This story was originally titled "The Big Chill" in the January 2011 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

If you have: Thick, wavy hair
Winter woes: Thick, coarse, unruly hair only becomes more difficult to manage in cooler conditions. Winter air lacks the moisture that would normally weigh dry hair down, resulting in flyaways. One of the noted (and dreaded) characteristics of thick hair is frizzy, pouffy strands with split ends.

Cool solutions: Smooth out those dull, dry, stressed-out tresses with an aggressive hydration regimen. The best way to restore softness is by using a moisture-rich shampoo and following up with a rich conditioner. The key is to get a good base; first replenish, then protect. If your hair is particularly parched, a heavy-duty hair mask should be applied once every two weeks. When applying, start two to three inches from the root and work outward, fully enveloping the hair by brushing in the mask. Ditch the comb – instead, grab a paddle brush for maximum coverage, says Kristjan Hayden, master stylist at Civello Salon in Toronto. Apply a smoothing cream or serum to rinsed, damp hair for added protection. If your hair is lacking shine and dimension, Hayden recommends using a clear gloss treatment or switching to a darker colour. "When you lighten hair it tends to dry out; darker colour can be more moisturizing," says Hayden. Try cutting down on heat damage by avoiding regular blow-outs. "Wash your hair at night and let it dry naturally," Hayden suggests. If flyaways are still sticking around, try switching to a silk pillowcase – it will be less abrasive than a cotton or polyester-blend pillowcase.

If you have: Straight hair
Winter woes: Pin-straight hair with oily roots becomes even limper during the winter months. Oil travels from the scalp down the shaft of fine, straight hair more easily than it does with wavy or curly hair. The lack of humidity means thin hair doesn't get the natural plumping advantage that accompanies warmer weather. The results? Lifeless locks with a side order of flyaways.

Cool solutions: Get a lift by shaking up your shower routine. Rule number 1: Use the right products for your hair type. If your hair is fine and prone to flyaways, stay clear of heavy-duty conditioners, even if you suffer from dry, damaged tresses. Instead, use a regular conditioner every time you hit the showers, but apply only to the ends of your hair. To further treat damaged hair without weighing it down, look for a light leave-in conditioning spray, but be sparing. Although it's tempting to use volumizing shampoo and heat tools, Hayden warns against it. Instead, he suggests using rollers on damp hair or even braiding it, then letting it dry au naturel. A mini-miracle product for this type of hair is volumizing powder, which is applied at the roots. It helps soak up excess oil without sitting on your hair like baby powder.

If you have: Curly hair
Winter woes: Curly hair is the wild child of all hair types, so it's important to give it structure and discipline, especially come winter. A curl's thirst can never be quenched – it's constantly on the hunt for water, the culprit behind the f-word: frizz.

Cool solutions: What's the mane remedy for misshapen, crispy curls? Moisture! "Curly hair can often lose its curl in the dryness of winter," says Hayden. The best defence? "Products that are extra moisturizing, starting with your shampoo." To really drench your curls, do a weekly moisturizing treatment. Leave it on for up to 10 minutes so the mask can do its magic. It moisturizes your hair from the inside to strengthen its structure and maintain shape. Apply antifrizz serum or balm to your damp hair, starting in the middle and working down to the ends.


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