In the winter it’s so easy to let go of concerns about appearance. I know that my favorite winter outfit is my coziest, frumpiest pair of PJ’s. However, taking care of your hair is much less about having a stellar hairstyle (although healthy hair always looks better anyway!) than it is about general hair health. But, winter also throws its own challenges our way when it comes to keeping it healthy.
Winter weather and cold tend to make our hair dry and brittle. It can suck out the shine of our hair and make it lackluster. Cold weather just doesn’t do us any favors. So, let’s chat about what we can do to bring back the sun in our hair life!
MOISTURE
When you read through the rest of our blog posts, you’ll notice a trend. No matter your hair type (even those oily folks like me), everyone needs hydration in their hair. Shocker, the first key component to healthy hair is moisture. I know, it’s really no surprise to you, but we have to mention it because it really is that important! Cold weather dries everything up – there is typically little moisture in the air and that which is there might be frozen and not able to penetrate the hair shaft. Hydration on the other hand helps fortify our hair, it makes it strong and shiny. It also gives it flexibility so it is less prone to split ends and breakage.
So, what can we do to get some moisture and life back into our hair? It’s simple! First, make sure you’re using a good conditioner. It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t use conditioner if you have oily hair, but that is far from the truth. If your scalp tends to be oily, focus the conditioner on the mid-shaft (about halfway down the length of your hair) to the ends. Let it sit for a minute or so – it doesn’t need long to work – and rinse. You can also try using a mask once a week. Masks are a deep conditioning treatment, so the moisturizing ability is much greater, but it also takes a bit longer. Depending on how dry your hair is I recommend letting it sit on clean damp hair for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. We have a ton of great options for conditioners and masks, but if you’re looking for moisture specifically Davis recommends Urban Moisture by Shu Uemura. The shampoo, conditioner, and mask are all gentle but thorough.
The next step in your routine should be a leave-in conditioner. A leave-in conditioner will help seal the cuticle and also instill additional moisture into each hair strand. This will not only protect your hair, but will make it shiny and strong even in the midst of dry cold air. When you use a leave-in, a little bit can go a long way. Davis recommends the Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Oil-In-Cream. For fine hair, a pump or two is all you need, for thick or long hair three pumps should be sufficient. Make sure you warm it up in your hands before applying to the mid shaft and down of your hair so that it is applied evenly. You can apply this either on wet or dry hair, and can be used daily.
PROTECT
The next step in ensuring healthy hair in the winter is to protect your hair. No one wants dirty hair, but each time you wash your hair loses moisture. The cuticles open and moisture is washed away. While conditioning after washing is necessary and the most important, it’s also important to note that excessive washing (yes, once a day is considered excessive for your hair) or washing in water that is too hot will also strip your hair of the moisture. It will also damage the cuticles, not allowing your hair to seal in the moisture from the treatments and conditioners. So, keep hair washing to 3x a week or less, use warm (not hot!) water, and consider rinsing with a cool (not cold) rinse. That will protect and seal your cuticles so moisture is locked in!
Of course, personal hair care and products are super helpful, but exposure in general is no good. Protection is easy – just like your body and a coat, you need to cover up. Covering your head/hair in a hat will ease your hair of exposure to the elements and also create an environment where moisture can’t escape as readily. We recommend hats that are not too tight fitting as friction isn’t good, but something that can cover your head and hair, and keep it loosely protected will help.
PREVENT
In addition to moisture and protection, make sure you’re taking steps to stop the cold from wreaking havoc on your strands. Actually, these steps are good for avoiding breakage at any time of the year, but do make a difference in the cold as hair loses elasticity and gets brittle.
First, make sure you’re getting regular trims. Haircuts are not just about achieving a style, or per the tik tok trend, “a little shaping!” Haircuts create a solid surface, devoid of breaks or cracks (split ends) that can travel up through the hair shaft. Breakage typically starts at the ends, and boy it travels fast, so it’s best to nip that before it becomes a more significant problem. Of course, certain styles need more upkeep than others, but we recommend getting haircuts at least every 6-12 weeks to maintain healthy hair and really combat the split ends.
Second, avoid friction and pulling at your hair. Breakage can also happen when your hair gets pulled back. Not only does putting your hair up put stress on the hair follicles themselves, elastic hair ties can also cause breakage. We recommend ditching the hair ties and going for something a bit safer for your hair, and luckily trendy too! Try a claw clip or a silky scrunchie. Something that will hold but not cause a lot of friction or tension is the best option!
Third, never go outside with wet hair. Nope, don’t do it. Not only is it not good for your body (no hypothermia please!), but it causes your hair to freeze and break. It won’t just snap in half, but any moisture in your hair will thaw and melt away leaving your hair extra fragile, dry, and raw. If you do have to head out with wet hair, take precautions like the hat and covering mentioned above! And always let your hair thaw naturally – don’t brush through it until it’s completely dry, use a leave-in conditioner, and a wide tooth comb to avoid further damage.
Now that you’re prepped and ready, go have some fun in the snow! Just remember to take care of your stunning hair.
If you’re interested in learning more about finding a hair care routine or would like to book an appointment with one of our service providers, give us a call or text at 203-861-6700 or Book Here.
See you soon!