The Top #4 Products You Need In Your Hair Care Arsenal This Winter
In last month’s blog (How To Prevent Winter Hair Damage), we identified the main reasons why winter creates so much havoc with your hair and shared some practical tips on how to protect your locks throughout the colder season.
If the mirror is suggesting you may be beyond the prevention stage however and instead in need of some serious emergency intervention, this month we’re taking a look at recovery products - ones that will help to combat the effects of unwanted winter damage.
Whilst obviously a good diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle all play a pivotal role, there are an array of goodies out there that will help to nurse your hair back to its optimum state and leave tresses shining.
The ones listed below have all been tried and tested by the team here at Joseph Ferraro Online so you won’t be wasting time or money on products that are ineffective. Here's a breakdown of our favourite items to mix and match:
#1 Shampoo & Conditioner for Damaged Hair
One of the easiest options for tackling winter damage is to swap out your regular shampoo and conditioner. Products that are formulated specifically for damaged hair can help to repair the hair’s amino acid protein chains, restoring elasticity and strength to the cortex. They can also help to improve the appearance and manageability of hair that has become damaged due to the nourishing ingredients that they contain.
Authentic Beauty Concept (ABC)’s replenish range includes maple and pecan nut extracts, which strengthen the hair fibre and seal the cuticle to nourish hair and restore shine. Registered with the Vegan Society, all ABC products are free from sulfates, parabens and silicones so are kinder to your hair and won’t strip away any additional moisture as you wash.
Authentic Beauty Concept Replenish Cleanser For damaged hair – Joseph Ferraro Online
A further sulfate and paraben free option is the On Track Repair Shampoo and Your Move Repair Conditioner from Swedish hair care brand, Nine Yards. The duo contains natural extracts of shea butter, green tea and aloe vera together with wheat protein and a Keravis vegetable protein complex that protects the individual hair strands and helps to rebuild hair that is damaged. 
Nine Yards On Track Repair Shampoo
#2 Hair Masks
There are a number of misconceptions about hair masks therefore they often tend to get missed out of our general hair care routines. The most common ones are surrounding price (they’re too expensive) and what they actually do (aren’t they just a glorified conditioner?).
So, lets bust a few myths here. Masks and conditioners are two different types of product. Masks are generally thicker and richer than a standard conditioner and are designed to penetrate the hair shaft to provide more intense nourishment and hydration to the hair. They are loaded with rich ingredients so should only be used once or twice a week, depending on the needs of your hair. It is important to stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines on this point as overuse can do more harm than good, ultimately leading to a build-up of product and leaving hair lank and lacklustre.
Always use a conditioner afterwards as these offer the essential ingredients to assist with daily manageability.
Whilst masks are generally a little pricier, there are some great options on the market that won’t break your budget. Check out Insight’s Damaged Hair Restructurizing Mask – at just £14 a tube, this specially formulated blend of vitamins and fatty acids will repair and revitalise brittle hair to leave it strong and resilient. 
Insight Damage Hair Restructurizing Mask]
Note: Insight also offer a very pocket-friendly shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair within the same range!
Click here for our full range of masks
#3 Treatments
If locks are in need of some serious TLC however we would recommend incorporating a more intensive treatment, such as K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask, into your routine.
This revolutionary treatment is one of our favourites as it restores the innermost layer of the hair fibre, reconnecting broken keratin chains that form the building blocks of hair. The result …. hair’s natural strength and elasticity is restored, leaving it feeling soft and shiny.
Available as both an at-home or salon treatment, the process also helps to protect locks from future damage, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends.
Unlike other treatments, K18 works in just 4 minutes. It’s no fuss approach is an absolute winner as you simply apply and leave in, with no rinse required.
Whereas most leave-in products can leave hair feeling weighed down and greasy, particularly for those with finer hair, K18 does not have this issue!
#4 Oils
In the quest to combat the harsh effects of winter, hair oils are a valuable ally! They work to counter the drying effects of colder weather; locking in moisture and protecting the existing keratin by creating a defensive layer over the hair shaft. Regular use will not only nourish but also strengthen the strands restoring softness and high gloss shine to improve the overall hair texture.
Whilst oils can initially look a little pricy, a lot really does go a long way so they’re well worth the investment. Two of our long-standing favourites are System Professional’s Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir and Sebastian Professional’s Dark Oil as both offer weightless shine and finish.
System Professional Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir 100ml
Sebastian Professional Dark Oil
Also available in travel size.
Whilst preventing winter hair issues are always going to be better than having to find a cure for them, the products listed above are highly effective at reversing the damage process and restoring lost moisture to your locks. For the best results layer the products up; start with your shampoo and conditioner and then follow up with a treatment or mask. If your budget will stretch, combine these with the use of an oil for added protection.
If you’re a little unsure on the perfect recovery combination, please let a member of the team know on enquiries@josephferraroonline.co.uk, we’ll be happy to find the correct selection for your needs.
Joseph Ferraro Hair (JFH) Ltd is a team of professional stylists that deliver exceptional hairdressing services for the individual. Owned and founded by Authentic Beauty Concept Ambassador and North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year (2016), Joseph Ferraro, the JFH team is dedicated to providing expert hair care.