The season’s harsh elements, heated indoors, and use of hot tools steal the moisture from your locks, leaving them more susceptible to breakage and damage, dry scalp, and dandruff. These tips and advice from our hair care experts will help you beat the winter hair woes.
1. Skip the Shampoo
This is a great tip for your cold-weather hair routine. Washing your hair strips it of necessary oils and moisture that keep it looking healthy. Since it takes time for your scalp’s oil production to adjust, start by skipping a wash every other day. Slowly increase the time between washes and refresh your hair using a quality dry shampoo.
2. Hydrating vs Moisturizing Conditioners
Labels aren’t just a marketing gimmick. There’s a difference between conditioners labeled \”moisturizing\” and \”hydrating.\” A moisturizing conditioner smooths the hair and helps prevent frizz by keeping the moisture in. A hydrating conditioner provides hydration into the hair strand itself. Both are excellent for dry, winter hair and can be rotated throughout the week.
3. To Blow Dry or Not to Blow Dry
That is the question. Turning off the heat is one of the best ways to avoid damaged hair during the winter (and always). When possible, avoid heating tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. With that said, exposing wet hair to the chilly winter air is a recipe for breakage and damage. That\’s why you should still blow dry your hair if you need to go outside. Otherwise, let those locks air dry in a protective hairstyle like braids.
4. Run a Humidifier
What is the secret to avoiding dry hair during the winter? Moisturizing! Moisture is the secret to luscious, shiny hair. Run a humidifier at night to keep your skin and hair looking their best.
5. Avoid Brushing Wet Hair
Brushing wet hair causes breakage and frizz. Use a wet-brush or a protective hairstyle to keep damage at bay.
6. Use a Hair Oil
Hair oils are all the rage for their multi-purpose, frizz-fighting power. With so many options, it can be daunting to know which hair oil is best for you. For an all-purpose hair oil that will combat frizz while protecting your hair from heat tools. For a more budget option, turn to your kitchen and pull out the coconut oil. A little goes a long way and your hair will feel soft and manageable.
7. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
This doesn’t have to be a haircare for winter tip only…a silk pillowcase is a good idea year-round! The smoothness of a silk pillowcase means less friction and damage to your hair. Bye, bye bed-head!
8. Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet goes a long way to improved hair health. A variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins will strengthen the condition of your hair. Look for foods with a high content of biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin E. And, consider adding a high-quality collagen supplement.
9. Skip the Hair Tie
Hair ties crease the hair causing breakage. As an alternative, use a scrunchie.
10. Try a Deep Conditioning Treatment
Do a deep-conditioning treatment weekly to give your hair an added boost. Or consider scheduling a professional deep-conditioning treatment with your hairstylist.
Get even more expert advice about the perfect cold-weather hair routines and a great winter look when you book with a stylist at Southern Star Salon.
And, if a future career in beauty is for you, there\’s no better place to start that journey than at the Southern Careers Institute. Complete the Cosmetology Operator program in as little as 40 weeks to prepare for the state professional exam.
