So the weather has changed, the knee-high boots are out and the vibe is moving from less beach babe to more winter vixen. Yep, winter is around the corner and its time to tame that mane and fight the frizz! But how? Jessica Jane Sammut investigates.

The change is weather can play havoc with your hair. Heating, wind, rain and plummeting temperatures – it all takes it toll, and if you are not careful, your beautiful sun-kissed crown of glory can end up looking like a cracked and broken nest of thorns. So how can you ensure your winter locks ooze the gloss and shine necessary to match your new autumn wardrobe?

Washing and Conditioning

“The right shampoo and conditioner are essential in fighting frizz – cutting your styling time and mechanical damage considerably,” says celebrity hair and makeup artist, Dale Dorning. “Look for words like ‘smoothing’ when purchasing, as well as weightless formulas in your styling tools that won’t build up in the hair.”

Top stylist and hairdresser, Alex PF Jackson, agrees. “Wash your hair using an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner. In fact with fine hair, you can avoid using shampoo altogether, applying an anti-frizz conditioner only.”

Schwarzkopf Professional’s BC Smooth Shine range is great at helping frizzy hair regain its gloss, leaving hair super smooth. The Schwarzkopf BC Smooth Shine Shampoo nourishes unmanageable hair, whilst the Smooth Shine Conditioner is great at detangling and sealing the hair shaft, rejuvenating the hair’s moisture level to leave it soft and shiny.

Treatments

‘In-salon’ keratin (and their counterpart) blow-outs can be a magic way to keep frizz at bay. Opt for formaldehyde-free formulas. These miracle treatments can last for up to eight weeks and reduce frizz by almost 100 per cent! They are well worth the investment if you struggle regularly with frizz. Alternatively, you can try a similar ‘at home’ straightening/smoothing system which you can apply yourself. JoBaz has one called Everyday Straight  – which comes in Extra Straight and Max Conditioning – which claims to straighten hair for up to three months.

Hair masks can also really help to boost the quality of your hair. Unico does a great Protein Treatment using sesame oil, cocoa butter, orange pure essential oils and vitamin H to repair chemical and mechanical damage to hair, whilst the Schwarzkopf BC Smooth Shine Leave-In Treatment intensively restores hair, smoothing down uncooperative locks to give it super shine. Hot mama? You bet!

Natural Movement

“To encourage natural movement in the hair, moisture rich products are key,” explains Dale.

Alex agrees. “Use an anti-frizz serum to get rid of fly overs. When applying, use a small amount and comb through with your fingers. Start at mid-length working your way to the ends. Good quality anti-frizz hair products, which are not too heavy, are extremely effective at smoothing down the coating of your hair.”

Argan Life Argan Oil is great in wet or dry hair for a glossy, non-frizzy finish, controlling the hair without weighing it down, as is the Seven Wonders Argan Oil Volumising Spray. Other leave-in anti-frizz products which offer clear results include The Body Shop’s Brazil Nut Define & No Frizz Cream, The Body Shop’s Grapeseed Glossing Serum, TONI&GUY Prep Smoothing Detangler, TONI&GUY Classic Shine Gloss Serum, Schwarzkopf Osis Magic Serum, REF Stay Smooth, REF Get It Straight and Unico Hair Serum.

Styling Aids

“Ionic brushes and dryers aid in reducing frizz,” says Dale. “Ceramic/ionic brushes or straighteners work with the hair’s DNA. Ionic dryers have a delivery system that imparts invisible product to the hair to fight frizz as it dries the hair. Invest in a good styler or curler. It gives the illusion of more manicured hair.”

Alex concurs. “After washing your hair, blow-dry from the top straight down to the ends. This helps the hair cuticles sit flat, allowing your hair to become silky smooth,” says Alex.

Top of the list as a frizz-free styling aid has to be the GHD Straightener Gold Classic Styler, although the John Frieda Sleek Finish Hair Straighter would be a close second. As for a hairdryer, the VS Sassoon Venezia 2400 AC Professional Dryer gives fast (quick drying!) and smooth results. Fabulous for us time-pressed yummy mummies!