Harsh winters can wreak havoc on your hair. From flyaway frizzies to lackluster locks, freezing temperatures and ultra-dry indoor heat can zap away moisture, leaving your hair dry and brittle.
A lack of moisture also makes your hair more prone to breaking, steals its shine and can make curly hair unruly (if you’ve been blessed with curls).
If you think you’re condemned to wearing a beanie until spring, we’ve got good news for you.
This list features suggestions from hair experts on how to nip your winter hair woes in the bud.
Check out our 10 top winter hair care tips you’ll want to screenshot.
1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
During the winter, indoor heat might keep you cozy, but it can also dry out your hair and scalp. You can combat breakage and dandruff by using a leave-in conditioner or ultra-rich hair mask.
Both treatments will add softness to your strands without weighing them down. For an extra volume boost, apply a few spritzes of hairspray at the roots of your fringe area and crown.
You can also ward off split ends by applying a leave in conditioner to ends of your hair. If your hair feels dry overall, apply a small amount down the length of your hair to keep it pliable.
2. Make In Between Wash Days Your Winter Hair Care Best Friend
Even if you love the feeling of soft, freshly washed hair, you might want to skip a day or two in between shampoos as part of your winter hair care routine. Daily washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it looking dull and frizzy.
Those who are prone to dry skin and dandruff may also find more flaking if they over-wash. In this case, too much added moisture achieves the opposite effect.
If you’re used to washing your hair every day, switch to every two days and use a flexible low hold styler as a part of your wash day routine. Whether you wash day or night, plan to go out or stay in, air dry or heat dry – incorporating a pliable styling fixable (sans alcohol) to clean damp hair will allow you to primp and place your hair effortlessly in between shampoos.
Simply wet your hands or hairbrush with water to re-activate the styling properties to keep your hair looking healthy and salon-fresh between washings.
Gels and mousse are excellent for easy re-styling since they are usually very flexible, low-hold formulas. Be sure to check the ingredients to make sure you choose one without drying alcohol.
Choose one the tackles your biggest hair challenge, like reducing frizz or hair falling flat if you skip a day of styling.
If you simply can’t go more than one day without shampooing, use one that’s clarifying. It’ll provide just enough moisture without weighing your hair down.
3. Tame Flyaways and Static On The Go
Another dead giveaway that your hair is suffering from winter weather are those wispy pieces that stand straight up on your head. To avoid the mad scientist look, reach for a conditioning product or hairspray to tame those staticky strands.
Gently run or spray over your hair to regain control over flyaways and like magic, you’ll be your static-free gorgeous self!
Obviously, this quick fix gets the job done, however, it’s still better to kick the cold-weather culprit to the curb and show your tresses some extra TLC.
In addition to your regular routine, lock in moisture with a super-hydrating conditioner that provides a double dose of softness and strength to your strands.
4. Go Au Natural
As sexy as a sleek blowout looks, it can also damage your hair. And if your hair is already lacking moisture, adding heat only fuels the fire. Protect your hair by keeping heat styling to a minimum.
If you have curly hair, you need to embrace the texture. Apply a few drops of hair oil or a leave in conditioner to tame the frizz and let your locks air dry. Curly hair can be especially prone to dryness, that's why curly girls like to avoid products with sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols.
On wash day, adding a moisturizing hair mask can be a great way to nourish your natural strands while letting it recover from dyeing and styling.
Straight hair beauties can gently squeeze out excess water, apply leave-in conditioner and let it dry. Use the winter months to experiment with different hairstyles like braids, buns, sleek ponytails and twists.
If you can’t let your hair air dry, use the lowest setting possible on your styling tools.
That leads us to our next point…
5. Dry, Then Dash
You have places to go and people to see, so the last thing you want to do is wait around for your hair to dry, right?
When it comes to protecting your hair, especially in the winter, a few extra moments are in order.
During spring and summer, going out with semi-damp hair really isn’t a big deal. After all, the humidity helps lock in moisture and keep your hair from drying out. In the winter, however, it’s a completely different story.
Chilly temps expand the hair shaft, which not only fades winter hair color faster, but can also lead to breakage.
If you’re trying to avoid heat styling, give your hair the extra time it needs to dry before heading out. Alternatively, you can also switch up your winter hair care routine and wash and dry the night before.
@zotosprofessional Who doesn’t love a good wash day!? 💚 #HairTok #curlyhair #curlyhairroutine #curlyhairtutorial #curlyhaircheck ♬ original sound - Zotos Professional
When you’re short on time and have to wash before dashing out the door, squeeze as much water as possible out of your hair and use your hair dryer on cool.
If you just can’t wait, tuck your tresses underneath a silk scarf and hat before heading out.
Bonus Tip: You should only ever leave with hair slightly damp, not soaking wet! Don't forget to add a non-drying, flexible styling product so your styling routine will be easier on your next non-wash day!
6. Commit to Deep Conditioning
Your hair needs just as much love as your skin, which makes deep conditioning an essential. Deep conditioning hair treatments breathe new life into winter-weathered hair, especially if you color it. They also act as a protective barrier and can reverse damage.
Regular deep conditioning also keeps your hair healthy all year long. In less than 20 minutes, you can help your hair be just a little extra: extra soft, extra shiny and, most importantly, extra healthy.
Hair masks are super effective, so pick one that is potent enough to undue Old Man Winter’s wrath. Look for ones that get the job done without weighing hair down, like Biotera hair treatment.
These specifically formulated blends tackle your winter hair needs by adding strength and softness at the same time.
In addition to choosing one from your favorite hair care brand, you can also find homemade solutions in your pantry.
DIY hair masks might seem hard to make, but in reality, they’re pretty easy to put together. Even though they aren’t presented in pretty packaging, a lot of homemade hair masks can improve texture and boost hair health.
Making DIY hair masks don’t need to be complex; think honey, avocado and yogurt.
Bonus Tip: Don’t go overboard with deep conditioning. Even if your hair feels dry, combining deep conditioning with rich hair masks will only weigh your hair down. Weekly deep conditioning treatments work best.
7. Work Your Overnight Hair Mask Magic
If all the tips above still aren’t bringing your tresses back to life, you need to take hair hydration one step further. Just like your favorite facial night cream, using an overnight hair treatment can work wonders.
Not all overnight treatments are the same, so choose one that is made for your specific hair type.
For example, if your hair is thin, too much hydration can make it look like a limp noodle, even after shampooing. You probably don’t need a hair treatment that’s super thick and made for someone with curly or extremely damaged hair.
Apply just enough to cover your hair from root to tip. You can also cover it up with a shower cap or wrap it up in a scarf to avoid making a mess when sleeping.
In the morning, shampoo as usual making sure to rinse extra thoroughly. Depending on your hair texture, you might or might not need conditioner.
8. Seasonal Color Shift
Leave your beach blonde shade where it belongs and embrace darker hues for winter. Winter hair colors are not only trendy, but will also reduce the number of times you need root touch ups.
Even as a true blonde, bleaching your hair is notorious for causing damage. During the winter, your hair goal should be keeping your crowning glory shiny and silky.
Keep the hues darker until the mercury soars!
If you can’t skip color until summer, you can opt for a glorious color glaze. It’s the perfect way to warm up your color without the drying effects of permanent hair dye. Hair glaze boosts your natural hues while making your shine.
For our girls who refuse to pass up on their beloved dye or want to keep pesky grays at bay, be sure to color with kindness.
To keep your hair as soft as possible (gray hair and winter air don’t mix), use a color that nourishes your hair while keeping your silver strands undercover.
AGEbeautiful hair color is the first of its kind. It’s infused with Keratin, Biotin and silk protein to protect your hair and fight the 5 signs of aging hair.
9. Opt For Silk
When the temperature drops, the first thing you think about is wooly knits and flannel. And as cozy as these fabrics are, they have their place, which isn’t on your bed.
Because winter air is so dry, (cue static and frizzy hair for days) you need to be extra gentle with your hair, even when you’re sleeping.
This is even more true if you wear hats that trap oil at your roots while leaving the end of your hair dry.
Wrap your hair in a silky scarf prior to donning your favorite knit hat. This protects delicate strands and also prevents hat hair (you know, flat in front and sticking up everywhere else).
Silk is a naturally hypoallergenic fabric, so it can help prevent your hair from knotting or splitting up the shaft. And as soft and snuggly as wool or cotton caps feel, the knit actually tugs at your hair, possibly causing damage. For this reason, that’s why we also recommend you always use a silk pillowcase as well.
10. Give Limp Winter Hair a Boost
All those cute winter hats don’t have to spell disaster for your hair! Thankfully, there’s nothing a little style refreshing hairspray can’t fix. In addition to keeping your ‘do fresher in between shampoos, it’s also a lifeline for distressed winter tresses.
Carry a travel size in your purse for quick touch ups when it’s too cold to not wear a hat. Lightly spray at the roots, tousle and voila, your hat hair will disappear. You can also use some volumizing mousse to give your locks some extra support during the colder months.
Bonus Tip: Hydrate for Greater Volume
Listen up beauties! Bet you didn’t know that a strand of hair is 25% water? Just like your skin, your hair needs hydration too.
Proper hydration comes from within, so drinking enough H2O is a must. Stay hydrated to minimize dandruff, prevent scalp itching and keep your hair looking healthy all winter long.
If you’re looking for more ways to perfect your DIY winter hair care routine, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to our licensed stylists via chat for styling advice or to learn more about our products!
