Winter Hair Care: Things To Do With Your Hair During The Cold Months

The first chill of the year has passed through your life. Shorts and tank tops hide in your closet or under your bed. Sweaters abound. You know exactly what clothes to wear in fall and winter. So, why is it so tough to know what things to do with your hair in winter?

There are so many wonderful things that come with winter: hot cocoa, the holiday season, and cozy nights in. But when cold air makes its way through your neighborhood, your hair can take a bit of a beating. The good news is, you can do a lot to protect your hair in winter months.

Are you looking for things to do with your hair this winter season? Read here for beauty tips on winter hair care when dry winds can get you (and your hair) really frizzy and frazzled.

Home Hair Care: Less Shampoo, More Conditioner, And Less Heat Styling

Most people seem to be aware that the winter months can leave your skin mangled, cracked, and desperate for moisture. If people recognize the cold weather can be relentless when it comes to their skin, why are so few aware of how cold affects their hair?

Instead of attacking your hair with hair care products that will leave your hair bleached, dry, and broken, try these tips.

Less Is More

Do you wash your hair every day? It might not be the best approach during the coldest months of the year. Over-washing your hair during the winter can actually deplete moisture and natural oils that help keep your hair healthy. That’s because shampoos can strip your hair of these oils. Repeat shampooing can sometimes result in damaging hair structures at the surface.¹

As humidity dies down, your hair might actually keep its style longer. So, count on nature instead of heavy styling products. And if you’re worried about your hair between washes, try dry shampoo.

Up Your Nutrient Game

Even in the heat of summer, your body can become deprived of essential nutrients and vitamins. These nutrients feed your hair follicles. And your hair follicle cells happen to have a pretty high rate of turnover. So, deficiency of nutrients like proteins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and vitamins can lead to abnormalities in hair structure, color change, and even hair loss.²

When winter hits, try to keep your hair nourished and nurtured. The following foods might help support healthy hair year-round from roots to ends:

Chia seeds and walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids
Brazil nuts for selenium
Eggs for biotin and amino acids³

And if you do opt to take vitamin supplements, make sure and chat with your physician. Your healthcare professional may have ideas about which supplements are best for you.

Furthermore, several shampoos contain harsh sulfates and cleansing compounds that can strip your hair. Look for natural products that use aloe, argan oil, or even olive oil to help nourish and moisturize your scalp. A weekly replenishing routine like a hydrating hair mask might help prevent hair breakage, too.

Can Drying Your Hair With A Blow Dryer Lead To More Breakage?

It’s incredibly uncomfortable to go outside with a wet head of hair on a cold winter day. If you opt for a blow dryer, are you doing more harm than good?

One recent study reported that using a hairdryer to dry a wet mane can cause more damage to the surface of your hair than letting your hair air dry. But, if you keep the hair dryer over 15 centimeters from your hair (and use a continuous motion), you might be able to minimize damage. And if you towel dry first, go easy – friction is a big contributor to damaged hair.⁴

It may take a little longer to dry your hair in this way, but it will be worth it to see your hair looking shiny, voluminous, and healthy.

Salon Hair Care: Cut Dry And Dead Ends Or Get A Specialized Salon Treatment

Regular salon visits are great for keeping your hair healthy and on point with hairstyle trends. And if you focus on moisturizing, visits to the salon can be a real treat.

When visiting your hair stylist in winter, consider asking for an edgier, shorter style. Something edgy and easy might be best, since it might not require product or heat on a regular basis.

And when it comes to split ends, you should absolutely cut them off in order to keep your strands healthy. Short or medium haircuts may be easier to care for in winter.

And if you’re looking to change the color of your hair, plan ahead. Transition your color slowly, especially if you’re going lighter. If you proceed with color change little by little, you may do less damage to your hair than if you make an extreme change all at once.⁵

Style Tips for Harsh Winter Months: Things To Do With Your Hair On Cold And Windy Days

Not only can a winter hat protect your hair from the elements, it can also save you time getting out of the house. Choose a stylish hat and you’ll feel great wearing throughout the day.

You’ll stay warmer with a hat on, and your hair will be protected from the rain, snow, and wind. You can also wrap up your hair in a stylish silk scarf.

Winter Hair Care

Again, snow, rain, wind, and cold can cause damage to your hair. For the best hair care during winter, tuck your hair under a hat, silk scarf, or even under the high collar of your jacket. And try not to leave the house with wet hair.

With the tips above, there’s no need to get frazzled thinking about frizz and hair damage. Just treat your hair with care. Be gentle when brushing your hair during winter. And remember, it will be spring in no time.

Learn More:
What Does Shampoo Do To Dry And Damaged Hair?
What You Should Know About Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Hairstyles For Women Over 40 (And Hair Colors)

Sources
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5551307/
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23159185
3 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324949.php
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229938/
5 https://www.instyle.com/news/how-gradually-lighten-your-hair-drew-barrymore