By Claire Toner

The two major hair dilemmas at this time of year are making sure you have the most fabulous party hair at the Christmas work do, while keeping your locks in good condition during the winter frost.  We asked our hair care sugahpals for some top tips on maintaining those gorgeous tresses during the festive season- and they've given us some great ideas.

Paul Meekin of Partners Hair and Beauty swears by TIGI Sugar Dust when creating big party hair, "It gives fantastic root lift for those big bouncy party looks and mega-hold for up dos especially when cocktailed with MEGAWHIP by TIGI- just blow-dry the hair using a round brush and MEGAWHIP for volume. While brushing out- sprinkle a little Sugar dust at the roots and backcomb for big volume- or run your fingers through for glamorous soft curls."

When it comes to Winter hair care, Paul says a moisturising shampoo and conditioner like Urban Antidotes No. 2 or 3 is essential. "Never go out with wet hair when it's cold as freezing air can make hair literally snap off. If you're using straighteners or tongs- use a leave-in protection spray like TIGI S Factor. If you haven't got time to blow-dry your hair, use Catwalk Session series DRY Shampoo- it works as a great quick pick-me-up."

Suzan Manning from Zuni Hair agrees with Paul about when it comes to big volume for Party hair, "Go for sexy glam with Jessica Rabbit waves or for shorter hair- it has to be a giant quiff. Most of all- you have to pump up the volume- flat and fine will not get you any mistletoe action this year! Get a bodifying botox blow-dry for only £30 from Zuni Hair"

If you really want to stand out at the Christmas Party- why not dye your hair for extra impact? "Brand new colour options from Loreal include Dialight for an ultimate shine- or for extra coverage without permanent commitment- try new Diarichesse."

Liss Control Creme with its 24hour humidity protection is Susan's must-have Winter hair care product, "If you have hair that tends to get badly behaved at this time of the year, this is the perfect smoothing creme for you."

Mythic Oil is another of Suzan's top tips for the festive period, "This conditioning serum leaves the hair silky soft but is completely weightless. It makes blow-drying your hair effortless and works whether the hair is wet or dry and fine or thick."

So whether you're gearing up for two weeks of endless parties, or just long walks to work in the freezing snow and sleet- don't forget to look after your hair with these essential festive hints!