Snow-Proof Style: Winter Hair Survival With Stylist Andrea Claire

Between freezing temps, wool hats, and endless holiday events, winter can be brutal on your hair—but Toronto-based stylist Andrea Claire has the ultimate seasonal survival plan. From turning hat hair into haute hair to mastering party-ready waves and fighting static with pro-approved hydration, Andrea shares her expert tips (and TRESemmé favourites) to keep your locks glossy, bouncy, and frizz-free all season long. Because when it comes to winter hair, you really can have it all—warmth and wow. —Noa Nichol

Winter weather and hair rarely get along—what’s the number one mistake people make when it comes to cold-weather hair care?

The number one mistake people make when it comes to cold-weather haircare is not using the correct conditioner for them. We need to adjust our routines as the seasons change for sure.

You’ve called “Hat Head to Haute Hair” your secret weapon for winter styling—can you walk us through the key products and why dry shampoo before the hat makes such a difference?

I love the TRESemmé Amplified Volume Mousse as my product of choice for the foundation of a voluminous blowout. Then by adding the TRESemmé Amplified Volume Dry Shampoo on the roots of your finished hairstyle by not massaging and brushing it away, the oil absorbing ingredients (mineral clay and citrus) work its magic under your hat to maintain all your blowout work!

Another tip is to flip your part to the opposite side and when you take your hat off, flip your part back while finger-combing your hair.

Static is every Canadian’s winter nemesis—what’s your go-to anti-static hack that actually works (even when bundled up in scarves and sweaters)?

Hair with static needs moisture so for this I love a light leave-in conditioner that I pop on my hands, emulsify and gently run through the areas with static. Use a leave-in that can be for both wet and dry styling like the TRESemmé Lamellar Gloss Cream Serum. 

The holidays are packed with parties and photo ops. What are your three foolproof hairstyles that instantly elevate any look—and how can readers recreate them at home?

I love having pre-planned go-to hairstyles for the holiday season and what I refer to as “Classic LBD Hairstyles”. These include Hollywood Waves, a Holiday Pony and a Classic Bun. Here’s how to achieve each look:

Hollywood Waves

1. Apply the TRESemmé Lamellar Gloss Cream Serum and TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray on damp or dry hair to protect the hair shaft and provide extra shine.
   • For curly to textured hair, use the TRESemmé One Step Curl Creme.
2. After blow drying, create your waves with a classic iron, wand, hot rollers or even heatless curls.
3. Comb straight down and the hair will naturally spring up forming a wave.
4. Set with a center or side part – the classic being a deep side part for 1940s inspired drama.

Holiday Pony

1. Use a generous mix of the TRESemmé Lamellar Gloss Cream SerumandShine Spray on damp hair for hydration and shine.
   • For straighter hair, apply the TRESemmé One Step Blowout Balm for added smoothness.
2. Use your hot tool of choice to create loose curls throughout your hair and tie up into a ponytail.
3. Finish with the TRESemmé Ultra Fine Hairspray for that flexible, bouncy finish.
4. Pro Tip: The best pony for you is to follow your cheekbone or jawline into your hair and secure there.

Classic Bun

1. Spray the TRESemmé Amplified Volume Dry Shampoo at your roots to add texture and allow pins to grip the hair without overusing product.
2. Pull your hair into a bun and finish withtheTRESemmé Extra Hold Hairsprayto lock in a structured bunthat won’t move.
3. You describe these hairstyles as the “Little Black Dress” of holiday hair—what makes a hairstyle timeless in your eyes?

A timeless hairstyle is a style that transcends time and is not necessarily a timestamped trend like big crimped hair of the 80s – that had a shelf life to the moment.

For those with textured or curly hair, what are your best tips for protecting curls and maintaining definition in dry, cold climates?

Textured or curly hair really thrive with moisture. My best tips are hydration based. Limit shampooing and when you shampoo use a moisturizing shampoo or one that is formulated specifically for curly hair. Keep a wide tooth comb in the shower to always comb through your conditioner. When you comb through your conditioner, look at your comb – you should see a thin layer of conditioner – if you see none, you need more as your hair has soaked that up. If you have a lot of conditioner on your comb, then you have used too much. A great option when skipping shampoo if you need hydration is to co-wash which is literally only using your conditioner as your washing routine.

I also suggest using a satin pillowcase (for all hair types) and a sleep bonnet for those with texture and curls – especially 3b-4c hair types. These protect the hair shaft and minimize tangling and breakage.

Let’s talk prep: how important is a good blowout base, and what’s your secret to making one last from office to after-hours holiday events?

A great blowout based properly can last a couple of days, so I’d say very important! On your shampoo day, wrap your hair with a microfibre towel and allow some moisture to absorb. If there is too much water in the hair it waters down the products weakening the effectiveness.

Add in your blowout products. I’m partial to using mousse with a heat protectant like the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray, but a blowout balm is great too – especially for those with curly hair.

Blow dry upside-down as the idea here is to blow dry your roots in the opposite direction so they have lift. When your hair is about 90% dry, finish with a round brush and use your concentrator attachment for your dryer.

While your hair is still warm, pop in medium to large velcro rollers and allow to cool.  

To keep the bounce in your hair, flip upside-down, spray your hair with a strong hold hairspray like the TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairsprayand give it a minute to set/dry before flipping back up.

To refresh at the end of the day flip your hair forward again and brush to liven up your blowout.

What TRESemmé products do you find yourself reaching for the most in winter, and why are they essential in your styling kit?

Great question! The Lamellar Gloss Cream Serum and Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray are my essentials in my styling kit. Hydration, shine and heat protection is essential for all hair types.

We’re all about balance at VITA—how can people maintain healthy hair through winter without overloading on product or heat styling?

Love that! Honestly, I feel that’s an easy achievement. In the winter we tend to need less hair wash days which means less heat styling. We need some positive with this cold dry weather! I lived in Singapore for many years, so I was spoiled with the tropical warmth so check back with me in the summer months if you need to talk humidity tips!

Finally, what’s your personal go-to holiday hair look when you’re short on time but still want that ‘effortless chic’ moment?

I do have the benefit of being a licensed hairstylist so I can bang off my go-to pretty quickly which is the Hollywood Wave. I love this style because it can range from being a super polished, structured femme fatale wave, to a soft, looser S-wave. Either way, it can really elevate your look for the holidays.