Winter is just around the corner, and with the colder weather, unfortunately, comes dry hair. To make sure your hair not only survives but thrives this winter, here are our best tips.
Wash and Dry Less Frequently
Natural oils provide a protective layer between your scalp and hair, preventing dryness and breakage. In between washes, we recommend using a dry shampoo like Batiste Original Dry Shampoo ($8, shop here) to prevent your scalp from looking greasy. It smells great and gives you incredible volume.
Increase Moisture
The dry winter air can dry out your hair, but you can take preventative measures by using a leave-in conditioner like Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner ($24, shop here). Moisturizing serums and hydrating hair masks also help work to prevent and repair hair damage.
Trim the Ends
Dry air also tends to cause split ends, so we recommend making some hair appointments to keep breakage at bay. This will also keep your mane looking full and not stringy.
Easy on the Blow-Drying
Drying your hair during winter is a lose-lose: It’s too cold to air-dry, but blow-drying isn’t good either. Instead, apply a heat-protectant spray like Ouai Heat Protectant Spray ($28, shop here) and use your blow-dryer on a low heat setting.
Consider Going Dark
The bleach used in blonde hair dye can make your mane feel dry to the touch. Going darker eliminates those harsh chemicals. If you’re bonded with your blonde (we get it!), make sure you’re using a moisturizing purple shampoo like John Frieda’s Sheer Blonde Violet Crush Purple Shampoo ($10.49, shop here) to keep hair healthy and maintain the color.
Accessorize With a Hat
Even in the winter, there are opportunities to get some fresh air, but this isn’t without exposure to rain, snow, and cold – all of which can be stressful to your tresses. Wearing a hat will minimize your exposure to the elements, keep you warm and cozy, plus add a little something to your outfit.
Banish the Frizz
Not only do you have dry, cold air working against you, but those cozy chunky sweaters, scarves, and even hats create static in your hair. Using heat-protectant spray and moisturizing your hair will help tame the frizz, but you can also opt for anti-frizz products such as Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo ($30, shop here). Just a word to the wise: Don’t use too many anti-frizz products, as they could end up weighing your hair down.
Oil Change
Hair oil any time of the year will leave your mane feeling like you just left the salon, but it’s especially helpful in the winter when your hair feels dry and lifeless. You can apply hair oil to wet hair after shampooing and conditioning or after you’ve blow-dried your hair on a low heat setting. We like Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Hair Oil ($24, shop here).