Protecting Your Hair From Dry Winter Air

Young woman in winter clothes pulling her knit hat down over her eyes

Welcome to winter! For your hair, it’s the dreaded season of frizz, tangles, and split ends. The extreme temperatures and excessive indoor heating sap the moisture out of your strands, leading to early breakage, gravity-defying static, and general unappealing dryness.

However, it need not be so! We’ve rounded up some of the best tips for keeping your hair smooth, shiny, and well-moisturized this season. With proper care, you can protect your hair from the hazards of winter.

Wear a Hat

Besides saving your ears from the cold, wearing a hat is one of the best ways to protect your hair in the winter. Don’t be afraid to get picky when choosing winter caps—coarse fabrics like wool and cotton can cause split ends and breakage. To avoid this, look for (or DIY) a hat lined with silk or satin, which will help protect your hair from rough fabrics.

Take Cold(er) Showers

We know—when you get out of the freezing cold and wet snow, the last thing you want is a cold shower. However, hot showers have a multitude of undesirable effects, including stripping the moisture from your hair and scalp, leading to itchiness and dandruff. Turn the temp down to something more lukewarm, or, if you’re committed to hot showers, wear a shower cap to protect your locks.

Shampoo Less Often

Along with hot showers, avoid washing your hair too frequently in the winter. Washing too often strips your hair of its natural oils, leading to dry, brittle strands. Reducing your washing frequency can also help relieve your dry, itchy scalp.

If you’re worried about your hair looking flat or oily, a good dry shampoo can offer a volumizing refresh. It also helps reduce hat hair!

Avoid Styling with Heat

Give the hairdryer, straightener, and curling iron the day off—using more heat during your styling routine during the winter will only cause further damage. At the very least, you should be using a good heat protectant. During this season, protective styles like braids and buns are your friend, and air drying your hair is the way to go.

That said, make sure you give your hair enough time to dry after your showers. Going outside with wet hair in the winter is a great way to cause more damage. The cold air causes the shaft of your hair to expand, risking breakage and making your color fade faster.

Get a Trim

To be honest, we could preach the importance of regular haircuts all year long, but they’re especially necessary during the winter. Trims reduce your odds of split ends, discourage frizziness, and promote soft-looking (and feeling) hair.

Worried about dry winter hair? Healthy hair is easier to maintain and starting the season off right with a haircut will make it easier to protect your locks. Visit Arbor Hair Studio and let one of our expert stylists help you set your hair up for success this winter. Call today, or book an appointment online.

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