Winter weather woes

3:55pm Thursday 10th January 2008

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Damp, rainy weather plays havoc with most people's hair, but there are ways to keep your locks looking lovely rather than lacklustre. The team at Graham Webb International has some top tips for the most problematic hair types.

Long, curly, fine hair

The weather will cause your locks to become limp with frizzy ends and/or fluffy.

Getting your hairstyle to work in its natural form solves half the problem.

A blob of light mousse or gel, but not too much as to overload the hair, and a small amount of serum should be gently scrunched into the hair and left until locks are about 80 per cent dry.

You can then finish off with a hairdryer.

Long, curly, thick hair

To combat frizz, mix a generous amount of leave-in conditioner with serum, apply to your hair and leave to dry naturally for as long as possible before a quick blast with the hairdryer to finish.

The leave-in conditioner should be used in conjunction with, rather than instead of, your usual, wash out conditioner.

Short, curly, thick hair

A damp atmosphere will lead to frizz and fluffiness.

When your hair is wet, work through a thick, heavy wax or pomade which will coat the hair solving the fluffiness and also giving texture to the curl.

Curly hair that has been dried straight

Damp weather will turn your hair fluffy and create waves throughout the hairline.

After blow drying with a conditioning relaxing balm, try applying a light wax or cream over the whole head.

This will help to protect your hair from misty weather and humidity, although not rain - for that you will definitely need an umbrella.

Long, straight hair

Dank weather will cause flyaway hair and loss of body.

Try blow drying your hair with a volumising product, and when dry protect with a light mist of flexible hair spray.

Your questions answered

Q. I am getting married soon and would like to wear my hair up. It's just below shoulder length, but I usually end up with straggly hairs when I pin it up. Do you have any suggestions?

A. There are lots of alternatives that you can look at for your hair and the most important thing to bear in mind is that you need to feel confident and happy on the day.

Just below the shoulder is a great length for an updo, and with careful preparation, and a couple of visits to your hairdresser to try different variations, you will come away with a look you'll love.

Ask your hair stylist to put your hair up and wear it for a whole day before your wedding just to make sure that nothing lets you down!

• Ask Graham Webb International! If you have a particular question on any aspect of hair care, cut or colour, just email us