Winter Hair Care Routine: Protecting Your Locks from Cold Weather Damage

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Winter air is very drying, and when your hair is dry it’s more prone to breakage, which is why keeping your hair hydrated at all times is so important. This means always using a high-quality conditioner after shampooing your hair.

On top of that, you can also apply a moisturizing, leave-in conditioner once you’re out of the shower to improve moisture retention. Pamper your hair (and yourself) with weekly hair masks or a deep conditioning mask. If you’re in between washes, keep those thirsty ends happy with a hydrating hair oil or an argan oil treatment.

2. Just keep trimming

Keep up with your regular trims during winter to prevent split ends and minimize winter hair damage. Your stylist can even offer a deep conditioning treatment to help give your hair added moisture and softness.

3. Cover up

It makes sense to wear a coat, boots, and scarf when heading outside, but don’t forget to cover your head too. Not only will wearing a hat keep you warmer, it will also help keep your hair in place, reduce tangles, and protect your tresses from the harsh winter air, blustery winds, and falling snow.

For further protection, use a silk- or satin-lined hat under your headgear to reduce static and further damage. Consider trying protective hairstyles like braids or buns to keep your hair safe from the elements.

4. Air dry for the win

As tempting as it may be to bring out the hair dryer after you’ve washed your hair, it’s best to allow your hair to air dry, unless you’re going out . Heat styling tools can make hair even drier and cause serious damage if used on a regular basis. Cut down on the use of heated appliances, or use the lowest heat setting possible to promote moisture retention.

5. Eat right and hydrate (on the inside)

A winter hair care routine wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t nourish your body. A healthy diet full of nutritious food can do wonders for your hair – inside and out. Be sure to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats to support scalp health. Opt for water instead of sugary drinks to help keep you glowing and hydrated from the inside out.

6. Don’t overwash

You may think that washing your hair every day is a good idea, but it’s not. Overwashing can lead to dryness and dullness. Shampooing every day can cause an itchy scalp, split ends, breakage, and also strip the natural oils that help keep hair healthy and moisturized. Depending on your hair type, washing 2-3 times a week should be plenty.

When you do wash, use a sulfate-free shampoo or a moisturizing shampoo to protect your hair from winter dryness. On the flip side, not washing your hair enough can lead to an overproduction of oils and odor, which can negatively impact scalp health.

7. Avoid hot water

As soothing as a hot shower may be when it’s really cold, aim for a lukewarm water shower instead. Very hot water can dry hair (and skin) even more by stripping it of its natural oils. This can lead to an irritated scalp and flakiness, and no one needs that. Using lukewarm water helps maintain your hair’s natural moisture balance.

8. Don’t go outside with wet hair

Wet hair is very vulnerable, and going outside into the cold winter air after you’ve washed it is an absolute no. Extremely low temperatures can cause wet hair to freeze and break. If you must go out, be sure to dry your hair on the lowest heat setting possible. After washing, gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb to minimize breakage.

A winter hair care routine is crucial if you want to keep your cold weather hair healthy and looking its best. Some of these tips may already be a part of your beauty regimen, and if they’re not, try incorporating a few here and there. A few minutes each day can make a big difference in combating winter hair damage. Your hair will thank you!

Schedule a complimentary consultation at HairClub and let their hair loss experts analyse your hair and scalp using microscopic, state-of-the-art technology — for free!