15 Tips for Winter Hair Care to Keep Your Hair Healthy & Combat Dryness

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• • During the winter, your hair is exposed to all kinds of damaging conditions, such as central heating, freezing weather and rough scarves and hats;
  • Your winter hair care products should be more moisturizing, soothing and nourishing than the ones you use during the summer;
  • Try avoiding hair-damaging habits as much as possible, such as frequent washing, heat styling or leaving your house while your hair is still wet.
    

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It’s true – the winter weather is taking a toll on your hair. The central heating indoors and the freezing, windy air outside are a sure recipe to get your lovely strands dry, brittle and damaged. That is why winter hair care needs to recognize and focus on what your hair is going through during the cold months.

The thing is, though – most tips for winter hair care are surprisingly easy to follow. There are many small things that only need slight alterations, and these small changes would already be a great start toward a healthy winter hair journey.

So, here are some things you can do during the winter to protect your hair and keep it healthy, shiny and beautiful no matter the cold weather…

15 Best Tips for Winter Hair Care

1. Avoid frequent hair washes

The fact that washing your hair every day can do more harm than good is not exactly the newest idea. Over-washing can strip your hair of protective oils, which is especially important to avoid during winter, when the hair cuticle is already compromised. Also, lower the water temperature when you shower – hot water can strip your hair of all the necessary moisture.

2. Swap your shampoo and conditioner

Your hair has different needs during the summer and winter. So, it only makes sense that shampoo that worked for you perfectly during the hot months might not be a great option for your hair right now. Swap your clarifying shampoo for a hydrating one and try out a repairing conditioner that will lock in the moisture and tame the frizz.

3. Hair pack once a week

Winter hair care is all about replenishing the lost moisture and maintaining hydration at an optimal level. A moisturizing hair pack can help you with that. Hair packs are a great way to quickly supply your hair with many nutrients and antioxidants, repair the damage and combat dryness.

4. Deep-nourish with a hair oil

When your hair is in desperate need of moisture, a quality, lightweight, hair-friendly oil can do wonders for it. You can apply a small amount of oil to protect your dry ends or massage your whole hair with oil and wash it out the next day. Some of the best oils to try for dry winter hair are coconut, olive, argan, sweet almond, flaxseed, sesame oil, etc.

5. Don’t forget about your scalp

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, yet many of us forget that this specific part of our skin also needs some extra care every once in a while. But, one of the best tips for winter hair care anyone could give you would be to extend those hair oil massages to your scalp and maybe invest in a really good scalp treatment.

6. Avoid heat styling

We all love how shiny our hair looks after a thorough straightening. But at least now, when your hair is already under so much pressure, try skipping the flat and curling iron and keep blow-drying at a minimum. Opt instead for hairstyles that still look beautiful but don’t require heat, like different buns and braids.

7. Don’t leave the house with wet hair

This is why we recommended keeping the blow drying at minimum, not skipping it altogether. Going outside with your hair still wet is one of the worst things you can do because wet hair is more prone to damage than dry hair.

8. Be careful with your comb

Brushing your hair, especially while it is wet, can easily cause breakage and damage. Try waiting until the hair is at least only slightly damp, start from the ends and slowly work your way up. Use a wide toothcomb and be as gentle with it as you can.

9. Reduce static

Those annoying floating strands are only yet another sign of dryness. A dryer sheet is a great quick fix for this issue. Also, using a moisturizing leave-in conditioner can help rehydrate the dry stands and keep the hair nice and silky smooth.

10. Wear a hat

One of the simplest and most efficient winter hair care tips ever – protect your hair from the snow, wind and icy weather with a hat. Wearing a hat is a sure way to minimize all those harmful influences cold air has on your hair. And with so many wonderful options out there, you are sure to find some that will suit you perfectly and be a pleasure to wear.

11. Go silk

Of course, not all hat materials are all that good for your hair. Coarse fabrics such as wool or cotton can even cause some additional damage. But, you can always line the inside of your hat with some silk or satin and that way protect your hair without sacrificing your style.

12. Humidifier can make a lot of difference

As we mentioned, even the indoors is not exactly friendly to your hair during the winter. That is because the heating can dry out the air and by extension – your hair. But a humidifier can help you keep the air moisture levels optimal and maintain your hair and skin well hydrated.

13. Get regular trims

Split ends can ruin the appearance of your hair even if it otherwise looks good. Get rid of them, you don’t need them. There are much better ways to grow long hair than to skip regular haircuts.

14. Switch to microfiber towels

Rubbing your wet hair harshly with a towel is a sure way to damage the strands. Instead, try to gently blot dry the hair and use a towel made of soft material. Microfiber towels are probably your best option. They have a high water absorption capacity while being very gentle to the hair.

15. Eat healthy and drink lots of water

Yup, we are going to sneak this one even into the winter hair care tips. Because the condition of your hair depends greatly on what you eat and how much nutrition it gets from the inside. So, drink plenty of water and have balanced meals that should ideally include lots of vitamins, protein, healthy fats and antioxidants.