How to Avoid Dry Winter Hair
Winter is a great time for snuggling up on the couch with a blanket and watching your favorite show, but it can also be a difficult time for those of us trying to keep our hair healthy. The cold weather outside combined with dry indoor heat from furnaces or fireplaces can lead to dry hair that breaks easily. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 best ways you can get healthy hair in the winter!
As much as I love all of the winter festivities (aka the holidays), I get so frustrated with my skin and hair drying out - so I wanted to compile a list of things we can all do to maintain healthy and moisturized hair during the coming winter months. There is a major lack of moisture in the air from the combination of cold temperatures and in-home heating - which can lead to brittle, dry, and lackluster locks.
But don't worry - I've got you covered! Here are the ten best ways to get healthy hair during winter:
1. Make sure you are drinking enough water during the day. I know this seems like a simple thing, but it truly makes a huge difference. I bought one of the timed water bottles last winter that keep you on track throughout the day (it's also really pretty which makes it much easier to remember to bring it everywhere ;)). In the same way that your skin glows when you are hydrated, your scalp improves too - which means healthier hair from roots to ends!
2. Try using a humidifier in your bedroom or living space to add some extra moisture to the air. This is a really easy way to help improve the overall condition of your hair and can prevent those pesky winter breakages. Adding moisture back into the air is one of the best things you can do for your hair during the winter - it makes a world of difference!
3. Use a deep conditioner at least once a week. Leave the conditioner on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it out so that your hair can absorb as much of the beneficial ingredients as possible. I usually do the Olaplex Moisture Mask every time I wash my hair - which is usually 1 or 2 times per week. During the winter using a regular conditioner is great but it's not quite enough to really get your hair back to its healthy state - so using a deep conditioner is key!
4. Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. When you do use them, try to use a heat protectant spray before doing so. This will help to prevent your hair from becoming dry and damaged. I use the Sexy Hair Protect Me spray before I put any heat on my hair. This is important all year round but it is absolutely critical during the winter months when your hair is already prone to being dry and brittle.
5. I love using an oil treatment on my hair at least once a month. Coconut oil is a great option because it is known for its moisturizing properties. Simply apply the oil to your scalp and massage it in, then comb through the rest of your hair. Leave it in overnight if possible, and shampoo and condition, as usual, the next morning.
6. Trim your hair regularly! A trim every six to eight weeks can help get rid of any split ends that have developed and will help keep your hair looking healthy and shiny. If we're being honest, your hair will actually grow longer with regular trims because it won't be breaking off at the bottom as it gets more and more split ends. I know it seems crazy to think cutting your hair makes it longer, but it's true!
7. Use an oil or serum on the mids/ends of your hair when it's dry. I use Olaplex bonding oil before I blow dry my hair, and then also put in a few drops after. The intense hydration and shine it gives my hair is incredible, and it really helps to keep the frizz at bay. Oils like this are great because they can help to seal in moisture which is essential during the winter months.
8. Wash your hair less frequently. I know this sounds scary for those that wash often or get oily - but when you are trying to get healthy/moisturized hair it's important to let your scalp and strands do their thing (aka breathe) instead of stripping them over and over again with harsh shampoo. The natural oils that your scalp produces will be a huge help with keeping your hair healthy. When in doubt - go a day longer than usual between washes!
9. Try to avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair as much as possible. This includes coloring and bleaching agents, as well as products that contain sulfates or other harsh ingredients. These can strip your hair of its natural oils and lead to further dryness and damage. I would really focus on professional products that have top-notch ingredients that will help keep your hair moisturized and healthy, instead of stripping it with cheap products that have fillers and chemicals in them!
10. Use a leave-in conditioner after you wash your hair. I also find that using a leave-in helps with the static I get in the winter as well, which is an added bonus! I LOVE the It's a 10 leave-in conditioner - it's not too heavy for my fine hair which is rare! It also has a heat protectant built into it which is a bonus because it saves me from having to use two products in one!
These are all steps I try to keep on top of all year round, but I have to really double down during these winter months so my hair doesn't suffer. Using these products and tips really helps me get my hair back to its healthy and moisturized state (and helps with static which is one of my number one pet peeves).
I hope you use these tips and get to reap the benefits of healthy hair this winter!