Keep Locks Luscious With These Winter Hair Care Tips

From hat hair to static and dry, frizzy locks to split ends, winter weather can play havoc with your locks. Cool winter air can seriously dehydrate your locks, whilst indoor central heating can dry hair out even further. Glaring sun on the ski slopes, an increase in the use of heated hair appliances, and an increase in the number of times you wash your hair each week (so that you can keep warm!) all add up to dry, unmanageable locks. But you can get luscious hair in the winter months - you just need to look after your hair as much as you do throughout the summer months. Take a look at our nifty winter hair care tips for shiny, happy hair that's easy to manage and even easier to style.

How to Combat Wind

Wind is a real problem through the winter months - walk outside and your beautifully coiffed 'do will be blown about in seconds, ruining your look. Keep your hair looking lovely - and combat the dreaded hat hair - by wrapping your hair in a silk scarf and then a warm, woolly beanie hat before you leave the house. The silk of the scarf will help to prevent static build up and will drastically reduce frizz and will also prevent hair hair, whilst the woolly beanie will keep you nice and toasty and will protect your hair from rain, snow and wind - a great little tip to keep up your sleeve. If you want, wear a silk scarf to bed, too, or sleep on a silk pillow. It'll really reduce static throughout the winter.

Use the Right Products

If you're planning to spend the winter on the slopes (lucky you!) make sure that you pack a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for use on dry or sun damaged hair - the snow can magnify the effects of the sun and can really amplify the effects of the sun damage. If you're going to be inside all day, sitting underneath central heating, make sure that you use a really good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner - experts say that sitting indoors all day in the dry environment of an air-conditioned house is almost as bad as sitting underneath a hairdryer all day - which, when you think about it, can only spell disaster for your hair. Using the right products for your hair and tailoring your regime to the circumstances is incredibly important year-round, but especially through the winter.

Deep Conditioning Treatments are Your Best Friend

When it's particularly cold or your hair is particularly dry, use a deep-conditioning treatment on it at least once a week - apply to hair, wrap in a warm towel, then leave to sit for 10-20 minutes before washing out.

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Get To Know Your Hair

If you have very thick hair (and lots of it!), you'll need to use heavier, thicker, moisturizing treatments throughout the winter months. But if you have thin, very fine hair, using heavy products will simply weigh it down more and will leave it looking flat, limp, dull and lifeless. Instead of using a heavy formula, use a light, gentle conditioner every time you wash your hair and supplement it with a leave-in spray conditioner. Again, make sure that the formula is light - too heavy and your hair will be lank and greasy. In most cases, it's a good idea to experiment until you find a formula that works for you in both the summer and winter and stick to it!

Be Careful With Heated Appliances

We all tend to use heated appliances more frequently throughout the winter months, simply because we can't sit outside and let our hair dry naturally - so it's really important that you're careful when you using them. Instead of just blasting your hair with the dryer, try to dry it properly, aiming the dryer at the roots and then moving down to the tips, combing or brushing hair as you go. Liberally spritz a heat-defence spray throughout the hair before using the heated appliances, and once hair is styled - either using a straightening iron or hair curler - add something like hair oil to prevent further damage and to nourish hair further.

How to Combat Breakage

Hair can break really, really easily in very cold weather - go out with wet, damp or even slightly damp hair when it's freezing out and your hair cuticles could actually freeze, snapping and breaking in two. If your hair is particularly prone to breakages, split ends or frizz, help to protect it by making sure it's completely dry before you leave the house and by applying a hair conditioning treatment that contains protein or keratin to increase strength and improve hair texture. Even if you're growing your hair out, make sure that you get it trimmed at least every 8 weeks - although that might sound a little counter-productive, especially if your hair is prone to breakages, it'll actually help to keep hair healthy and will reduce the amount of split ends and breakages that you experience.

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Wash Hair in Lukewarm Water

Although it can be tempting to wash hair in scalding hot water through the winter months as it's just so cold out, washing hair in water that is too hot will strip it of color and dry it out. Wash hair in lukewarm water instead - and if you can bear it - rinse with cold water (very quickly!) for shine and body. It's an odd tip, but it works really well.

Reduce Heat Styling

Reducing heat styling is vital for maintaining healthy hair. Frequent use of tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can strip hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. Instead, embrace your natural hair texture and try air-drying more often.

If you need to use heat, opt for the lowest effective temperature setting and always use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage. On days you don't need a polished look, experiment with heat-free styling techniques like braids, buns, or twists. These steps can significantly improve your hair's health, retaining its natural shine and strength.

Use a Humidifier

Using a humidifier in winter can be a game-changer for both your health and comfort. By adding moisture to the dry indoor air, it helps alleviate problems caused by low humidity, like dry skin, irritated sinuses, and respiratory discomfort. It's also beneficial for maintaining the health of your hair and preventing static. When using a humidifier, ensure it's regularly cleaned to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Additionally, maintaining an optimal humidity level (ideally between 30% to 50%) is crucial to avoid condensation and mold issues in your home. A humidifier can significantly enhance your indoor living environment during the colder, dryer months.

Winter doesn't have to mean rubbish hair. With a little bit of love and a little bit of effort, your hair can be just as sleek and shiny through the winter months as it is throughout the summer - you just need to use the right products!