Here are our top tips for keeping hair hydrated, healthy and happy throughout the holidays and into the New Year.
Go easy on the heat
If you’re heading out to a festive event this winter, you might be trying out a special occasion style – and this often involves heat styling. Whether you’re straightening, crimping, blow-drying, or curling, heat is the number one enemy of hair hydration.
Excessive heat breaks down the protein in hair, making it brittle, weak, and vulnerable to damage. On top of that, excessive heat styling can irritate the scalp and make it sweat, leading to greasy hair and flakiness - definitely not what you want to top off your Christmas party look!
To save your hair from drying out before New Year’s Eve, try to limit heated styling tools to once a week. It could also be worth adding kinder tools to your Christmas list.
Investing in a cold air brush is worth it when it comes to avoiding damage and you could also look into our Tangle Teezer Blow-Drying Tools which have all been created with your hair health in mind.
Shampoo the right way
Did you know that the root of a lot of hair dryness problems start in the shower? And at the root of your hair actually! The way you shampoo can have a huge impact on how your hair looks and feels. Some people use too much shampoo, which can lead to product build-up, whilst others don’t clean their hair thoroughly enough. Effective cleansing helps to avoid greasiness, dandruff and dryness, so understanding the right technique is essential - especially during the winter months.
To make sure your hair is squeaky clean this Christmas, first, choose the right shampoo for your hair type. When picking a shampoo, think about your hair type and what is happening at the roots. If you have fine hair that is prone to greasiness you may want a volumising shampoo - whereas if your hair is dry and damaged you may want something with more of a moisture boost.
Then you want to spend a good couple of minutes massaging the shampoo deep into your scalp. Our Scalp Exfoliator and Massager tools are perfect for this, as it helps to thoroughly clean the scalp whilst removing dead skin and stimulating the root of your hair. Finally, make sure to rinse thoroughly! Leftover products can really dry your hair out, so take your time and make sure every last bit of shampoo is washed away.
Eat your way to healthier hair
Hair health isn’t just about what products we use or styling choices we make - it’s also about what we put in our bodies.
Nutrition plays a huge role in every function of our body, including the growth and protection of our hair. Dry hair can be caused by vitamin deficiencies, so make sure you are eating a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet (not always easy when the holidays make it tempting to start and finish your day eating chocolate!)
Some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair are proteins, as this is largely what our hair fibres are made up of. Eggs, milk and lean meats are excellent sources, while vegans can turn to nuts, seeds, and pulses. Omega-3 fatty acids also help hair look shiny and strong, found in salmon, herrings, flaxseed, and chia seeds.
Another key factor in hair hydration is keeping our bodies hydrated! Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day and include water-rich foods - like cucumber and watermelon.
Good nutrition is one of the simplest yet most effective forms of hair treatment, making sure your locks stay resilient throughout the festive season.
Don’t forget the scalp and ends
For luscious locks from root to tip, a hydrating mask can keep your scalp healthy and your ends moisturised. This can help to avoid damage that will make hair look dull and also make it prone to breakage and split ends.
We recommend using hair masks about once a week - there are some great ones on the market, or you can even try something natural like coconut oil or avocado. Massage into the scalp and through to the ends, then wrap your hair in a warm towel for 15 minutes while the mask works its magic (a perfect chance to wrap Christmas presents or make a festive cocktail!) and then wash out thoroughly to reveal hair that’s soft and moisturised.
Rosemary oil has also become popular for scalp treatment, with many finding it reduces dandruff, repairs damage and leaves hair soft, so why not try suggesting a few drops into your scalp for a luxurious but cost-effective treatment?
Protect with winter-friendly hairstyles
One of the simplest ways to keep hair healthy during the colder months is to choose styles that shield it from the elements.
Protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, buns, or even chic updos can help reduce exposure to harsh winds and friction from scarves and coats. These styles look festive, and minimise breakage and split ends by keeping strands tucked away and secure. If you have natural or textured hair, protective styles are especially beneficial, as they help retain moisture and encourage growth.
For added flair this Christmas, you could experiment with accessories like velvet ribbons or sparkling clips that elevate your look while keeping your hair safe. Think of protective styling as a gift to your locks that lasts well beyond the holiday season.
Add a leave-in conditioner to your routine
When the air outside is frosty and the heating indoors is blasting, your hair can lose moisture faster than you realise. A leave-in conditioner is the perfect antidote, providing long-lasting hydration that keeps strands soft and manageable throughout the day.
Unlike rinse-out formulas, leave-ins stay on the hair, forming a protective layer that locks in moisture and smooths the cuticle. This helps to combat the common winter woes of frizz, static, and dryness.
Choose a lightweight spray if you have fine hair, or a richer cream if your hair is thick or curly. Apply it after washing and before styling, focusing on mid-lengths and ends where dryness tends to strike hardest. With the right leave-in conditioner, you’ll find your hair not only looks healthier, but also feels stronger and more resilient against the festive season’s styling demands.
Boost hydration with a humidifier indoors
Central heating may keep us warm and cosy, but it also strips the air of moisture, leaving hair brittle, frizzy and prone to static.
A simple way to counteract this is by using a humidifier at home. By adding moisture back into the air, a humidifier helps prevent your hair from drying out, keeping the cuticle smooth and reducing breakage.
Experts suggest maintaining indoor humidity around 40% for optimal comfort and hair health. Not only will your locks benefit, but your skin and scalp will feel less parched too. Place a humidifier in the rooms where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom or living room, and you’ll notice a visible difference in how your hair behaves.
Switch to silk pillowcases for overnight care
The way you sleep can have a surprising impact on your hair health. Cotton pillowcases create friction that can lead to frizz, tangles, and even breakage, especially when hair is already vulnerable in winter.
Switching to a silk pillowcase is a small but luxurious change that makes a big difference. Silk’s smooth texture reduces friction, helping hair glide effortlessly as you sleep, which means fewer knots and less damage. It also helps hair retain moisture, preventing the dryness that often comes with cold weather and central heating.
Beyond the benefits for your hair, silk pillowcases are gentle on skin and can even help regulate temperature for a more restful night’s sleep. If you want to wake up with softer, shinier locks this Christmas, silk bedding could be the ultimate festive treat for both your hair and your beauty routine.
The winter months might take away some of hair’s natural shine, but there is plenty you can do to protect and nourish it. If all you want for Christmas is healthy, hydrated hair that looks and feels amazing, follow these tips, and you might just get your wish.
For more seasonal hair care advice, why not check out our articles on looking after coloured hair or preventing mechanical and material damage?
