As the temperature drops, so does the moisture in the air—and your hair and scalp often pay the price. Winter’s harsh climate brings dry winds, indoor heating, and low humidity, all of which can strip your hair and scalp of essential oils, leaving them feeling parched and flaky. The result? Dull, brittle strands and an itchy, uncomfortable scalp that no amount of styling can hide.
Don't worry though! From nourishing treatments to simple lifestyle tweaks, we’ve got everything you need to keep your locks healthy and hydrated all season long.
Here are my top 6 tips to helping your hair & scalp this winter:
Drink lots of water!
Generally, we are really good about drinking enough water in the summer because we're so dang hot! But winter comes and we seem to forget that we really still need a lot of water on a daily basis. With a dry environment we need just as much water as when we are sweating outside in the heat.
Humidifier - that doesn't mold & easy to clean
Humidifiers will solve 90% of your dry hair and scalp problems IF it's seasonal. However, they are also really hard to clean and often get moldy which will cause more harm. I love using the Carepod humidifiers because they are extremely easy to clean and are made with stainless steel. ***Make sure you are using Distilled Water in your humidifier to minimize the build-up and damage to your system.***
Deep conditioner/mask
Once that dry weather hits, I switch to using my hair mask INSTEAD of my regular conditioner. I have coarse hair so this doesn't weigh mine down. Even if you have fine hair though, start using your hair mask more frequently. It doesn't always need to sit on the full 10-15 min. Just getting it on for even 5 minutes 1-2 times a week is beneficial in these harsher months.
Silk/satin
Traditional cotton pillow cases actually absorb your scalp and hair oils. Switching to a silk or satin pillow case or even a bonnet with help keep your natural oils on your head and reduce breakage.
Watch the shower temp
Using really hot water will just make everything more dry. I'm not saying you need to take a cold shower, but lowering the temperature will help your hair, scalp, and skin. It's also helpful if you can do a semi-cold rinse right before you get out. It will help close the cuticle of your hair and reduce frizz.
Protect your hair
When going outside, especially for longer periods of time, consider tucking your hair into your jacket or a silk lined beanie. This will help keep the dry, cold wind off it, and potected from the drastic temperature switch from outside to indoors.
A few important things to avoid during the winter months that can do more damage. The most important thing to avoid: coconut oil. While often used in beauty because of its moisturizing properties, it's not suitable for every hair type. It can solidify in lower temperatures, leading to buildup and dryness instead of hydration. It is also never good to use on the scalp. It is too thick and can cause build-up.
Similarly, overloading your hair with oils might seem like a good way to combat dryness, but too much oil can weigh your hair down, clog your scalp, and trap dirt, exacerbating irritation. Hair oils don't always hydrate, depending on their ingredients. Make sure you use them sparingly and if it's not working try something different.
Another common mistake is heading outside with wet or damp hair during winter. Not only can the cold air freeze your strands, making them more prone to breakage, but the drop in temperature can also chill your scalp, potentially leading to discomfort and dryness.
Taking care of your hair and scalp during the dry winter months doesn’t have to be a struggle. With a combination of nourishing products, gentle practices, and a little extra hydration, you can keep your locks healthy and your scalp comfortable all season long. Remember, self-care isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling your best, too. Embrace these tips, and let your hair shine, no matter how cold it gets outside!
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