We’ve all heard that winter can be hard on your skin, what with the drier air and harsh weather. It can also do a number on your hair. The cold air, whipping winds, static electricity, and indoor heat can leave hair dry and lackluster. Just like skin, hair needs protection from the cold to remain healthy. Here are a few tips and tricks to defend your tresses from rough winter weather.
First, wear a hat! It is important to cover your hair during the winter months to shield it from the moisture-robbing dry air, snow, wind, and rain. These elements dry out your hair, making it more prone to breakage. And yes, fabrics like wool and cotton can also cause breakage, so instead, look for hats made from synthetic materials or lined with silk or satin to help prevent damage. L.L. Bean has lined hats for both men and women. And for both men and women, in my mind, it’s better to have “hat hair” versus unhealthy hair.
You can go a step further to prevent dryness and static by applying dry oil spray before donning your lined hat. Dry oils help to tame your frizz and make your hair shine without weighing it down. You can spray dry oil on damp hair to protect it from heat and prevent split ends. You can also use it as a finisher to add a little extra shine to your hairstyle. Target’s Raw Sugar Endless Hair Glow Dry Oil spray will help lock in moisture and nutrients for your do’.
Moisture is key for hair in winter. Just as weekly face masks are essential for healthy skin, weekly hair masks can make a significant difference when it comes to dry, damaged hair. They can reverse the effects of that dryness while making sure your hair is protected. Hair masks are pretty quick and easy to use. You can use a standard overall mask to work into your weekly beauty routine, like Hers Hydrating Rapid Repair Hair Mask with Coconut Oil, Keratin & Shea Butter. Or pick a mask based on hair type. There are products specifically for curly hair, thin hair, coarse hair, dyed hair, etc.
In addition to weekly treatments, also consider a leave-in conditioner to replenish moisture and combat the effect of styling tools, indoor heating, and bitter wind. Leave-in conditioners will also prevent static electricity from wreaking havoc on your hair. Dove’s Amplified Textures Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner is made with jojoba oil to provide long-lasting moisture and shine. Plus, a leave-in conditioner is a time-saver. You don’t have to rinse it out, so you take less time in the shower.
Speaking of showers, even though a steamy shower might be just what you’re looking for when the temperature is below freezing, hot water can zap moisture from your hair (and skin), making it brittle and more vulnerable to breaking. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and follow with a cool rinse if you can stand it. Also, taking shorter showers reduces the time your hair and skin are exposed to hot water. If you’re looking to warm up quickly post-shower, then invest in a cozy bathrobe. A fluffy robe is a cozy transition from shower to clothing.
A surprising way to fight dry hair in the winter is by using a humidifier. Indoor heating can pull moisture out of your hair, and a humidifier can help rehydrate the air. I’m a big fan of humidifiers not only for hair but also skin. We use Vicks Warm Steam Vaporizer humidifier. You can plug it in with a medicated vapo-steam pod for cough and congestion relief or just let it run. We use humidifiers in our bedrooms, running them overnight most nights in the winter. I also use a portable humidifier for the workplace.
Other good practices for healthy winter hair include getting regular haircuts to reduce the chances of split ends and avoiding high-heat styling tools like curling irons and flat irons. When your hair is already delicate in the colder months, heat styling amplifies the issue and sucks the moisture right out of your strands. Ideally, you should let your hair air-dry, but that’s not always practical in the dead of winter, so keep the hair dryer on a cool or medium-hot setting. Hopefully, utilizing these tips will see your strands through the season.
