Good hair matters. It matters so much, in fact, that even the most powerful men on the planet routinely make headlines for their ill-advised coiffures. A quick Google search of “politician haircuts” brings up accusations that prime minister Mr Boris Johnson is copying Mr Donald Trump’s do, speculation over whether Mr Joe Biden has had a hair transplant, Mr David Cameron’s barber receiving an MBE in 2014 for switching the former prime minister’s parting from right to left and, inexplicably, the Wikipedia page for the British chancellor of the exchequer, Mr Sajid Javid. Fabulous hair won’t make up for shoddy policies, of course, but the point stands: maintaining a well-groomed mop is key to appearing like you have yourself together.

Investing in a few products is a smart move if you value the hair on your head, especially now that winter’s coming. “Adverse weather such as strong winds or cold temperatures can penetrate through the hair cuticle to the centre of the strand, weakening the hair and causing breakage, frizz, flyways and dryness,” says Mr Andrew Goetz, founder of cult US-based brand Malin + Goetz. “Keeping that cuticle smooth and in good condition with nourishing ingredients will allow you to maintain the health of your hair.”

Those nourishing ingredients aren’t difficult to find if you know where to look, and the options for what a man can put in his hair in 2019 are duly impressive (if a little intimidating, at first). From light-reflecting gels and serums that nourish your scalp and slow hair loss to fortifying conditioners and broccoli shampoo (really), we suggest the following products to keep your barnet looking resplendent throughout winter and beyond.

Winter means cold weather, central heating and, because of the damage all of this causes, terrible hair. The answer? A product that will enliven hair from scalp to tip. “In the long term, scalp health is really important,” says Mr Sacha Mitic, co-founder of Stockholm haircare brand Sachajuan. “A healthy scalp promotes strong, healthy hair growth, which is why our Scalp Shampoo is one of our best-selling products.” An anti-dandruff wonder, the shampoo is a must if your scalp has ever been flaky or is in need of some TLC. See also Haeckels Bio Energiser + Broccoli Hair Cleanser (surprisingly pleasant, honestly), which contains an array of scalp-friendly vitamins and minerals.

Not all conditioners are made equal. A truly effective product requires a bevy of finely balanced ingredients that will replenish the natural oils in your scalp that are lost through shampooing. Le Labo Conditioner is more than just a handsome bottle to keep by the bath. Enriched with avocado and coconut oil, it’s vegan, intensively nourishes hair and its hinoki scent is inspired by the calming aroma of a forest of Japanese cypress trees. For an extra hit of moisture, or whenever your hair’s looking a little lacklustre, we can’t recommend Sachajuan Leave In Conditioner enough. The solution, derived from sea algae, somehow revives hair without a hint of residual greasiness. Simply spray it on before you style.

The savviest choice for styling your hair is to find something that also moonlights as a nourishing product, such as Malin + Goetz Sage Styling Cream. “Our styling products are formulated with many of the same beneficial botanical extracts used in our skincare so that you’re reinforcing your hair while styling it,” say the brand’s founders. Designed to reflect the light, Oribe Gel Sérum is infused with gold pearl and actually glitters, although you can’t tell once it’s in your hair. It’s also fortified with corn, wheat and soy microproteins to repair and strengthen your hair and immediately make it appear perkier.

Perhaps the most effective products are those you’d never usually consider. Magical scalp serums and pomades packaged like spaceships? Hear us out. Sisley - Paris Revitalizing Fortifying Serum can turn limp, dry hair into something altogether more envy-inducing. It’s particularly great if you have areas of hair loss, are looking a little thin in places, or if your scalp is in need of soothing. Apply three pipettes to the scalp, massage it in and watch your hair come back to life. Patricks M2 Matte Finish pomade is a true marvel of a product. It is UV resistant and provides enhanced hair and scalpcare via red clover, sage and saw palmetto. It also has a subtly masculine sandalwood scent.

To the uninitiated, owning a fancy comb may feel like an antiquated throwback to a time when men wore sock suspenders unironically. Anyone who owns one will no doubt vehemently defend its use. A charming thing to have on your dressing table, a good comb keeps unkempt locks under control, can create a sharp-looking parting – great for party season – and makes a wonderful gift and keepsake. Choose one from Buly 1803, handcrafted in Switzerland from tortoiseshell acetate, or from D R Harris, which has variegated teeth to keep locks and scalp in top nick.