During the harsh Canadian winter, indoor humidity and dry outdoor air can cause breakage and stress on hair, forcing many to turn to hot tools for a solution to frizzy, lackluster locks. Three hairdressing experts share best practices for using heat styling tools to protect and style hair this season.

1. Cut out the frizz.

“It’s all about selecting the right tools and products to help reduce drying time and help fight static, frizz and dryness,” says Stephanie Kolcielski, vice president of education at John Paul Mitchell Systems, who suggests cutting down drying time by applying products immediately after towel drying. “One of my favourites is Paul Mitchell Quick Slip Styling Cream,” she says. “The powerful motor and tourmaline ions in the Neuro Dry hairdryer allow for faster drying, reducing frizz and adding shine.”

2. Protect hair from heat damage.

“Clients turn up the heat on their water, blow dryers, and curling or flat irons in the winter months,” says Detra Smith, Hot Tools educator. “Use thermal protectants and appropriate heat settings on the styling appliances. If a lower heat setting works, there is no need to raise it.” She also suggests passing hair through a flat irons and curling irons once or twice, avoiding unnecessary passes and looking into tools with style memory to maintain the set, once a curl has been made.

3. Pump up the volume.

Since winter air is dry, hair tends to cling to the head. Sebastian Texture Maker, a non-aerosol texturing hairspray, offers a medium hold with a matte finish that can add volume to the root and lift to the ends, says Anthony Cole, International Artist with Sebastian. Spray Texture Maker from the roots to ends, then turn head over and blow-dry vigorously to wake up the texture and volume.