As the weather begins to shift and days become both shorter and cooler, our hair can quickly fall victim to winter’s bitter cold. Dry skin, dry hair, a dry scalp, and brittle ends are all symptoms of cold winter air. While most of us despise cold weather, I think we can all agree that the holidays surrounding the winter season make it one of the most joy-filled times of the year. And, as we dress up to attend seasonal holiday parties, our hair shouldn’t be an afterthought! After all, we wear our hair every day (not that we have much of a choice).
So, how can we fight dry hair in winter and put our best foot forward when meeting friends and family members this holiday season?
By moisturizing our hair the right way!
In today’s blog post, we’ll discuss how to moisturize hair during cold winter months, as well as the products we recommend to achieve the best results.
Here Are 6 Ways To Moisturize Dry Hair in Winter
Take Cooler Showers
I know, I know, nothing hits quite the same as a hot shower on a cool blustery day. But, the truth is that hot water draws moisture away from both your skin and hair! Those long hot showers you’ve been taking could very well be the culprit of your dry winter hair.
Now, we aren’t saying you can’t enjoy a nice warm shower on a cold day, but you should think about lowering the temperature and the duration of your showers. If you’re one of those people who suffers from a dry and itchy scalp, then this tip could be especially important for you!
Go Easy On The Heat
Okay, now this tip is multifaceted. Let’s start from the beginning. After you’ve washed your hair, you should let your hair dry naturally for a short period. However, your hair should be dried completely, especially if you plan on going outside. Allowing your hair to stay damp for too long can encourage dandruff, excessive shedding, split ends, and an itchy scalp!
Ideally, you should allow your hair to dry naturally 80% before blow drying your hair on a low setting from a distance. However, if you’re crunched for time it’s always better to dry your hair completely before going outside!
Celebrity hairstylist Jason Collier says that:
“Cold weather can exacerbate hair breakage in wet hair, causing strands to snap off.”
So there you have it. Air dry if you have time, otherwise, blow dry your hair carefully!
Now, when it comes to heat styling, we all know how damaging it can be. But, cutting back on heat styling doesn’t mean you have to toss your flat iron and curling wand in the bin. Simply reducing the frequency of heat styling your hair is a great place to start.
Other methods include incorporating more heatless styling options during the winter months. There are countless tutorials on both YouTube and TikTok sharing heatless overnight curls that turn out amazing!
Shampoo Less
Shampooing too frequently can seriously dry out your hair! While most of us have been told at one point or another by our hair stylist to take it easy on the shampooing, this tip becomes especially important during the cool winter months. If you’ve been wondering how to keep your scalp moisturized, it starts with shampooing. Overwashing your hair can lead to dry hair, scalp sensitivities, and extra itchiness, all of which we’re sure you want to avoid this winter. While there is no one-size-fits-all frequency to hair washing, once or twice a week is usually a safe bet.
Wondering how to keep your hair looking fresh between washes?
Dry shampoo!
Choose a Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
When it comes to fighting dry winter hair, moisturizing products are key! Investing in a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can not only help you fight dry ends but also provide relief to dry itchy scalps, frizzy hair, and breakage.
Best Shampoo for Dry Hair
The best shampoo for dry hair will depend greatly on your hair type. Unfortunately, some moisturizing shampoos can add weight to your hair, making it appear lifeless and flat. The key is to strike a balance between lightweight and moisturizing!
At Optima Beauty, we recommend the Redken All Soft Shampoo, which is enriched with argan oil to soften hair from root to tip. For those of you with a fine hair type, we recommend the Alfaparf Semi DiLino Nutritive Low Shampoo for its ability to moisturize hair without weighing it down!
Best Conditioner for Dry Hair
Double down on moisture with an ultra-moisturizing hair conditioner! As with shampoo, there is no one-size-fits-all for hair conditioners. However, choosing one that directly targets dry winter hair is the best way to deliver moisture to locks that desperately need it.
At Optima Beauty, we recommend both the AG Hair Care Ultramoist Moisturizing Conditioner and the Jenöris Pistachio and Borage Oils Professional Pistachio Conditioner, with the former focused on both moisture and pH and the latter ideal for colored or lightened hair.
When moisturizing dry winter hair, remember that even the best conditioner for dry hair has to be used as directed. Read the back of the bottle and follow the instructions each time!
Use Moisturizing Hair Oils and Treatments
Keeping your dry winter hair moisturized goes beyond simply choosing a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, though they can both go a long way. A great well-rounded moisturizing hair care routine includes the regular use of both treatments and moisturizing hair oils!
Best Hair Oil for Dry Hair
Hair oil is great for adding moisture to the lengths of your hair both after washing and between washes. To apply hair oil, simply pump a bit into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and smooth the oil over your lengths and ends. You should notice an immediate shine and breath of life to your ends!
The best part?
You can re-apply as often as necessary!
Here are the moisturizing hair oils we recommend:
Best Hair Masks and Treatments for Dry Hair
Hair masks and treatments work by both boosting moisture and preventing your lengths from drying out. Using hair masks and leave-in conditioners regularly will allow you to protect your hair from dry bitter winters, while also taming unruly static and frizz.
Living Proof offers some amazing masks and leave-in products including the Living Proof Restore Repair Mask and the Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-in.
Leave-in products should be used on wet hair after every wash, while hair masks can be used less frequently. Monitor your hair's dryness and use it as often as you see fit, whether it be weekly or even bi-weekly!
Cover Your Hair
Now for our last tip, to cover your hair!
What do we mean by this?
When you go outside the cold winter air draws the moisture out of your hair, leading to dry ends, breakage, and static. Cover your hair by wearing a beanie or tucking your hair lengths into your jacket to keep moisture locked in and protected!
Final Thoughts
Ensuring your hair stays vibrant in winter is all about the right products and practices. We've touched on taking cooler showers and a balanced approach to heat styling, avoiding overwashing, and properly conditioning with an arsenal of moisturizing products. Lastly, incorporating protective measures like covering up outdoors ensures your hair remains resilient against the winter elements. Take charge of your winter look with these thoughtful practices for healthy, lustrous hair this winter!