A Winter Boost for Hair: the Care It Needs in the Cold Weather and Why

Freezing temperatures, dry air, and frequent transitions from hot to cold. None of this is good for our skin, or our hair. When you add regular heat styling with hairdryers and curlers, it’s no wonder your hair ends up going on strike. So try removing all the mistakes from your daily haircare routine and give your hair a little something extra on occasion. You will be rewarded with shine, manageability and even long-lost volume. Here’s how!

Don’t Forget About Everyday Hydration

In winter, the number one task is to prevent hair from drying out, which can cause hair breakage and even excessive hair loss. That’s why you should opt for hair products designed primarily to hydrate your hair. Avoid alcohol in the ingredients, which dries the hair out. Instead, focus on hydrating ingredients (glycerine, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera), oils (coconut, argan, jojoba) and keratin – a protein that is crucial for proper hair structure.

Include hydrating masks in your haircare routine as well. These help restore your hair’s natural moisture and strengthen it overall. “These masks should only be applied to the lengths of your hair and can be used once a week or just once every three weeks. It depends how much your hair has been exposed to the cold,” explains hairstylist Tibor Němec.

Hydration Even for Greasy Hair

Surprisingly, even hair with an oily scalp needs hydration. In this case, however, you can combine hair products. “For example, use a shampoo for oily hair, but a conditioner or mask designed for dry hair,” advises hairdresser Kateřina Hamplová at Klier. 

Not even oily hair has to be afraid of oils or hair serums, she says. It is applied only to the ends of the hair, or at most to the lengths of the hair. So it won’t bother your greasy scalp. Still, you should exercise caution when you first start applying it. Start with a small amount and add oils or serums as needed. 

"For medium-length hair, just apply one pump to the ends, and to the lengths if needed. But never to the head. Then decide how frequently to apply it depending on your hair’s needs. For some people, using oil once to three times a week is plenty, while others may need it as often as three times a day. Bleached hair in particular really soaks up the oil,” adds Hamplová.

Frequent washing can be detrimental

You shouldn’t overdo the frequency of hair washing either. After all, even with greasy hair, the more often you wash it, the more and faster it gets greasy. Also, try not to rinse it too much in hot water, which dries it out excessively. 

“If you can’t stop rinsing your hair with hot water in winter, at least stay in the warmth of your home for the next two to three hours and don’t go outside. The extreme temperature difference would be a huge shock to the scalp, which causes the hair to go on the counterattack – so the scalp and hair will turn oily very quickly. In extreme cases, it could even fall out,” warns Němec.

If you’re in a hurry and need to dry your hair quickly, at least blow-dry it at the lowest possible temperature. “Also use an attachment, the nozzle on the hair dryer that helps smooth hair while keeping it further away from the dryer motor. In addition, thermal protection of your hair is an absolute necessity,” adds Hamplová.

A Couple of Pro Tips 

In winter, we can often be annoyed by what our hair does when we take off our hat. Not only does it get oilier because of it, but it also goes limp and attracts static underneath the hat. 

A texturising spray or hair powder can help you tackle flattened hair. Both products can quickly restore volume to your hair. An ordinary comb or brush that you use to deliberately comb your hair in different directions will also do a great job. This makes the hair appear visually thicker. 

A hairspray or hair oil can help you calm down static hair. “For finer hair, I’d recommend a travel size hairspray that fits in your handbag. Thicker and stronger hair can be tamed by rubbing a small amount of oil into the static lengths,” adds Němec.

In the end, you can change a lot just by picking the right hat. Opt for one made of microfibre or flannel. These materials help to reduce hair friction.

What has surprised you most about our winter hair care tips? Do you already know what products you’re sure to add to your hair care routine? And which of these hairdressing tips is going to help banish your winter hair woes?