Want shiny, healthy hair by Christmas? Try these winter repair tips and treatments, say experts
We've quizzed the professionals on how to revive struggling post-summer strands both at home and in the salon.
After months of sun and intense heat, chased by a season of cold and rain, our hair is going through it right now, but we're determined to get it back on track, ready for Christmas and the New Year.
It's time to focus on repair and healthy hair habits, like adding the best hair masks to our routines and trading out subpar shampoos and conditioners that aren't specifically formulated for our hair type - like fine hair shampoos and colour-safe options. There are also professional treatments to consider, many of which are designed to revive sun-damaged strands and scalps and banish faded, brassy-looking colour.
So, if you, like us, are on a mission to get your hair in good shape for the festive season, here's what the experts recommend for boosting shine and reviving lacklustre, post-summer lengths.
How to revive your hair before Xmas, with advice from the experts
While summer already feels like an age ago, our strands are still suffering from the aftereffects, and as we head deeper into autumn - and with party season looming - the need for a reset is huge.
As Luke Hersheson, CEO of Hershesons, notes, "Summer is great, but the UV exposure, chlorine, salt water and heat all chip away at the condition of the hair fibre, leaving it feeling drier, rougher and less responsive than usual. A lot of people come back from holiday thinking their hair has suddenly become difficult, but it's often just dehydrated. The shine has gone, the ends feel stressed, and the colour can look flatter or brassier."
The good news is that you don't have to resort to a dramatic haircut to solve it all. You may just need a new routine, or to treat yourself to a little in-salon treatment. "Think of autumn as a reset for your hair," Hersheson adds. "Summer is often about letting go a bit and being less disciplined, which is exactly as it should be. But when you get back into routine, it's worth doing the same with your hair.
"A fresh cut, a good treatment and a few weeks of consistent care can make hair look noticeably healthier very quickly. The biggest mistake people make is assuming damage means starting again. In reality, most hair just needs a bit of replenishment and patience."
Restorative hair products, recommend by experts
Packed with hydrating ingredients like Mirsalehi honey, bee garden oils, biomimetic ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this mask promises to deliver smoother, nourished and shinier strands - and it's a favourite of our beauty team's.
Powered by Smart Barrier HairTech, Hollie Rose Clarke, Living Proof Stylist Ambassador, says this mask "works to restore missing lipids in the hair and replenish the hair’s moisture barrier for long-lasting softness and hydration, whilst still being a really lightweight mask on the hair."
From conditioning to adding shine and flexible hold, the Hersheson Almost Everything Cream is the multi-tasking product all struggling hair needs. It covers all your styling and hair care needs in one no-fuss formula.
If you want to skip the salon, there are plenty of at-home remedies for struggling strands. "I always tell people to think about replenishing before replacing," says Hersheson. "The instinct is often to reach for lots of styling products, but what the hair usually needs is hydration. A really good weekly treatment mask can make an enormous difference.
"I'd look for products that restore moisture and improve elasticity, because healthy hair is flexible hair. Even something as simple as swapping your regular conditioner for a more intensive treatment once or twice a week can help bring back softness and shine.
"A leave-in treatment is another easy win, particularly for women whose hair is feeling more fragile or porous."
Treatments to combat colour fade and dryness
"Shine comes from healthy hair," explains Hersheson. "If the cuticle is smooth and hydrated, the hair naturally reflects light. A gloss treatment in the salon is one of the quickest ways to boost shine, while at home I'd focus on a weekly mask, a leave-in treatment and a lightweight oil through the ends. Consistency is what really makes the difference."
Hollie Rose Clarke, Living Proof Stylist Ambassador, adds that 'a good haircut' is also an option for those wanting a reset: "This will help to trim off any split and frazzled ends and help your hair to feel refreshed," before also recommending "in-salon conditioning treatments and bond repair services as a great way to inject hydration and strength to hair."
Building a new haircare routine ready for Xmas
This in-shower gloss treatment is a great option for lacklustre lengths. The formula is lightweight and silicone-free, and works to smooth the hair's cuticle, detangle, and add a mirror-like finish to your hair.
For those seeking a new hydrating shampoo and conditioner, the best Kérastase products are a good place to start. For glossy locks, though, this Gloss Absolu set is what we would recommend. Both formulas are enriched with glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid and wild rose oil to nourish and boost shine.
For intense repair, No.3 is a must-have. It's touted as one of the best Olaplex products because it helps to replenish lost moisture and enhance softness, smoothness and manageability.
If you're keen to overhaul your haircare routine for the seasons ahead, Clarke says that hydration is key. "Swap to a nourishing shampoo and conditioner and ensure you are conditioning every wash. I’d also recommend bringing in a deeper nourishing mask once a week, such as Living Proof's Moisture Rescue Mask."
If you’re finding your hair is becoming brittle and dry, Clarke recommends reducing the amount of heat you're using. "When you are using heat, ensure you are always using a good heat protective product. If you colour-treat your hair too, a bond-builder such as Living Proof Triple Bond Complex is perfect to add into your routine."
