Golden leaves, warm fireplaces, cosy living rooms. Winter is a great time of year…, but it’s often harsh for our hair!
Our hair, much like our skin, reacts to the shifting elements that each season brings. Winter, in particular, can be tough on hair with its cold, dry air and indoor heating, which strips hair of moisture and can lead to increased shedding. Adjusting hair care routines during these colder months can make all the difference in keeping hair nourished, resilient, and looking its best!
In this month’s blog, we’re sharing some essential tips for managing winter hair changes to help keep it healthy, protected, and prepared for the elements. Prevention is always easier than repair, so start incorporating these quick and simple hair care tips today!
- Hydration is key
Crisp autumn and winter air can strip moisture from our hair, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. Incorporating deep conditioning treatments into a weekly hair care routine can help restore hydration and protect the hair cuticle.
Deep conditioning will minimise damage and add an extra layer of protection to your hair. Look for winter-friendly masks and oil treatments that seal in moisture and prevent your hair from becoming overly dry and frizzy. For thicker hair types, look for products that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, or argan oil. For finer hair types, don’t overdo it! Look for lightweight, non-greasy ingredients that add moisture and volume without weighing down the hair. Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile extract, green tea extract, and jojoba oil work well. For fine hair, consider this mask by Ouai, and for curl-care I’d recommend Pattern Beauty!
- Protect against heat damage
In winter, it’s tempting to blow-dry hair instead of air-drying, but heat can be damaging. Try to reduce your reliance on heat-styling tools like hair dryers and flat irons, or use them on a low heat setting with a protectant. Protecting your hair from sudden temperature shifts, especially going from heated indoors to cold outdoors, will prevent breakage and help maintain its integrity. If you must use a hair dryer, heat protectant sprays or serums to create a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing damage and maintaining the hair shaft’s integrity. I’d recommend this air dry cream by Curlsmith (although the brand focuses on curly hair - it’s quite a light cream so works on waves and straight hair), and this heat protector by Kerastase.
- Embrace and nourish natural texture
Those of us with wavy, curly and coily hair, the cold air increase frizz and make curls appear lacklustre. Try diffusing with a lightweight, hydrating curl cream to lock in moisture and prevent shrinkage. The key is to keep your hair moisturised to prevent shrinkage and frizz caused by dryness. For straight and wavy hair, try using a lightweight leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum, like this one from Living Proof, which helps combat static and keeps hair smooth. Curl creams are also GREAT for definition - my favourite is this styling cream from Aveda.
- Use seasonal accessories for extra protection
Winter accessories like hats and scarves are essential for warmth, but they can also be rough on hair, causing breakage and frizz. Of course, no hair care regimen is complete without one of our high-quality silk hair Turbans and Folds. Our products create a smooth barrier against friction, helping to protect and nourish your hair. In winter, the silk will nourish and repair your hair while you sleep, saving you a ton of time and product in the morning, and you can also wear it under your beanie, to create a smooth protective layer reducing friction and breakage.
- Finally, be mindful of seasonal hair shedding
We all experience increased shedding during the winter months. Don’t panic! This is a natural part of the hair cycle as the scalp adjusts to less daylight and cooler weather. Embrace low-manipulation styles like braids or loose buns to reduce hair handling and give your scalp a chance to rest. A nourishing scalp oil could also stimulate circulation and support healthier hair growth, and of course a hair wrap can help protect it during regrowth, resulting in less breakage. You know your hair best - if you’re worried, do speak to a specialist.
Conclusion
Choosing the right products and keeping a light, effective hair protection process will help protect our hair from the damaging effects of changing weather.
Important Notice! We recommend products that our team loves and uses, but we encourage you to explore and consult with hair care professionals to find what works best for your hair type. 💚 Please feel free to share your own tips with the community below!
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