to have a glass of water to compensate for each time you have one of them.