We know that the cold wet winter can be harsh on your hair. This time of year, your hair begins finding it harder to retain moisture, making it prone to breaking and damage, not to mention the frizz and static that often comes with along with a cozy winter wardrobe. However, these are all issues that can all be avoided with ease as long as you have a great hair care routine. Here are our suggestions for the best ways to protect your hair from the elements in the winter.
Shampoo less frequently
The more we shampoo our hair the more natural moisture we lose. Studies have shown that over-use of shampoo and other products that strip your hair of its natural oils can be damaging and lead to dry scalp, dandruff and itchiness. This is especially true in winter or if you lie in a colder climate. Try extending the time between shampooing with a dry shampoo or if you must cleanse, try a co-wash to lock in that moisture.
Deep condition
Your hair needs all the moisture it can get during winter, and this makes conditioning a vital part of your hair care routine. Make sure to deep condition with cleansed hair. This helps rid the hair of any product buildup and lifts the cuticle allowing for deeper penetration. Try and let the conditioner soak in for as long as possible. If you can handle it, washing the conditioner out with cold water closes the cuticle and helps your strands retain their new-found moisture!
Hot oil treatments
Warm up a few teaspoons of your favorite oil, (we recommend coconut oil, avocado oil or olive oil) and massage it slowly on your scalp. This slow massaging helps the oil penetrate deep into the roots. This will help to keep your scalp moisturized and improve blood circulation, ensuring that your follicles get enough nourishment. You can also use a little more oil to coat the entire length of your hair to seal in the moisture.
Protect your hair with a satin lined cap
The winter winds can take its toll on your hair. Hats are great protection from the elements, but the materials in your average hat (wool, cotton etc.) don’t provide your hair with protection from the fabric fibers. We recommend investing in a satin lined cap or SLAP. Really, you can wear these all year round).
Dry with care
Drying your hair completely can take forever, especially if it’s air drying, but your hair can take a serious hit by being exposed to the harsh winter winds while wet. Those wash and go’s are amazing, but are a definite summertime style. Going outside with wet hair in the winter causes the water in and on your hair to expand. This means your strands become less pliable and far more prone to damage. At cold enough temperatures, your hair can actually freeze and break! Our suggestion: Set your alarm ten-twenty minutes early in the morning to allow for time to dry those beautiful strands
BONUS! One unexpected secret to keep your hair looking good in the winter is to invest in a humidifier. You’re probably thinking that humidity equals frizz, but when you have the heat on, the air in your home becomes very dry. Turning on a humidifier in your room while you sleep helps keep your hair and skin feeling less dry and more moisturized.
A little extra care can go a long way when it comes to ensuring hair health. Make these tips a part of your routine and your hair won’t even notice that winter is here. Tell us about your experience in the comments!
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Hey Margot! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi! I’m Margot Greer. I’m from the south side of Chicago. I'm a dog lover, plant enthusiast and yoga teacher. I’m also the founder of a socially responsible hair extension company called Woven. Woven provides high quality, ethically sourced hair to women and aims to use a portion of profits to support women with medically induced hair loss.