It’s a universal truth that a good hair day is unlikely when the weather is foul. Why else has the top-knot endured as a winter go-to do? There are so many seasonal variables that can mess with your tresses. So how to proceed? Megan Bedford quizzes the experts:

Cold and dry
Dry hair, especially curly or lightened locks, are prone to frizz and static. The first step to a strong, healthy base is regular use of a quality shampoo and conditioner designed for your hair type. If that’s not enough, a weekly hydrating treatment helps. Brooke Nicholas, creative director at Wellington salon The Powder Room, says the key is hydrating hair prior to outdoor exposure and tips Davines Naturaltech Vegetarian Miracle Conditioner as a blessing for dry hair. After shampooing, leave on mid-lengths and ends for 10 minutes for locks to drink up protective moisture and prevent damage from temperature fluctuations.

Wild and windy
Tousled, wind-swept hair is desirable, category-five hurricane hair is not. Nicholas says hair is easier to resuscitate if it is properly prepped. “A great support product that is dried in, then a finishing product, are essential if you style your hair with a blow dryer and hot tools. A leave-in smoothing fluid is easy to run through towel-dried hair to prevent frizz and give control. Once hair is dried into shape, allow to cool, then thoroughly spray with a workable hairspray that won’t harden on the hair, but leave it protected. Take a brush with you so you can rework your hair once you are out of the elements.” Wind causes tangles and unruly knots in long locks. Quick fix: tuck hair under your collar or coat until you make it indoors.

Damp and rainy
Depending on your hair type, even a sprinkling of rain can flatten strands or cause them to fluff up. “As soon as hair gets wet it returns to its natural state,” says Jamie Dryden of Fabrik salon in Hamilton. “If it’s curly and you have straightened it, a wee bit of moisture and it’s back to curly again.” Start out with good styling products, but don’t overdo them in case the wet weather turns hair into a sticky mess. Blowdrying using a heat-protectant spray, particularly while using an iron or tong will minimise damage done in a downpour dash to or from the car. If you’re in a rush to get out the door, bad news: you need to ensure hair is completely cool and dry before heading out. Dryden likes to safeguard locks by running a tiny amount of O&M’s humidity buster Frizzy Logic through ends for definition and protection. “Alternatively if you’ve added volume and curl to your hair, finish with O&M Original Queenie, a weightless, flexible hold hairspray to help secure in place. Davines OI All In One Milk should also be a staple for anyone who wishes to de-frizz and can be used after being caught in the rain when doing a quick spruce up,” he advises. If all else fails? A felt hat, a low bun or straight ponytail are all on-trend options that won’t need constant reworking.

Products to try:

1. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray, $12.
2. O&M Frizzy Logic Shine Serum, $18.
3. Davines NaturalTech Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Conditioner, $52.
4. Toni & Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist, $18.
5. Moochi hat, $90.
6. Davines OI All In One Milk, $38.
7. Toni & Guy Cleanse Shampoo, $18.
8. Toni & Guy Nourish Conditioner, $18.
9. O&M Original Queenie Hairspray, $40.
10. Schwarzkopf Styliste Ultime Satin Frizz Control Straightening Spray, $10.
11. Schwarzkopf Styliste Ultime Satin Frizz Control Defrizz Cream, $10.