If you live in a cold climate, then you’re likely familiar with the toll it takes on your hair. Winter weather is harsh on all types of hair. Just like skin, hair needs protection from the cold to remain soft and healthy.  These 10 winter hair care tips can defend your tresses from arctic air, whipping winds, static electricity and even indoor heat. After all, you’ll want to have lovely locks to show off when spring (finally) comes!

1. Wear a hat.

When heading outside, it’s important to cover your hair to shield it from the moisture-robbing dry air, snow and wind. Exposing your hair to these harsh elements can make it more prone to breakage.

Wool, cotton and other fabrics can cause breakage as well, so make sure to line your hat with silk or satin to help prevent damage. Using a dry oil spray can help fight static electricity under your hat too while moisturizing hair. 

2. Buy a humidifier.

Want to know a surprising way to fight dry hair in the winter? Use a humidifier. Indoor heating causes the air in your home to become very dry, pulling moisture out of your hair. Humidifiers help rehydrate the air to keep your locks looking lustrous.

3. Get regular trims.

Trimming your hair every four to eight weeks is a good way to maintain hair health and keep your locks looking fresh. Taking a half inch off reduces the chances of developing dry, split ends.

4. Lower the water temperature when you shower.

Even though a steamy shower might hit the spot when the temperature is below freezing, hot water can zap moisture from your hair making it brittle and more vulnerable to breaking. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and follow with a cool rinse instead.

5. Avoid heat styling.

Since hair is already delicate during the colder months, it’s best to avoid heat styling as much as possible. Blow drying draws moisture out of your hair increasing the chance of breakage. Instead, air dry to help keep your hair shiny and healthy. Short on time? Try washing your hair in the evening so your tresses can dry naturally overnight. If possible, refrain from straightening or curling tools as well. Use this time to explore new styles like twists, braids and buns.

6. Don’t leave the house with wet hair.

Walking outside in winter with a wet head can cause hair to freeze and break, since wet hair is more vulnerable to damage. While air drying is best, it’s better to blow dry your hair on a low setting than go outdoors with a saturated mane.

7. Use an oil treatment.

When winter wreaks havoc on your hair, restore moisture with an oil-based hair treatment. Choose a lightweight, leave-in formula with argan oil to instantly revitalize dry, damaged hair. You can also apply a nourishing oil to the ends daily to help replenish moisture and protect your hair.

8. Hydrate as much as possible.

Moisturizing is the name of the game for winter hair care. Be sure to always use a high-quality conditioner after shampooing. Additionally, using a leave-in conditioner can replenish moisture and protect from the effects of hot styling tools, indoor heating and cold winter winds. To eliminate unwanted static, lightly wipe a dryer sheet over your hair to tame pesky fly-aways.

9. Commit to a weekly hair mask.

Just like weekly face masks are essential for healthy skin, weekly hair masks can make a significant difference when it comes to dry, damaged hair. These conditioning treatments can reverse the effects of dryness and keep your hair protected all year long. You can try homemade DIY hair masks using ingredients you already have on hand. In no time, you’ll reap the benefits of shiny, soft, hydrated hair.

10. Avoid frequent hair washes.

Overwashing will strip hair of its natural oils which help keep it moisturized and protected. Try extending the time between your washes by a few more days. If you typically wash your hair every day, switch to every other day or longer depending on your hair type. 

Making these winter hair care tips a part of your routine can help keep your hair hydrated and vibrant all season long. Check out some of our other blogs for more hair care advice. To learn more about hair loss, view our FAQs.