Manage Your Hairdo With These Winter Hair Do’s

When winter weather dries your skin, you apply lotion. When the winter temperatures make you cold, you wear more layers. But what about the winter weather affects on your hair? Harsh winter conditions can cause hair to frizz out and split up. Static electricity defies gravity to leave your hair standing on end. Dull hair lacks sheen, fragile hair leads to breakage and itchy scalps indicate dandruff. A quick fix for all these bad hair days is to hide your head under a winter stocking hat. This will only contribute to more static and frizz. Fortunately, there’s also a more permanent solution. These hair care nightmares are all rooted in the same problem: moisture deficiency.

Just like the winter air, your hair lacks moisture during the winter months. Moisture is fundamental in keeping your hair looking and feeling healthy. Give your hair a break before it breaks. Preventing dry hair and maintaining its luxurious shine takes extra consideration in cold temperatures, especially for color treated hair. It’s important to understand how hair is affected by winter weather and what you can do to repair the damage.

1. Do condition your hair

Avoid dull, brittle hair and focus on restoring its natural hydration during the winter. Invest in conditioning treatments and hair masks to rejuvenate winter hair. These can be at-home creations or professional hair therapy. Conditioning masks are typically applied to your hair and left to sit for a number of minutes. This allows time for your hair to soak up the moisture. Leave-in conditioners, moisture creams and oils can also effectively hydrate your hair. These treatments will help reduce static and frizz, while fortifying your hair to hold against the harsh winter air.

2. Do invest in a humidifier

Extra conditioning during the winter will help combat the damaging effects of freezing temperatures and icy winds. To fight the frizz inside, a cool air humidifier is a worthwhile investment. The heat that warms your home or apartment is dry air that can pull moisture from your skin and hair. Humidifiers increase moisture in the air by dispersing mist throughout your living space. This additional moisture will offset the dry air and help your hair stay hydrated all year long.

3. Do dry your hair

Your blow dryer is part of your hair care routine, regardless of the month. In the winter, it’s especially important to make sure hair is fully dried before stepping into the harsh wind and freezing temperatures. Not only will this lead to a runny nose and a nasty cold, but it can also cause damp hair to freeze. Frozen hair means there is ice, which adds weight to your hair. This additional weight can lead to more breakage and split ends.

4. Do use heat protection

The downside to blow dryers is that you’re applying heat to already damaged winter hair. Heat protection sprays work to lock in hydration and prevent additional dryness. Blow dryers aren’t the only source. When using curling irons, flat irons or other tools that use heat to style your hair, remember to apply some form of heat protectant as a barrier.

5. Do schedule a trim

Heat barriers protect your hair, but hair trims are essential to maintain a naturally healthy look. Regular trims will keep your ends strong and sleek. Even though it seems like you’re losing length, snipping away the split ends will lead to less breakage, which means your hair will retain its length longer. A fresh cut will also make hair easier to style and give it a full-bodied look. Dry, damaged ends look dull and thin. They’re also prone to tangles, especially with the added friction from thick scarves and winter layers.

6. Do limit washes

Hats, head wraps and scarves keep your ears warm, but can also hide greasy winter hair. Your hair produces natural oils that give it a healthy shine. Shampoo and conditioner remove those scalp oils. Reducing the frequency of washes will give you gorgeous, healthy hair. It also helps limit your hair’s exposure to some of the chemicals found in hair products. Dry shampoos, stylish hats and messy buns will disguise signs of greasy hair. Over time, your hair will adjust to fewer washes and you will be able to go longer without it looking greasy or dirty. Naturally shiny hair will look hydrated and healthy, not greasy.

Moisture is the key to having a gorgeous head of hair in winter’s extreme weather conditions. Cold temperatures and dry air lead to fizziness, dryness, dullness and overall hair ugliness. Hiding under stocking caps and bulky hoods will not fix the damage. Manage your hairdos with some winter hair do’s like extra conditioning, humidifiers, heat protection and fewer washes. Winter is brutal. Remember to protect yourself and your hair from freezing temperatures and icy winds.