Caterina DiBiase from Heading Out Hair & Beauty in Melbourne, won the prestigious Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year - the ultimate accolade for any Australian hairdresser. Selected from a list of ten finalists, Caterina said as she accepted the award, "Ten years ago I decided I wanted my name up in lights - and tonight it is!" The awards take into account all aspects of hairdressing and help to promote consumer awareness of the high standards of excellence in the Australian hairdressing industry.

Hair during these cold winter months behaves differently. So this is the time to really care and moisturise the hair as well as the scalp.

Caterina said "Both hair and scalps get very dehydrated, and both need moisturising and care. Both Aveda and Kerastase do brilliant treatments to add moisture, condition and brilliant shine. Aveda Damage Therapy is a fabulous 'facial for your hair' and takes hair care to new heights with the most superb in salon basin experience! Kerastase Aqua Oleum is my absolute favourite - it's quick, fast acting nutrition for all hair types, and brings great shine to tired hair."

"The key tip for doing treatments at home is to do them in the shower. Shampoo, and then gently squeeze water out of your hair. Then put your treatment in and cover with a shower cap. Allow water to fall over the top of the cap so it's nice and hot and steams up. This helps the ingredients penetrate the hair follicle further. And in these water saving times, it's important to do your hair first thing in the shower so you can steam your hair whilst you soap up and wash!

You can also wrap your hair in a hot towel. But do not sleep with the treatment over night as it can make hair very gluggy the next day. Because you can always have too much of a good thing!"

It is also very important to use gentle hair products that contain natural oils that soothe, protect and resuscitate the hair from winter's harsh environmental aggressors rather than strip the natural oils from the hair and aggravate the dryness. This may not only trigger frizziness but also expedite split ends. So shop around and take advantage of the fantastic products on the market to help you through these cold months both to have in a salon and also to take home with you and use on a daily basis. With these tips you will never have to have a bad hair day.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Products: 1, American Crew Tea Tree Shampoo ($19.95) Contains natural oils that soothe and protect the hair.

2, American Crew Fiber ($31.95) Beeswax acts as a barrier against moisture loss and gives hair a natural, clean finish.

3, American Crew Groom Spray ($23.95) Formulated with natural humectants to add shine, manageability and reduce flyaway tendencies. www.americancrew.com

4, mop's Pear shampoo ($22.95), The natural scalp-purifying ingredients contain no harsh additives or detergents to dry out sensitive skin and scalps.

5, mop's Leave-In Conditioner ($23.95), formulated and enriched with calming ingredients to nourish follicles, render shine and promote healthy hair growth.

6, mop's C-system Reconstructing Treatment ($35.95) This treatment has a bouquet of nutritional ingredients including pear extract and Papaya to rapidly restore tired hair. www.mopproducts.com

7, Kerastase Aqua -Oleum. Combines the richness of the natural oil from jojoba and avocado with optimum hydration. The ultra fine emulsion allows the active ingredients to penetrate your hair immediately. www.kerastase.com

8, Aveda Damage Therapy($64.95) This intensive plant-based treatment delivers long-lasting moisture as it strengthens and helps repair dry and damaged hair. Features quinoa protien, barley and sandalwood. www.aveda.com

9, Fudge 1 shot+ Leave in Treatment Spray. Delivers and locks in protein and moisture, detangles hair and increases shine and manageability. www.fudge.com