Winter hair care, as with winter skincare, needs adjusting for the season. Internal (diet, heating) and external (chilly temperatures, wind, UV rays) factors can quickly see your locks become lacklustre. Follow these professional tips for tresses that wow all winter.
Maintaining moisture balance is an essential winter hair care step
“Ideally, you should be implementing a winter hair care hydration strategy as early as possible,” says Marc Armstrong from Marc and Maxwell in Sydney. “Lack of humidity creates an effect where moisture is pulled from your hair. We need to combat that.”
“Firstly, it’s essential that you choose the right shampoo and conditioner. Opt for products specifically formulated for dry hair, like Oribe Shampoo for Moisture Control and Oribe Intense Conditioner for Moisture and Control. These will help replenish moisture and restore vitality to your strands.
“It’s really important to embrace deep conditioning treatments, too. Treat your hair to a nutrient-rich deep conditioning treatment regularly. Try R&CO television Perfect Hair Masque. Use it once or twice a week after shampooing.”
Look at using oils to nurture your locks, too. You can use them as a deep conditioning treatment (though you will need to shampoo them out), or even embrace them as a styling aid.
“Once you’ve finished styling, massage a tiny amount between palms and fingers. Then, very lightly run your hands through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair,” says Marc. “This helps prevent fly-away strands throughout the day, as well as seal in moisture.”
Try Sebastian Professional Dark Oil Hair Styling Oil, which smooth the cuticle and adds hydration, thanks to cedarwood, sandalwood and argan oils.
Winter hair care for chilly temperatures
Along with humidity, the drop in temperatures can make your hair vulnerable to damage. This is particularly true for fine hair, or if you step outside with wet hair.
Stylist Sabrina Maxwell, co-owner of Marc and Maxwell, advises embracing hats. We’re currently loving the Oogee collection, which offers SPF50+ protection. However, if you’re after something a little more warming for winter that also offers SPF50+ protection, check out Canopy Bay by Deborah Hutton.
“Wearing a hat help to keep you warm, with the added bonus of shielding your locks from colder temperatures and UV rays,” says Sabrina. “The sun can be just as harmful in winter.”
Battling Indoor Hair Sabouteurs
Indoor heating can also affect the condition of your hair. It pulls moisture from the air and to compensate, moisture is pulled from your locks. Place a humidifier or a large bowl of water in rooms where the heating is on.
Combatting Frizz
We tend to associate frizz with summer, but it can be a winter hair hazard too. Especially on rainy days.
Think about combatting it before you leave the house, advises Marc. “Instead of vigorously rubbing your hair after you shower, gently blot it dry with a towel. Allow it to air dry as much as possible. Then, apply a de-frizz styling product to tame unruly strands and add moisture. Style as usual, and pop on your hat for extra protection!”
Try John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum, which is enriched with silk proteins and algae extract to condition dehydrated hair as it repels frizz and flyaways.
Minimising Heat Damage During Winter
During winter, we tend to use heat styling tools more frequently, increasing the risk of hair damage. Sabrina suggests giving your a break whenever you can. “Allow your hair air dry and embrace its natural texture. Another trick is to follow the new TikTok trend of winding it into old socks at night while it’s slightly damp. When you wake up in the morning, you’ll have gorgeous natural waves!”
When you do use heat styling products, ensure they are top quality and use them on a lower heat setting to minimise any risk of damage.
Watch what you eat
“Just as our bodies require a variety of essential nutrients to function optimally, our hair equally needs specific nourishment to maintain its health and lustre,” says accredited nutritionist Faye James. “Lean into Omega-3s, which are crucial for scalp health and can lead to shinier, stronger hair. You’ll find them in avocados, almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and salmon. Salmon is also a a good source of protein, which is essential for hair growth.
“Speaking of protein, eggs are a great choice for healthy hair. The protein in eggs is vital for hair strength, as hair follicles are predominantly composed of protein. Eggs are also loaded with biotin, essential for the production of keratin. A lack of keratin can lead to hair thinning or loss.
“Add spinach to your meals, too. This leafy green vegetable is packed with nutrients like folate, iron, and vitamins A and C, all of which may promote hair growth. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. This fuels metabolism and aids growth and repair, crucial processes for hair health.
“Back to avocados, they’re also rich in vitamins E and C, and full of healthy fats, so can help support moisture balance. Vitamin E helps combat oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals. Vitamin C assists in the creation of collagen and the absorption of iron.
“Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene. The body converts this compound into vitamin A, a nutrient that enhances sebum production to keep hair healthy. Vitamin A could also speed up the rate of hair growth and encourage the growth of thicker hair.
“Finally, enjoy lots of berries – either fresh or frozen. They’re packed with beneficial compounds and vitamins like vitamin C. They also have strong antioxidant properties, which can protect hair follicles against damage from harmful molecules.”
