help, my scalp gets so dry in winter! how do i fix it? you know everything about everything, and you’re wonderful, and smart, and amazing.

That was a text message from my sister (I might have taken some creative liberties with it). She’s right, of course, I do know everything about everything. But I figured for this question I would go to someone who possible knows even more than me – if that’s possible – the amazing Mr Barney Martin of Barney Martin Hairdressing in Surry Hills. Barney is my main (mane) man when it comes to hair, and he hasn’t let me down yet.

Barney says:
With a change of season you will usually notice that your scalp becomes slightly dry, tight or sensitive – the same as your skin. The skin on your face and body is the same as the skin on your scalp, which sometimes we tend to forget and focus on our hair only.

These symptoms are due to internal heating systems drying the scalp out and harsh winter weather conditions – you can always wear a beanie (which I do – good tip, Barn)

You will generally find that it will pass, but if you do get a dry sensitive scalp in winter make sure you don’t confuse it with dandruff as a lot of people do. To ease the systems, try a scalp cleansing treatment or invest in a scalp cleansing shampoo and conditioner. Make sure you don’t use it too much though as overuse can dry it out further.

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I’m going to jump in here and throw my 2c in. I get a terrible dry scalp every winter, but this year it hasn’t been as bad as usual because I have been diligent about keeping my scalp hydrated and not blow-drying as often (hard). I’m using Royal Moroccan Hair Repair shampoo and conditioner, which is dense and creamy on the hair because it’s sulfate free (which means it doesn’t lather). It’s packed with Argan Oil and vitamin E, so it’s good for the hair AND the scalp. I can also highly recommend Australian brand Seven Wonders wonderful Moroccan Treatment Oil. You can get it either as a pump or a spray, and is packed full of fatty acids, omega 6, vitamins E, F, A & C, and squalene – basically all those things doctors say to eat for good skin, but in liquid form for your hair.

If you’re in and out of air con, take long hot showers, and stand at the bus stop in the cold, your skin is going to get irritated. That includes the skin on your scalp. The moral of the story is…winter sucks. Let’s all move to Hawaii.

The finer details:
Royal Moroccan Hair Repair Shampoo and Conditioner – $17.95 for 300mL – Priceline
Seven Wonders Moroccan Treatment Oil $34.95 for 125ml – Chemists

Disclosure: The Royal Moroccan was offered to Stuff That I Bought for editorial consideration. Love the pump top bottles. Seven Wonders originally offered Stuff That I Bought other products from the range for consideration, but I gave them to a friend who was going through a really bad hair time (poor girl) and went out and bought my own. Worth it.

I love a product that’s a two-fer. Like a lipstick that you can also use as a creme blush, or a pancake that doubles as a hat. Vaseline is a bit more than a two-fer though. Is there a bathroom in Australia that doesn’t have a tub of Vaseline lurking somewhere under a sink or up the back of a cupboard? I use Vaseline a lot, and for things that you might not even think of. And to that end, I have pulled together what I call Elise’s Top 10 Uses For The Humble Vaseline.

- A little bit on an old (clean) mascara brush for taming brows

- A touch on your fingers to smooth over annoying flyaway hairs

- Vaseline on a soft cloth to buff and polish your patent leather shoes and bags – excellent for scuff marks

- Smoothed around the cuticles before you paint your nails to stop your colour staining, and to help get any ‘outside the lines’ off easily

- A dab mixed with loose colour pigments (MAC pigments work especially well) to create a blush or eye shadow that moisturizes and has staying power

- If you live in a really cold climate, smear Vaseline on your keys to stop your locks freezing – thankfully I haven’t had to do this one for a while. This also works for rusty locks

- Slather it on your feet to help prevent friction and blisters if you are doing lots of walking or running (and a bit on your nipples too if you’re going for a long run!)

- Little bit on a cotton bud to remove eyelash glue from your lash line

- Run some around your hairline when you’re dying your hair at home so you don’t end up with that telltale line

- Skip your illuminator and smear a little on the tops of your cheeks for a dewy finish

Do you have any other uses for Vaseline? Sure you do. Everyone does! Feel free to add to my list below – I’m always curious to see how others use this versatile product.

Friends, I need your help. All three of the body washes in my shower ran out at the same time (inconvenience++) and now I need to replace them.

I currently use Palmolive Natural Milk & Honey (the big one that you can refill – so cost effective), Nivea For Men Sensitive, and Dove Triple Moisturising. I like a creamy, highly moisturising body wash. Something I can squeeze onto my sponge and get all lathery. Suggestions? What have you been using this winter that’s leaving your skin all soft and hydrated? Go!

I bought a silk pillow case.

Yes, I do realise how completely self-absorbed and indulgent that sounds. I have been wanting to make this purchase for about a year and I finally found the one I wanted at a decent price. (Decent? It’s all relative)

So…step backwards…why a silk pillowcase? Because the slip of the fabric helps prevent knots and tangles in your hair while you sleep, and also stops creases forming on your face. And I’m kind of at the stage where I’m going to try anything and everything to help prevent creases on my face!

I had been eyeing off the Slip silk pillowcase ever since someone mentioned it on Twitter (I can’t recall who now, but if it comes to me I’ll give them a shout out), and had seen it on a few different sites for $65. Who can justify $65 for a silk pillowcase though? I felt guilty even bringing it up to the darling husband, what with weddings and honeymoons to save and then pay for. But it sat in the back of my mind for many months, and when I randomly clicked onto the Peter’s of Kensington site the other day (I often randomly click onto different sites and suddenly it’s 3 hours later and I have been sucked into an online shopping vortex) and there it was! The one I wanted, in the colour I wanted, and only $49! Sure, you add $5 shipping, but that’s still $54 compared to $65+shipping elsewhere. Click. Add to cart. Mama has been sleeping soundly ever since!

PS – I bought Mocha, but it also comes in Ice, Caramel, Charcoal and Dusty Pink.

PS – I ordered late at night last Tuesday and it was under my head by Thursday.