Dryness, static frizz and lacklustre locks; these are common effects of winter weather on your hair. Try these tips and products to help solve your winter hair woes.

The problem

WEAKENED DRY STRANDS

Not only is our hair more vulnerable to damage in cooler conditions, but the constant change from artificial heat indoors to the colder weather outside also saps our hair of its moisture, leading to dull, dry strands.

The fix
Incorporate moisture-restoring products to keep your hair beautifully soft and hydrated. Another solution is to leave your hair to dry naturally instead of using a hairdryer, which further strips hair of moisture and natural oils.

The problem 

STATIC

A key sign that your hair is suffering from winter dryness is when fine strands start lifting from the head. This is usually caused by low humidity, indoor heating, and friction from hats and scarves.

The fix
Apply a leave-in conditioner every other day to nourish your hair, and find a hydrating serum or hair oil that you can spread onto your palms and comb through your strands for total smoothness.

The problem 

LACKLUSTRE LOCKS

When it’s cold we tend to take longer, hotter showers, and blast ourselves with indoor heating in an effort to keep warm. As comforting as this is at the time, your hair will suffer as a result.

The fix
Add a weekly nourishing mask or leave-in treatment to your routine to combat dryness and leave your hair looking healthy and shiny. It's also a good idea to wash your hair less frequently, as washing hair too often at this time of the year strips strands of the natural oils that keep follicles moisturised and protected.

The problem

DANDRUFF

Just like your skin, your scalp suffers in cold conditions. Left untreated, it will eventually dry out, itch and flake off.

The fix
To help ward off the flakes, switch to a shampoo that contains salicylic acid. This is a powerful ingredient that exfoliates the scalp, removing dead skin cells and breaking down any product build-up. To help alleviate the itchiness, massage your scalp with a moisture-rich ingredient like coconut oil.

The problem 

SPLIT ENDS

The ends of your hair are particularly vulnerable to splitting in winter. Hats and coats exacerbate the problem as they cause friction against your hair, which contributes to excessive splitting.

The fix
Although you can't actually repair split ends (they have to be trimmed), you can prevent future damage by applying a deeply hydrating hair oil to smooth, nourish and protect those fragile ends.

The problem 

FRIZZ

Curly strands are more porous and therefore prone to dryness, making this type of hair the number-one victim of frizziness.

The fix
The best way to tame your frizz is to use a leave-in conditioner or leave-in treatment with key moisturising ingredients such as coconut oil, argan oil, avocado oil, shea butter and jojoba oil. Apply to wet hair after shampooing and conditioning to lock-in moisture before you start styling.

From matching sets and roll necks to cardigans and knitted tees, here's our pick of knitwear essentials and how to style them for a fresh winter look.

1. The matching set

Picking out what to wear in the morning can get complicated, which is why we love matching sets so much. They negate the need to colour match, layer, colour block, and all the rest that comes with styling. All you need to consider after putting on your matching set is what coat to throw over it (if you even need one).

Kelso faux-fur melton coat 699.95 SHOP NOW; Kelso high-neck ribbed knitted top 299.95; Kelso brushed ribbed knitted skirt 249.95; Kelso snakeskin slim block-heel boots 499.95 SHOP NOW; Accessorize hair accessories 129.00; Steve Madden belt bag 699; Accessorize hoop earrings 149.00; Accessorize necklace 199; Free 2BU layered necklace 129.95; white socks stylist’s own

2. The roll neck jersey

It doesn’t get more wintry than the knitted roll neck, which has a built-in scarf (handy). As well as keeping you warm and comfortable, it’s an elegant style that will elevate any outfit. It layers well underneath a jacket or a dress, or it can be worn on its own.

1
Forever New snakeskin-print dress 1499; Kelso bodycon knitted dress 199.95; Kelso crossbody bag 449.95; Free 2BU feather earrings 99.95; bangle 79.95; Steve Madden over-the-knee boots 1699

2
Kelso snap turtleneck 249.95 SHOP NOW; Kelso checked wrap skirt 279.95; Kelso multicolour bangles 79.95 each; Steve Madden over-the-knee boots 1699; Accessorize earrings 249.95
3
Kelso button top 249.95; Kelso side-stripe pants 249.95; Kelso belted coat 799.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU denim jacket 499.95; Accessorize faux-fur earrings 399; Accessorize hair accessories 129; Jo Borkett structured bag 1399; Prada sunglasses 2790



Fashion direction & production: Brittany Penebre. Photography: Paulo/Hero. Hair & make-up: Alice Coloriti/Supernova. Styling: Rushana Burton. Models: Kamila/Ice Gentics. Location: Northlink College Belhar Campus

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.