It’s official, spring is here and dry, winter-parched skin is out. But how’s your hair looking? While it’s easy at the start of a new season to get preoccupied with choosing a lighter face cream to use and working out how to achieve a sun-kissed glow, we can neglect our long-suffering and – dare we say – damaged locks in the process. “Over-exposure to heat styling and processed colour are the main causes of damage as well as free radicals in the air that latch onto the hair and dry it out,” explains Sian Quinn, a member of Headmasters senior art team. And just in case you’re not paying attention... “these are the same particles that cause rust on metal.” Ouch. If your hair is frizzier than usual or feels slightly on the rough side, chances are, it’s too brittle and in need of some TLC. So it’s just as well that, this season, there has been a surge in new launches destined to make dry, miserable hair happy again. Here are our top five as well as some handy tips...
The Micellar Shampoo
Not to be confused with a micellar cleanser for the skin, the micellar shampoo does share the same MO – a deep cleanse, without stripping. Charles Worthington Everyday Gentle Micellar Shampoo, £5.99, helps to hydrate the scalp by combining the gentle skincare benefits of micellar cleansing. To maintain a healthy scalp, “do two shampoos – one to cleanse and the other to treat,” explains Sian. Next, towel drying is key: “It ensures your conditioner isn’t diluted so that your hair gets maximum benefits,” she says. “Finally, apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends, not roots.”
The All-Natural Conditioner
For a serious hair detox, try Kérastase Soin Fondamental, £24.40, from the new Aura Botanica collection (available from March). It contains 98% natural origin ingredients, which is better for both your hair and the environment, plus it’s silicone-, sulphate- and paraben-free so helps to nourish and de-frizz hair to the max without involving any nasties you may not realise are drying out your hair. For example, “avoid the overuse of anything too abrasive like dusts and dry shampoos,” warns Sian. “Also, steer clear of products with a high alcohol content, like hair sprays and some styling products.”
The Mask with Muscle
If shampoo and conditioner just aren’t cutting through the frizz, call in the big guns for a regular weekly treat. L’Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Inforcer Vitamin B6 + Biotin Masque, £16 (available from April), contains essential nutrients to give weak hair a shot of energy, making it stronger and smoother. To achieve an even sleeker finish, switch up your blow-dry technique; “Secure the nozzle onto your hair dryer and, with help from a round brush, point the dryer down your hair shaft as you go to smooth down the cuticle and encourage more shine,” says Sian.
The Hardcore Serum
Pollution, UV rays, hard water – you name it, our hair’s been damaged by it. But there’s a new miracle worker on the block that fights them off tenfold. Shu Uemura Art of Hair Urban Moisture Double Serum, £25.20, is packed with nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and amino acids to banish any damaging pollutants that come your hair’s way. In short, there’s no messing with it.
The High-Street Keratin Oil
In case you didn’t already know, keratin – a.k.a. dry hair’s guardian angel – cleverly fights off any nasty pollutants that cause dryness and frizz by coating the outer hair shaft in a protective shield. So thank goodness high street favourite Tresemmé has brought out an affordable keratin range to uber-nourish your hair. The Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Oil, £8 helps to detangle, banish flyaways and boost silkiness. To add even more moisture, “apply 4-5 pumps of oil to dry hair 15 minutes before shampooing – it will look super-shiny afterwards,” advises Sian.
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