Beauty Fix: An extra way to protect your hair from heat-styling damage, your holiday beauty go-to and more

Every week our Beauty Fix columnist takes on your questions about makeup, skincare, hair and more. Have a beauty question we haven’t answered? Email us at beautyfix@fashionmagazine.com.

I heat-style my hair more in the winter because I wash it in the morning and don’t want to head out with damp hair in cold weather. How do I protect my hair against this increased contact with heat tools?
As soon as the temperature is low enough to freeze hair in the duration of a short stroll outside, air-drying season is officially over and blow-drying becomes necessary. Hopefully you’re in the habit of using a heat-protectant spray whenever you decide to turn on the hot tools, but if you’re especially concerned with heat damage switch up your shampoo and conditioner. Pantene Pro-V Heat Shield Shampoo and Conditioner ($6 each, at drugstores) is geared to defending your hair in each step of the cleansing and styling process. This shampoo and conditioner duo each contain a heat-activated oil that protects against heat styling up to 450 degrees, making it your go-to every time you’re planning on breaking out the hair dryer and flat iron. Using this shampoo and condition in conjunction with a thermal protectant spray should keep hair in tip top shape all year!

I use a hair serum to smooth my hair but it tends to leave a residue on my hands whenever I touch my hair throughout the day
The residue you’re feeling on your hands is probably silicone or another smoothing ingredients in the serum that you’re using. Silicone is excellent at making hair much silkier, but it can leave a bit of residue on your hands due to the fact that it sits on the surface of the hair. Try Shu Uemura Essence Absolue ($69, shuuemura.ca), which does contain silicone, but also contains camellia oil, known for its nourishing lipids that balance the hair’s moisture levels. A little of this protective oil goes a long way and because it’s an oil, it’s easily absorbed by hair, leaving no residue, just incredible softness in its place. Bonus: For very dry hair in need of deep hydration, the oil can be applied as an overnight treatment and then washed out the next morning.

I like sugar or salt scrubs for exfoliating but the oily residue makes my shower extremely slippery. What else can I use that won’t feel like a potential hazard on the shower floor?
Even with the warning on the container, it’s shocking how slick a shower floor can get thanks to the an oily residue from a super emollient sugar or salt scrub . It’s legitimately dangerous, which is why such warnings are placed on containers. If the risk of sugar- or salt-based scrubs is officially outweighing the reward, switch it up. You have options, such as exfoliating with a body brush like Sonia Kashuk’s Spa Body Brush ($7, at Target Canada). The boar bristles are soft against your skin, but still firm enough to provide effective exfoliation and increase circulation, whether it’s used wet or dry. Alternatively, you could try a creamy exfoliator since it’s less likely to leave a heavy residue on your shower or skin alike, such as Sonia Kashuk Yellow Alluriana Exfoliating Body Polish ($11, at Target). Pumice particles and crushed apricot seeds are the primary exfoliating agents in this body scrub, which are both effective in removing dulling skin cells (the crushed apricot seeds will also add moisture), and the bright citrusy verbena scent will invigorate your senses with every use. For a really smooth finish, combine these two options for ultimate softness.

I know certain cleanser types are better for dry skin, but I like the feeling of a foaming cleanser. Can you point me in the direction of a non-drying option?
We tend to associate thick foam and lavish lather with cleanliness, so it can be an adjustment to get used to a creamy or milky cleanser—which are the kinds of cleansers that are typically best suited to dry skin. In my experience, foaming cleansers remove makeup more effectively, making me reach for it over a cleansing milk even if the latter is better suited to my skin (especially during the winter). Recently, a happy medium has come to my attention in the form of Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel ($11, well.ca), which is delightfully soap-free so it isn’t drying at all, but it still effectively cleanses skin. The formula also contains panthenol, which is a natural humectant, helping skin hold moisture in, so it’s as good as foaming cleanser can get for dry skin!

I’m going to be on the go this holiday season, so what’s a low maintenance way to look put together in no time?
Who doesn’t feel a strong sense of pressure at this time of the year? Whether you’re wrapped up in holiday party scheduling conflicts or dashing from the office to a party every day of the week, keeping your holiday beauty routine simple really is the best bet for ensuring a polished look. Multi-use products are best when you don’t have time to think about what you’re slipping into your bag for on-the-go use, such as the Vasanti Cosmetics Strobe Light Lip and Cheek Colour Pod in “Cranberry Pink” ($24, vasanticosmetics.ca). The lightweight cream formula contains mango butter, hyaluronic spheres and pomegranate sterols, so it’s wonderful at hydrating lips and cheeks—meaning comfortable wear in spite of dry air (in the office, in the mall, outside… everywhere, really). The pigmentation is buildable and quite foolproof, with a luminosity that serves as a built-in highlighter. And while this cranberry shade is festive, but you’ll find yourself reaching for it well beyond winter.

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