The peril of excess sun and the damage it can do to our hair is well publicised but did you know that the harsh winter weather can do just as much harm?

During the winter we constantly expose our hair to extremes of temperature – just compare the warmth of central heating to the cold wind outside – and this can cause dramatic moisture loss, resulting in dry, brittle hair, breakage and split ends.

Wearing tight hats and scarves can cause greasy looking locks as well as restrict blood circulation within the head and scalp. To top it all off, we are likely to be washing the hair more in response to getting caught out in the rain and taking more baths and showers to warm up at the end of a cold day.

Then we have the demands of the forthcoming Christmas party season, when it is essential that our hair is clean, shiny and newly styled.

We can limit the amount of damage winter conditions do to the hair by ensuring that hats and scarves are loose fitting and to limit the amount of heat treatments that we expose ourselves to, including straightening and blow drying. It is also good advice to try to get any colouring or salon treatments completed before the coldest months set in.

Using a good, nourishing conditioner and a weekly hair masque religiously will help to combat moisture loss, keep your hair looking healthy and maintain shine.

For those who like to turn their hand to homemade solutions, an easy alternative to a conditioning masque is to apply mashed avocado, aloe vera extract, honey or olive oil to the hair. Simply plaster the hair in the ingredient of your choice and secure it within a cap for the duration of the treatment to avoid making too much mess. After 10 to 20 minutes, rinse with warm, not hot, water and enjoy pleasing results.

Rhian Gibbings

There used to be an old joke that went:
“You have the prettiest blonde hair. Why’d you dye the roots black?”

Well, it had to happen. The newest hair trend is dark roots. Jessica Simpson has been seen wearing her roots long and in contrast, but Jessica started letting the roots grow for a movie role. It seems she likes the look and lots of celebrity bleached-blondes are following in her footsteps and letting their roots grow out. In fact, some are having the roots dyed to a richer color for more contrast.

I don’t expect this trend will last long, but consider it a free ticket to let your hair coloring appointment go a few more weeks. You will be fashionable with those dark roots and a little rest for your hair from the harsh chemicals can only be a good thing.