For many, winter is the time of year when chilly temperatures are combated with hot drinks, hot showers, and indoor heat. However, the cold outside air combined with indoor heat (not to mention heat styling tools) can easily wreak havoc on your hair.
Luckily, there are ways to keep your hair looking fabulous all season long. Follow these 9 winter hair care tips and you’ll have lovely hair to show off when spring arrives!
Related: Curly Hair Care: 8 Tips and Tricks
9 top tips for winter hair care
Here are the best ways to care for your hair this season and minimize the damage caused by harsh winter effects.
1. moisturizing is the name of the game
During the winter months, no matter the texture or length of your hair, it’s key to keep it moisturized. We recommend applying a leave-in conditioner like our CC Cream Leave-in Conditioner at least once a week on damp hair. This is a key step in your winter hair care routine. Using a leave-in conditioner and deep conditioning treatments a few times a month will help keep your hair hydrated, protect it, and combat the effects of cold winter winds and indoor heating.
2. avoid frequent hair washes
Did you know that over-washing your hair will strip it of the oils that help keep it moisturized and protected and lead to a dry, itchy scalp? That’s why we suggest stretching out the time between washes as much as possible. And, to protect your hair and maintain vibrant color, we recommend a shampoo like our Color Care Shampoo.
If you currently wash your hair every day, try switching to every other day. If your hair’s still dry, aim for every third day or look into using a dry shampoo to help extend time between washes.
3. use a humidifier
Here’s a little-known fact – using indoor heating can cause the air in your home to become very dry. As a result, the dry air pulls moisture from your hair. To combat this, use a humidifier to rehydrate the air and help your hair stay moisturized.
4. wear a hat
Before you go dashing out into the winter snow, wind, or rain, be sure to grab a hat. You may have heard that silk and satin pillowcases are best for preventing damaged hair. Well, the same rule applies to winter hats that help shield your hair from the winter elements.
If you can’t buy a hat with a satin or silk liner, you can always add in a DIY liner. Simply use an old silk scarf or blouse, measure the area you need, then cut and sew it into the liner of the hat.
Heads up: wool, cotton, and other coarse fabrics can cause split ends and breakage. This is especially important to keep in mind if you have curls or natural-textured hair.
5. get regular trims
One of the easiest ways to avoid getting dry, split ends is by getting a regular trim. That’s why you should prioritize getting regular trims as part of your winter hair care routine. And, as an added bonus, regularly trimming your hair will help promote healthy hair growth. So, no matter your length of hair, we highly recommend trimming a half inch off every four to eight weeks.
6. shower with lukewarm water
Just like hot air, hot water can zap moisture from the hair. That’s why it’s important to lower the water temperature when you shower. And for best results, give your hair one final rinse with cool water before you’re finished. This will close the cuticle and help your hair retain moisture.
7. cut down on the heat styling
Looking to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy during the winter months? If so, embrace your natural hair and air dry whenever possible. Blow drying, straightening, and curling your hair regularly will draw the moisture out of your hair and increase your chance of breakage. Instead of using heat styling tools on your hair, opt for stylish no-heat hairstyles such as buns and braids.
8. don’t leave the house with wet hair
Okay, so we know we just told you to avoid heat styling whenever possible. But, if you have to choose between wet hair and blow-dried hair, always choose to dry your hair before heading out into the cold. Why? Simply put, walking outside in winter weather with wet hair can cause your hair to freeze and break, and may also cause your hair color to fade faster.
9. stay well-hydrated and eat a healthy diet
One strand of hair is made of 25% water, so it’s no surprise that improper hydration can weaken the hair strand and make it more prone to breakage and split ends. Besides drinking enough water, it’s also important to incorporate vitamins and nutrients into your diet. Consuming a well-balanced diet that includes vitamins (especially vitamin B6 and B12) and nutrients will help your hair stay strong and shiny.
Walking in winter with wonderful hair
If you follow these winter hair care tips, you’re sure to have hydrated and luscious-looking locks this season! And, if you’re looking for a new shade to celebrate the new season, be sure to check out our line of permanent hair colors – the first to be certified by the USDA BioPreferred ® Program!
