Winter Hair Care Tips
Cold and dry winter air conditions can have an impact on your hair. I’m talking lack of moisture, static, frizz, and dry scalp leading to dull hair that’s more susceptible to damage. Nothing zaps our hair of its moisture like exposure to the harsh cold elements and constant transition to heated indoors. Achieve healthier hair by following these tricks of the trade to minimize these harsh winter effects and prevent damage in between trips to the salon!
1. Moisturize your scalp and hair
To combat dryness effectively use a leave-in conditioner or add hair oil to your winter hair care regimen. To help replenish your hair with moisture apply a few drops of nourishing hair oil at the ends every day. Try argan or jojoba oil, both leave your hair soft and shiny while preventing it from breakage.
Apply a heavier oil treatment like coconut oil or castor oil directly to the scalp if you suffer from dandruff due to a dry, flaky scalp. To deeply moisturize the scalp, let the oil sink in for 20-30 minutes, then wash your hair as usual.
You may want to go the extra mile and hydrate your hair overnight if you find that your hair is still too dry or talk to your stylist and we can recommend other products that may help.
2. Fight static hair with a dryer sheet
If the fine strands of hair lift from your head, your hair is suffering from winter dryness. A simple tip for dry hair is to carry a regular anti-static laundry dryer sheet with you in your bag to avoid a static party on your head. Lightly run it over the fly-aways and voila, you have a static-free hairdo. I know it sounds crazy, but it works!
This is just a quick fix, and you should still condition your hair regularly during the winter. A leave-in conditioner will combat dryness and lock in moisture.
3. Avoid frequent hair washes
Vital natural oils that keep the hair moisturized and protected will be stripped if you over wash your hair. It’s time to make a change to your winter hair care routine if you’re guilty of washing your hair every day.
If you usually wash your hair every other day, try every two days. Try every three days if you find your hair is still lacking moisture. Use dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair smelling and looking fresh to help this transition process.
Pro-tip for dry hair: Skip the shampoo altogether and wash your hair with conditioner (co-wash) only. Don’t forget the leave-in after you wash!
4. Stay away from heat styling
During the colder months when your hair is already in a fragile state, heat styling just amplifies the problem, extracting moisture from hair strands. Winter is the time to embrace your natural hair texture and use a few drops of hair oil to tame frizz. For straight hair, try heatless curls and waves with braids, buns, or curl rods.
5. Before rushing out the door dry your hair
Before rushing out the door in the winter, it is especially important to make sure that your hair is fully dry. The hair shaft expands when your hair is cold, making it more prone to breakage. Winter air can even lead to your color fading faster.
Before sauntering out for the day, give your hair that extra time in the winter to air dry. Or better yet, to avoid blow–drying your hair when you’re in a rush in the morning getting the kids out the door, wash your hair at night.
6. Use a silk headscarf or pillowcase
Warm winter hats and scarves are known for causing breakage and static hair. Hats will also trap oil at the roots, which leaves the ends dry and prone to damage. Cotton and wool may feel soft to the touch, its weave grips and pull at individual strands, causing damage and breakage.
Solution: before putting on your fave cozy hat, wrap your hair in a silk scarf. It will protect your hair from static and frizz while reducing hat hair. Silk is known to prevent knotted hair, thinning, and split ends by stimulating hydration due to its natural hypoallergenic properties.
Don’t want to use it throughout the day? Sleeping on a silk pillowcase is also a great way to protect your hair.
7. Drink Water
Drinking enough water helps energize and encourage hair growth from root to tip because hydration starts from within. Staying hydrated also stimulates a healthier scalp, preventing scalp problems like dryness, itchiness, or dandruff during the winter.
When you haven’t had enough water, your skin looks dull and tired. Your hair is the same way! Keeping hydrated fosters shiny, radiant hair, as well as helps prevent split ends and brittle hair.
Beat the Winter Hair Woes
If you’re dealing with dullness, extreme dryness, more frizz than normal, or split ends and breakage I can help. At Jill McCormack hair, it’s my name on the door and I care about mending your hair so you can look stunning all year round!
I’m here to answer any questions about your winter hair woes. Call my 5-star salon in Finksburg at 443-745-3503 or book an appointment online!
