Winter brings with it frosty nights, sparkling snow, crisp air, crackling fires … and dreaded hat hair. The bitter weather can make it difficult to have good hair days, but there are ways to keep hair strong, healthy and shiny even if it is stuffed under your ski hat.

“You need to pay extra attention to your hair in the winter even more than other times of the year,” says Brian Magallones, celebrity stylist for Garnier Fructis. “The dry air and harsh weather can strip strands of moisture leaving them dull and straw-like.”

Magallones shares the following tips for keeping hair fabulous and healthy all winter long.

*Schedule a trim every six to eight weeks. Snipping away brittle and split ends is an instant hair makeover.

* Shampoo every other day with a moisture-rich product and condition your hair every time you shampoo. “Preferably, use a conditioner that contains strengthening vitamins like Garnier Fructis Moisture Works,” says Magallones. “This will protect hair from damage caused by hot styling tools -- hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons -- used often this season for special occasions like holiday parties.”

* Be sure to use the lowest heat setting on the hair dryer and take warm, not hot, showers to avoid over drying hair. Do still dry your hair, though. Going outside with a wet head can cause hair to freeze and break.

* Cold temperatures and warm hats can cause flyaways. A shot of a static-preventing spray or a light sweep with a fabric softener sheet can stop static from making your hair stand on end.

* If you’re wearing a hat, fix hair by adding texturizing paste or freshening spray to restyle and shape hair.

* Use a room humidifier to add moisture to the air and drink lots of water. Being hydrated on the inside can make your hair and skin look hydrated on the outside.

* Get highlights. Winter hair is exposed to less sun and can be darker and duller than in summer. They also brighten up any complexion.

Healthy winter hair may take a bit of extra work, but with a little added moisture and vitamin fortified shampoos and conditioners you can turn nasty, weak and dry strands into strong and beautiful locks that will shine all winter long.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The snow. The slush. The sleet. It's enough to make even the most beautiful skin shiver. Before you settle in for a long winter's nap, grab hold of these beauty-boosting winter skin care tips that are sure to beat your winter blahs — and put a warm smile on your face.

• Skip the soap — which can leave skin feeling dry, itchy and irritated – and treat your skin to an at-home microdermabrasion treatment, such as Mary Kay's two-step TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set. Used once or twice per week, this treatment may help polish your skin back to its natural beauty. "The super-exfoliating cream gently removes dull skin, to reveal more radiant, healthy-looking skin," says Debra Joseph, director of marketing and communications at Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. "Post-exfoliation, follow up with our nourishing serum to instantly smooth, soothe and soften the appearance of the skin, readying it for the next step in your skin care routine."

• If your skin is positively parched, Joseph recommends lavishing it with Mary Kay's Intense Moisturizing Cream. "Vitamin E, marine extract and minerals like copper, magnesium and zinc in a creamy, dreamy formula work to leave skin feeling hydrated for up to 10 hours."

• And don't forget about your winter-worn body. For a refreshing treat that's sure to wash away your winter blahs, pamper yourself with Mary Kay's Body Care Collection in two mood-boosting botanical blends. "Whether you choose Lotus and Bamboo for it's clean crisp scent, or Red Tea and Fig for its soothing sweetness, our body care collections are a perfect pampering treat during dreary winter months," says Joseph.

Each collection includes Loofah Body Cleanser to buff away dry skin, Nourishing Body Lotion to moisturize and Deo Body Spritzer for a burst of scent that freshens skin. Joseph suggests teaming all three of these botanical body care products for "a cozy, at-home spa experience."

With just a little help from these beauty-boosting winter skin care solutions, available exclusively through Mary Kay independent beauty consultants, your skin will glow from head to toe — maybe enough to melt the snow.

You can locate an independent beauty consultant online at www.marykay.ca or toll-free at 1-866-455-5454.
News Canada

Office parties, Christmas parties, Hanukkah parties, whatever the occasion, the holidays are a time to dress up and enjoy the festivities. Like any important party or event, some little extra attention needs to be paid to one's hairstyle. However, much like etiquette at these parties there are also holiday hair dos and don'ts.

First, do try something new and different for the holiday party, but don't wait until the day of the party to attempt to create the style for the first time. According to the essential looks ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional, Kathy Simon, it is best to test the hairstyle at least a couple of times before the day of the party. "This way when the big day comes around, you have the perfect style in mind and you know exactly what to do with it."

Simon also gives us her tips on which styles to aim for the holidays. Do try a sleek updo this season. Sleek ponytails, chignons and French twists are definite holiday styles. The key to these looks is maintaining a smooth finish with lots of shine. There are various products that help you achieve this, like hair serums or sprays with a hint of sparkle in them. However, be wary of over using product. Start off with a little and slowly build if necessary.

Body and texture are still a big hit this season, so do try curls as they are fun and glamorous, but don't accentuate the look with any added accessories in the hair. "I would avoid accessories in hair," says Simon. "I would put the bling somewhere else." She suggests a great necklace or bracelet or to make a statement with a bling-worthy dress.

"The looks this season are sleek and classy or full and sexy, you really can't go wrong with this kind of versatility," says Simon. "Also, they're looks you can definitely do yourself."

Mmm... with only a few weeks left, better start trying out some of those looks now.

News Canada