As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, we don’t just need to worry about getting our Vitamin D in or buying thermals - we also need to relook at our haircare routine. Winter can be the most challenging season for our hair with the dryness or going from indoor heat to outdoor cold, it all takes its toll on our tresses. Some of the main challenges we face at this time of year is repairing split ends, keeping frizz at bay and preventing breakage. But don’t worry, we’re here with the ultimate winter haircare guide!
Switch To Heat-Protecting Products
For hair that is dry and prone to breakage, the best way to start caring for your hair is by switching to a heat protectant styling cream. The best heat protectants contain cyclomethycaine and dimethicone. Not just science-y sounding works, cyclomethycaine is a moisturising ingredient and dimethicone forms a barrier on the hair follicles to protect from moisture loss, so check the product labels when you’re shopping. Not only does a heat protectant cream do its job of, well, protecting your hair from heat, they can also reduce the amount of frizz that your hair produces when you use hot tools like straighteners, curling tongs or hair dryers. When choosing a heat protectant, make sure it fits your hair type and follow the instructions to get the best results possible.
Use A Leave-In Conditioner
If it’s not a part of your routine already, it’s time to introduce a leave-in conditioner. Keeping all that good moisture on your hair instead of washing it off, a leave-in will make sure your hair is getting all the hydration it needs in these chillier months. The best time to use a leave-in conditioner is at night, right after shampooing so you can leave it in and it can do its thing while you sleep. You can use a leave-in conditioner on both wet and dry hair, but the key to doing it right is by picking a product that’s tailored to your hair type or concerns, e.g. you might go for a highly moisturising leave-in conditioner if you’re suffering from dry hair.
For hair that is frizzy or unruly, a more heavy-duty leave-in conditioner is the one for you. Heavier and made from more natural ingredients, these types of leave-in conditioners will add extra moisture, seal cuticles - keeping all the good stuff in - and smooth the hair shafts. Deep conditioning, while adding a lot of moisture to the hair, also balances out the protein in your hair, making it appear shiny and healthy. While most of us long for frizz-free locks, we just want to remind you that natural hair is beautiful and if it means a little bit of frizz, we’ll take it.
Supplement With Protein
We don’t mean in a gym-bro type of way, don’t worry! But since our hair strands are made of protein, specifically keratin, your hair needs more protein to help repair split ends and strengthen the hair from the root, especially if you suffer from dryness. Things like protein-rich deep conditioners, leave-in protein sprays or keratin treatments at the salon, will give you that extra protein boost you and your locks need.
Protect Your Hair When You Blow-Dry
While we encourage staying away from heat, we understand that sometimes you want that bouncy blow-dry, you want to tame frizz or it’s simply too cold to be walking around with wet hair during winter. If you do want to blow-dry your hair, then investing in a high-quality hair dryer is the way forward - especially if cutting down on frizz is your goal. Cheap hair dryers are notorious for creating frizz, drying out your hair and making it look unhealthy. If you’re looking for a new hair dryer, ionic hair dryers are the ones to go for. Great for reducing frizz, they use a lower temperature and dry the hair way faster. Not only do they give you a smoother finish, they also protect your hair from excessive heat and damage. The tools you use are important too. Our Ultimate Vented Hair Brush means it cuts down on drying time and the patented teeth technology quickly dries the hair, leaving it naturally voluminous, lifted and smooth.
(Not so) Hot Tip: When blow-drying, keep the hair dryer as far away from your hair as possible, as this will stop the hair getting too hot and will prevent damage.
Get Regular Trims
It’s the one tip hairdressers always shout about and it’s the one tip people trying to grow their hair hate to hear, but it’s true! Getting regular trims is one of the most important tricks to preventing dry, brittle hair - especially if you have thick hair or hair that grows super quickly (lucky you). Not only will a regular trim help to prevent split ends, it also prevents the hair from getting too heavy and weighing it down, which affects how healthy your hair looks. Book yourself in for that winter trim and enjoy some massage time at the basin while you’re there.
Wear A Hat
When you’re fighting the elements and battling against cold, snow, wind and rain, a hat is your best friend. Not only does it keep you nice and toasty, it also acts as a physical barrier to anything the colder months have to throw at it and let’s be real, you’d rather have hat hair than frizzy, dry and brittle strands! Want to make your hat work even harder? Coat your hair in a light oil before wearing your hat, giving it a bonus treatment on-the-move.
We’ve told you everything you should do to look after your hair this winter but what’s the one thing you shouldn’t do? Go outside with wet hair! Not only do you run the risk of catching a cold, your hair could also start to freeze and break. While winter is undoubtedly one of the most challenging seasons for your hair, with these recommendations, your hair can survive even the coolest of temperatures. Want more haircare tips? Check out our article on How To Repair Damaged Hair.
