Winter Hair Care Tips for That Icy Shine

In this holiday and New Year season, we all love a little glitter and glam. But what do you do when your hair isn’t exactly looking glamorous, but more…dry and brittle? That’s a common problem in the winter, just like your skin gets dry in the winter too. But there are plenty of tips and products you can use to keep your hair nourished and beautiful this winter.

Avoid Steamy Showers

I know, it feels amazing to step into a hot shower after you’ve come in from the cold. But your hair disagrees. Hot water can strip moisture out of your hair, and in the dry winter, your hair needs to keep all the hydration in can. If your hair gets too dry, it looks frizzier and it gets brittle and breakable. You don’t have to turn the dial to cold, but keep your shower water lukewarm, especially when you’re washing your hair.

Shield Your Hair Outside

Outdoor winter air is very dry, especially when you add in some harsh winter wind. That dry air is searching for moisture wherever it can get it, and your hair can be a target. When you’re going out into the cold, cover your hair when possible with a hat, scarf, or other head covering to keep some of the moisture in. Bonus tip: some fabrics like wool and cotton could contribute to breakage because they put friction on your hair, so ideally, opt for a head covering that’s made of or lined with satin or silk.

Use Hydrating Hair Products

Along with taking steps to prevent your hair from losing moisture, you can be proactive and do things to lock in and restore its moisture too. There are plenty of hair products designed to add hydration and nourishment, like a hydrating hair mask or hair treatment. Some shampoos and conditioners are also designed to be more hydrating. You could even make hair masks a weekly self-care ritual this season.

Emphasize Heat Styling Safety

We all know we’re supposed to limit heat styling on our hair and that we’re supposed to use a heat protectant when we do use heat. But we all play it fast and loose at times too. Well, winter is not the time to get lax with your heat protection because the dry winter air makes your hair more susceptible to damage. Give your hair a break from heat from time to time and don’t forget to use your heat protectant every time. Finish off your blow-outs with a little hair oil for shine and hydration.

With that said, though, don’t go outside with wet hair. Wet hair is more vulnerable to damage, and if you’re living in freezing temps, the cold can damage your wet hair. So air dry your hair when you’re planning to stay inside, but blow dry it if you plan to head outside before it air dries.

Be Careful Not to Overwash Your Hair

There’s a constant debate going on about how often you should wash your hair, and the truth is that it’s different for every person. But it’s also true that washing your hair too often can strip out moisture that your hair needs for its health and strength. In the winter, when the dry air already makes your hair prone to dehydration and damage, err on the side of caution and wash your hair less frequently.

Knock Out Static

Ever pulled on a sweater and then looked in the mirror and saw that your hair was standing up all over the place? It happens to the best of us in the winter, but there are ways to tame that static. For starters, use comb made of bamboo or other wood rather than plastic – this can help reduce static. If your hair has static after blow-drying or styling it, a bit of hair oil or de-frizzer goes a long way.

Make Trims a Priority

Even with great winter hair care, your ends will probably look a bit more withered around this time of year. Keep your cut looking healthy and perfect by making sure you’re getting a trim every 4-8 weeks or at whatever schedule your stylist recommends for your specific hair.

Keeping Your Hair Healthy and Beautiful This Year

We all want to spend our holiday season (and the rest of the winter) feeling confident, and your hair doesn’t have to be a roadblock. With the winter hair care tips above you can have lovely locks this winter, no matter your climate or what the weather throws at you.