how to add moisture to dry air

Faded colour, parched strands and split ends are just a handful of consequences of basking in the summer sun, but when the cold hits and the central heating is switched on, you're likely to experience a host of new issues.

A flaky scalp, hat hair and waiting twice as long for lengths to air dry isn't exactly ideal, so we tasked world-renowned hairstylist and brand founder Philip B with solving our most common autumn and winter hair dilemmas.

What's the best way to air dry your hair when it's cold?

"Microfibre towels 'pre-dry' your hair much better than ordinary towels, but to speed things up if you don't want to sit around all cold, invest in a diffuser for your hairdryer. Simply place the diffuser above your head without touching your hair, bounce it around a bit, and the water will evaporate much faster. That way, you can air dry the rest easily."

How can you stop winter humidity from making hair frizzy?

"Firstly, avoid wearing wool scarves. They cause friction to the hair follicle and when it is roughened, this results in static and flyaways. Secondly, when water in the atmosphere hits the bond of the hair it starts to erode and the strand kinks up, so I'd suggest opting for a good leave-in conditioner to prevent this from happening so quickly. They also work to re-moisturise the hair post-wash."

What's the best way to restyle your hair after being caught in a downpour?

"You can easily restyle rained-on hair with a leave-in conditioner. Spray it right on the hair and smooth it out with your hands and it'll be transformed. You can also create a really nice sleek up-do with it. If that fails, go for the wet look. Grab some mousse, slick it back, and when it's dry, just brush it out."

How can you stop your hair from becoming dry and brittle in the cold weather?

"Split ends shrink like a prune and then literally crack, so using oil treatments is one of the best ways to revive hair. Hair oil lubricates the cuticle and allows it to open and close so that you can seal it shut. Using products which contain amino acids and peptides (what keratin is made of) will also glue them back together, but only temporarily, so go for regular trims."

Gallery: These annual home maintenance jobs could save you thousands (Lovemoney)

What's the best way to prevent a flaky scalp?

"Hot oil treatments are amazing for your hair and scalp because they even out the hair's porosity and help lift and dissolve dead skin. Your ends are always thirsty for lipids, too, so it's a bit like a reboot for your head. I also love scalp massagers. They invigorate the scalp, gently lift excess sebum and product buildup and distribute natural oils. All of which controls flakiness."

Is there a way to stop natural hair from shrinking in humid weather?

"Again, stock up on oils, which really are the best for textured, super curly hair. I would always put the product on towel-dried hair that is still slightly damp. This is because water will carry the product through."

Does winter make your hair fall out?

"No, it doesn't. That's what I would call fake news! You aren't more prone to hair loss in the winter. One thing I would advise is to be gentler on your hair, for example using natural bristles, which are better for your hair all year round."

How can you make your hair wash last longer?

"Dry shampoo. It's not bad for your hair or scalp. Your scalp is so coated with sebum, which is one of the waxiest, heaviest substances. If you brush the dry shampoo through, it will absorb the natural oils and move them away. Always brush it through. Don't spritz and go."

Is there a way to shake hat hair off quickly?

"Any type of leave-in conditioner is going to re-silken the hair and take out any kinks. Just spritz it in and run your hands through. Curls need more of a cream to hold it down, so if your hair is curly, scrunch upwards instead."

What's the one hair product you should always use in winter?

"In-shower conditioner. This may sound obvious, but there's a particular way of using it. You have so many hair follicles, so using a comb will help zip it through. Always apply conditioner on soaking wet hair, otherwise you'll end up using twice as much. Water is the vehicle for good ingredients in products."

What are the best shampoos for frizzy hair in winter?

Winter weather can zap hair of moisture, causing frizz and flyaways. A nourishing shampoo is your best bet for keeping strands in tip top condition.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.