Colder months can wreak havoc on our tresses, says stylist to the stars Phil Smith. But help is at hand…
There’s so much to love about autumn – cozy knits, warming drinks, falling leaves and the excuse to hunker down with a good book and a glass of red. But as the temperatures drop and the central heating goes on, your hair might be experiencing a seasonal change of its own. From dryness and static to frizz and breakage, the colder months bring a whole new set of challenges. Eight times British Hairdresser of the Year nominee Phil Smith is used to seeing winter-ravaged locks in his award-winning salon in Salisbury, Smith England. He has tended the locks of some of Britain’s most glamorous women, from Tess Daly and Michelle Keegan to Emily Blunt. And the good news is, he says, with the right tweaks to your haircare routine – and a few cheap hacks – you can keep your locks looking fabulous all winter long.
THE PROBLEM : Dryness
HAIR HACK : “One of the most common winter complaints I get is hair that feels like straw,” says Phil. “The cold air outside and the dry central heating inside are a double whammy, stripping moisture from your hair, leaving lengths dry and brittle. One hack I love that is incredible value and super effective is a hair mask you can whip up with ingredients almost everyone will have in the kitchen. Mix together a tablespoon of olive oil with one of honey, then apply it as a mask to the mid-lengths and ends of wet hair. Cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then shampoo twice and condition as normal. It costs just 19p a time and really nourishes and conditions.”
THE PROBLEM : Split ends
HAIR HACK : “Make sure you get a trim every six to eight weeks – split ends travel up the hair faster in winter too, and when you layer up, try to wear beanies lined with satin or silk to cut back on breakage and static.”
THE PROBLEM : Colour fade
HAIR HACK: We all know that sun can impact your dye job, but did you know that the cooler months might leave you needing to see your colourist more often? “When the hair cuticle is rough or dehydrated, as it often is in winter, it doesn’t hold on to colour molecules as efficiently. They simply wash out faster,” Phil explains. “It’s tempting to pump up the heat when we shower in winter, which opens the cuticle further, speeding up colour loss. Combined with the lack of hydration caused by central heating, coloured hair will end up looking dull, faded, or brassy far sooner than expected.”
The good news? Protecting your colour is mostly about preserving moisture. Cool water rinses, hydrating masks, and colour-safe products all help seal the cuticle and lock in pigment. Try Phil Smith Professional Haircare Colour Protect Shampoo and Conditioner (£14 each). “Always finish your shower by rinsing with cool water to seal the cuticle,” he adds.
THE PROBLEM: Breakage
HAIR HACK: Even those autumnal downpours can lead to hair damage. Don’t believe us? Phil says, “If you get caught in an unexpected shower and end up soaked, it can be tempting to pull your hair back into a ponytail or bun,” says Phil. “But when hair is wet, it’s at its most fragile – it stretches more easily and has less elasticity, which means it’s far more prone to breakage,” says Phil. “If you tie it up tightly while it’s damp, you’re putting tension on the hair shaft at a time when it can’t handle the stress.”
So what’s the solution if you don’t want to look like a drowned rat all day? “If you can, try to allow your hair to air dry until at least 70% of the moisture is gone before tying it up, opt for a soft, snag-free silk scrunchie, like Slip Silk Minnie Scrunchies (£45) and keep the style loose.”
THE PROBLEM: Flaky scalp
HAIR HACK: If you’ve noticed that your scalp feels tight, itchy, or has started flaking more, you’re not alone. “It’s often mistaken for dandruff, but it’s really just dryness caused by central heating and overly hot showers,” says Phil. “Brushing your scalp gently with a soft-bristle brush like the MD London Padd Detangling Brush (£23) can help stimulate circulation and reduce flakiness,” he adds. “Then, incorporate a weekly scalp treatment like my Phil Smith Professional Haircare Hydration Scalp Treatment (£14) is a leave-in product that hydrates, smoothes and strengthens hair. Like a facial for your scalp, the ultra-nourishing formula contains hyaluronic acid to moisturise, while natural sugar beet leaves hair feeling stronger, with a beautifully glossy shine.
