Common winter hair problems, solved

Now that the temperatures have well and truly dropped (hello, winter!), it's not uncommon for my hair to misbehave. Like clockwork, when winter strikes I bid farewell to my oil-slicked strands and instead face super (super) dry and frizzy ends. Oh, and they just love to tangle! Turns out I’m not alone.

RELATED: Your top-to-toe winter beauty essentials

We asked you, our beloved members, about the hair problems you face during the winter months. We then got Joey Scandizzo, Co-Creative Director of ELEVEN Australia and three-time Australian Hairdresser of the Year to offer some advice. So here you are – your common winter hair problems – solved by somebody who knows his stuff. 

PROBLEM: DRY ENDS
SOLUTION:

As the moisture levels in the air drop, so too do the moisture levels in your strands. It’s no wonder I (and many others) wake up with super dry, frizzy ends on a crisp winter’s morning.

“[When it comes to winter hair problems,] dry hair is the big one,” says Joey. “Make sure you add extra moisture to your routine, a leave-in treatment is great and a once a week moisture/protein boost always helps.”

We recommend applying Schwarzkopf Extra Care Nutri Protect Express Repair Leave In Conditioner to dry, damaged ends after every wash. Combine this with a rich mask like ELEVEN Australia 3 Minute Rinse Out Repair Treatment (which Joey says is the perfect mix of moisture and protein) once a week – and you can thank us later. 

PROBLEM: FRIZZY STRANDS
SOLUTION:

Is frizz your main winter hair concern? If you’re going in and out of hot and cold environments (from warm, cosy heating indoors to the freezing cold streets), the change in temperature can cause the cuticle layer of the hair to open and close, leaving you with a helluva lot of frizz. To counteract this, apply KMS California Tamefrizz De-Frizz Oil to strands in need of a bit of love.

PROBLEM: RAINY DAY LOCKS
SOLUTION:

If you often find your freshly styled hair ruined by winter drizzle on your umbrella-less walk to shelter, chances are you feel pretty peeved at Mother Nature.  

Joey’s on-the-go hack? Dry shampoo, of course! “[It] is a great way to freshen up hair and make the texture created look intentional.” Pop a mini-sized ELEVEN Australia Give Me Clean Hair Dry Shampoo in your handbag, and you’ll be prepared for rain, hail or shine! 

PROBLEM: TANGLED, KNOTTY TRESSES
SOLUTION:

Wearing high neck jumpers, beanies and scarves to keep cosy during the colder months is great – until your hair gets caught among the layers and becomes one big knotty, matted mess by the end of the day. Joey recommends carrying a wide tooth comb in your bag, as “the wide teeth separate the tangles and don’t create a fluffy texture.” This means you can detangle hair on-the-go without turning your locks into a lion’s mane (or is that just me?). We like Scunci Brushology Detangling Comb for an everyday option, or Mason Pearson Comb Detangling if you’re after something a little more luxe. 

PROBLEM: DULL HAIR
SOLUTION:

Combat dullness by taking a leaf out of Bella Hadid’s book, and go darker! “Going a littler darker and keeping your colour fresh helps [keep hair in tip-top condition during winter] as it adds a great shine to hair and makes it appear healthier.” Dark hair suits the colder months, so if you already were thinking of making the change, there’s no time like the present. If you need a little more convincing, this is why you should cross over to the dark side.

bh recommends: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette® Visibly Deeper Colour Deepening Shampoo and Conditioner, Schwarzkopf Perfect Mousse in Chocolate Brown

Do you suffer from any winter hair problems? If so, how do you solve them?