It is a truth universally acknowledged that a good hair day is unlikely when the weather is foul.
Why else has the tight bun remained steadfast in our arsenal of winter go-to do’s? Regardless of your ability to procure a transparent dome umbrella, or one of those retro plastic hoods – when it rains there is still the issue of moisture in the air playing havoc with formerly smooth strands. Then wind whips it up and cold dries it out. How to proceed?
Cold, dry air
Dry hair, especially curly or lightened locks is prone to frizz and static turning strands to straw and stripping natural body and shine. The first step is regular use of a good shampoo and conditioner designed for your hair type to create a strong, healthy base. If that’s not enough, a weekly home treatment will help. Hydrating hair prior to weather exposure will go a long way to having hair that will do what you want it to. Winter can be extremely drying, so using a regular deep treatment is key. After shampooing, try leaving Davines NaturalTech Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Mask on the mid-lengths and ends for 10 minutes will help re-hydrate strands damaged by wind, rain and temperature fluctuations caused by alternating dry indoor heat and blasts of wintery air.
Wind
Softly tousled, wind-swept hair is desirable, category five hurricane hair is not. Hair will be easier to resuscitate if it is prepped properly to begin with. A great styling product that is applied before drying, then a finishing product to hold your style are essential if you take the time to style your hair with a blow dryer and hot tools. Try a smoothing fluid like Kerastase Styling L’incroyable Blow Dry Hair Lotion that is easy to run through towel-dried hair. Go for a weightless formula, this will help prevent frizz and give control. Once hair is dried into shape, allow to cool and then thoroughly spray your hair with a workable hairspray like evo miss malleable flexible hairspray. This will not harden on the hair, but will leave it protected. Take a brush with you so you can rework your hair once you are out of the elements.
Wind causes tangles and unruly knots if your hair is long. Quick fix: tuck your hair under your collar or coat until you make it indoors, something chic European fashion editors at winter fashion weeks are regularly seen doing.
L-R: Davines NaturalTech Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Mask; Kerastase Styling L’incroyable Blow Dry Hair Lotion; evo miss malleable flexible hairspray; Joico Humidity Blocker + Protective Finishing Spray; Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones; Helena Wet-Look Gel
Rain
Even a sprinkling of rain can flatten strands or cause them to fluff up, depending on your hair type. The worst thing about bad weather is always the damp. As soon as hair gets wet it returns to its natural state. It means if it is curly and you have straightened it, a wee bit of moisture and it’s back to curly again. Again, start out with good styling products, but don’t overdo them lest any moisture turns hair into a sticky mess.
Eradicating any remaining moisture and using a heat protectant spray, particularly while using an iron or tong will minimise the damage a downpour dash to or from the car can create. If you’re in a rush to get out the door because bad weather means traffic chaos, we have bad news. You need to ensure hair is completely cool and 100% dry before heading out.
Safeguard locks by applying a humidity buster like Joico Humidity Blocker + Protective Finishing Spray, through mid lengths to ends to protect against the deflating effects of damp weather.
Alternatively if you have added volume to your hair, finish with some a weightless, flexible hold hairspray to help secure in place.
If hair gets wet on the run, try and remove the moisture as soon as possible with a dryer, focusing on the roots to give hair a bit of life.
Later in the day if hair is looking limp, a blast with a dry shampoo like Moroccanoil’s Dry Shampoo through the roots is a good option to revive it.
Cover up
Properly drenched? If all else fails, a chic hat, a pulled-back low, wrapped bun or tight ponytail secured at the nape are all on-trend options that won’t need constant re-assement. If you’re running late for an evening event, add a touch of gel like Helena Wet-Look Gel through the front-section. Use a comb to scrape hair straight back off the face before securing at the back of the neck for a glam wet-look option the likes of Kourtney Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez regularly rely on.
