//-->
Source: Getty ImagesTop stylist Nicholas Penna Jr. says to never go out with even slightly wet hair in the winter.
There are a few things you can count on in life – the new Springsteen album will be great, taxes on April 15 and that you will hate a certain special something very close to you this month.
Don't fret over your follicles.
Yes, winter hair is the pits. Even in a mild winter like this one, we're all using blow dryers to excess, plus we have to deal with the cold air and constant climate changes.
Hair care expert Nicholas Penna Jr. says that you don't have to hate your winter hair. He just returned from New York City's Fashion Week where he styled the Theory, Phillip Lim and Rodarte shows.
The owner and lead stylist of SalonCapri in Newton and Dedham, MA has these tips on how your follicles can be fabulous despite the weather.
GET RICH QUICK SCHEME. We're not talking about putting extra dollars in your wallet. The rich here focuses on shampoo. Buy moisture rich shampoo and conditioner that has vitamins and oils in it. Nick's picks include L'Oreal Professionel's Serie Expert Liss Ultime shampoo and conditioner.
BE FICKLE WITH YOUR PICK: "It's good to change up the product you use every few months so your hair doesn't build up immunity to the ingredients," Nick says.
CHECK YOUR OIL: "One of the hottest new trends is incorporating Argan oil into your beauty routine," reports Nick. Argan oil contains fatty acids, Vitamin E and antioxidants that restore your hair's natural luster without a greasy shine. Nick's Tip: "Use about a dime sized amount and comb it evenly through damp hair. You can also look for a conditioning treatment that contains Argan oil like Shu Uemura's Silk Bloom Restorative Treatment.
RAID YOUR PANTRY FOR A DIY TIP: Get out your honey and olive oil. Add a nickel-sized amount of either product to your daily conditioner. Nick's Tip: Soak a hand towel in hot water and let it steam with you in the shower. Massage your strands with the conditioning olive oil treatment and let it rest. Wring out the hot towel and wrap it tightly around your head and relax for 30 minutes.
GET A HAIR BODYGUARD: Nick knows most of us won't give up our blow drying and straightening or curling irons. "If you're going to blow dry, always use a thermal spray or serum that will protect your hair," he says. Nick's Picks: Try L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Cellular Thermo Spray.
GO ALL THE WAY: Go all the way with blow-drying. "Blow drying your hair half way will only create frizz and damage. If you spend the extra 5 minutes using a round brush to blow your hair out to a smooth finish, it makes all the difference," he says.
DON'T FREEZE YOUR FOLLICLES: "Never go outside with wet hair," he says. Wet hair and even slightly damp hair can easily freeze once temperatures drop and this means instant split ends. "If you have to run outside, be sure to work a quick squeeze of serum in your hair before tucking your hair beneath a hood or hat," Nick says. Don't be discouraged by hat hair—the serum will keep your hair smooth and moisturized, so you won't have to worry about frizz or flatness.
EAT FOR YOUR HAIR HEALTH. Another reason to eat your proteins, fruits and veggies. Vitamins in these foods and their essential oils also make your hair healthy from the inside out. "Believe it or not, eating balanced foods will improve your hair's natural shine, bounce and body! Many of winter's seasonal goods, like dark leafy vegetables, beans and carrots provide the exact nutrients to promote shiny, silky hair," Nick says.
READ OTHER STYLE GOES STRONG CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS:
Debbie Gibson on "The Celebrity Apprentice" and Life as a Grown Up Icon