Hair and scalp health can often suffer during winter. Cold outdoor temperatures combined with indoor heating can strip away moisture, leaving hair dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. Increased use of heat styling tools can add further stress, while venturing outside with wet hair may worsen damage. When hair is damp, moisture within the hair shaft can expand in cold temperatures, causing the cuticle to lift and making strands more vulnerable to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
However, making a few small changes to your haircare routine can make a big difference and help to keep your hair as healthy as possible during the winter months.
1. Prioritise Moisture
Winter conditions can leave hair feeling dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
Focus on hydrating shampoos and nourishing conditioners suited to your hair type and use sulfate-free formulas which can help preserve natural oils and maintain moisture levels.
A leave-in conditioner, like best-selling Paul Mitchell The Conditioner - is also a valuable addition to your routine, helping to lock in hydration while protecting hair from cold weather, wind, and indoor heating.
2. Indulge in Weekly Treatments
Treat your hair to a weekly hair mask or intensive conditioning treatment to replenish lost moisture and improve manageability. Between washes, apply a lightweight hair oil or serum to the mid-lengths and ends to help prevent dryness and add shine. For extra nourishment, an overnight treatment like the I.N.O Instant Repair mask, can provide deeper hydration while you sleep.
3. Wash Less Frequently
Frequent washing can strip the hair and scalp of essential oils, leading to dryness and irritation. For most hair types, washing two to three times per week is sufficient.
Using a dry shampoo in between washes can help lengthen out the time between washes while keeping your hair and scalp feeling fresh and clean.
When washing, use lukewarm water rather than hot, and finish with a cool rinse to help smooth the cuticle and enhance shine.
4. Care for Your Scalp
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. A gentle scalp massage using a nourishing oil or specific scalp products - we have a great selection of scalp hair products at Icon - will help improve circulation, support scalp health, and leave hair looking shinier and softer.
5. Minimise Heat Styling
Heat tools can further dry out hair during winter.
Limiting the use of straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can help maintain moisture and prevent damage. Whenever heat styling is necessary, apply a heat protectant beforehand.
6. Swap to Silk and Microfibre
Your hair can get damaged just through towel drying or even just while you sleep due to friction created by cotton towels and pillowcases, causing frizz, tangles, and breakage.
Switching to a microfibre towel/headwrap and a satin/silk pillowcase helps reduce friction and supports moisture retention overnight.
7. Keep Up with Trims
Regular trims help prevent split ends from worsening and keep hair looking healthy throughout winter.
If your schedule does not allow for regular salon appointments, split-end specific products like the best-selling De Lorenzo The Ends treatment for split ends can be the next best thing to keep those frayed ends at bay.
8. Postpone Chemical Services
If your hair is already feeling dry or fragile, consider postponing intensive chemical services and opt for lower-maintenance colour options such as semi-permanent colours or colour depositing masks and shampoos.
9. Support Hair Health from Within
A balanced diet rich in nutrients can play an important role in maintaining healthy hair. Foods containing protein, healthy fats, iron, and vitamins- such as salmon, spinach, eggs, and sweet potatoes - can help support strength and growth.
Staying hydrated and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels during winter are also important for overall hair health.
If you have questions about your hair and how to keep it looking its best through winter, which products to use or anything else, please reach out to our team of hair industry experts. We're here to help!
