At this point in winter, you’ve learned to layer up against blustering winds and frigid temperatures. But what about safeguarding your hair? Dry hair in winter is all too common, and these conditions can strip moisture from strands––leading to dullness and breakage. Luckily, these winter hair care tips and restorative products can help you maintain a luscious, healthy-looking mane all season long.
The Impact of Winter on Hair
During winter months, the freezing air, drop in humidity, and drying indoor heating can combine to significantly weaken hair. The low humidity draws moisture out of strands, leaving them more vulnerable to breakage. Just like our skin, hair needs an optimal level of moisture to maintain its health. This lack of moisture can also lead to dandruff, split ends, and frizz.
Common Winter Hair Care Mistakes
Over Washing
Washing your hair too much in the winter can strip away natural oils and leave your locks dry. For oily hair, we recommend washing every 1-2 days. If your texture is more dry, every 3-4 days can suffice.
Not Switching Your Products
As we transition from autumn, it’s important to also transition your routine. This means investing in winter hair products that target seasonal concerns, like dryness and breakage.
Too Much Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling is a fast track to damaged hair when it’s already vulnerable. We recommend going heatless as much as you can.
Skipping Conditioner
Skipping conditioner in winter? That's like stepping out without your warmest coat. This time of year, your hair needs that extra moisture to stay healthy.
Ignoring Scalp Care
Consider your scalp the foundation of your hair. When you ignore it, you neglect your hair’s overall health. This leads to dandruff and itchiness, especially in cooler temps.
Leaving Your Hat at Home
Going outside without a hat can leave your hair vulnerable to cold winds and frigid conditions. Complete your look with a beanie for benefits that go beyond just good style.
Tight Hairstyles
Winter is tough enough on hair, so give those tight ponytails and braids a break. Opt for styles that are gentle and loose to prevent breakage.
Skipping Regular Trims
Never underestimate the power of a good trim during winter. Without them, you invite split ends and uneven growth.
Ignoring Humidity Levels
An indoor humidifier isn't just for your skin; it's a secret weapon for preventing your hair from becoming brittle and static-prone.
Expert Tips for Winter Hair Care
This season, give your hair the extra love and care it deserves. Embrace these seasonal winter hair care tips to keep tresses healthy and shiny, even on the coldest days.
Follow a Balanced Hair Care Routine
Sprinkle dry shampoo on your scalp between washes to keep excess oil at bay and switch to sulfate-free shampoos to preserve your hair's natural oils.
Use the Right Products
Winter calls for a switch-up! Reach for hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and other products that focus on moisture retention and damage repair.
Limit Heat Styling
Before you style, spritz on heat protectant. Consider also heat-free styles to give your hair a break.
Condition Regularly
Don’t let your shampoo go solo. Always follow with a conditioner—it's essential for locking in moisture. Even better, a leave-in conditioner can revive and deeply moisturize strands.
Scalp Care
Keep your scalp happy with gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. It also helps to work a weekly scalp massage into your winter hair care routine.
Switch to Silk or Satin-Lined Hats
When choosing a hat, silk or satin-lined ones are best for protecting your hair from the elements. Avoid wool or cotton which can lead to breakage.
Use Fabric Hair Ties
Embrace loose, gentle hairstyles. Swap rubber bands for fabric hair ties which won’t cause breakage.
Treat Yourself at the Salon
During your next salon visit, ask for a hot oil treatment or deep conditioning.
Stay Hydrated
Remember, hydration starts from within. Drink plenty of water and look for Omega-3-rich foods.
Avoid Hot Showers
Turn down the heat and opt for lukewarm water when washing your hair.
Be Gentle When Detangling
Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush on wet hair to avoid breakage. Take your time and be gentle.
Make Your Bed with Silk or Satin
Sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases reduces friction and breakage.
Hair Product Recommendations from Sol de Janeiro
Achieving healthy hair in winter requires switching up your routine. This means using products that target cold-weather concerns, like dryness, frizz, and breakage. If you’re not sure where to start, look to Sol de Janeiro products for gentle formulas that focus on hair health and repair.
Our sulfate-free strengthening and smoothing shampoo repairs and moisturizes to dramatically reduce dryness, frizz, and split ends in fine to medium hair types. Wash with lukewarm water to open the hair cuticles without damaging them. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp, working your way to the ends. Rinse thoroughly.
Follow with our smoothing conditioner for fine to medium hair. Leave it in for 2-3 minutes before rinsing with cold water. This helps to seal the cuticles, lock in moisture, and enhance shine. Conditioning is a crucial step for straight hair, as it's the texture most prone to losing moisture int the wintertime.
For an extra dose of lightweight hydration, look to our leave-in conditioner. Perfect for all hair types, we love it as a primer before heat styling or when applying other styling products. Not only does it infuse moisture, but it also repairs split ends. When using, spray on damp hair from mid-length to ends.
You’ll also want to keep our nourishing hair oil in your routine. It fights frizz for up to 72 hours*, adds mirror-like shine, repairs damage, and deeply moisturizes thick, thirsty strands. Use it before air drying or heat styling to tame frizz. On dry hair, you can rub a small amount of oil in between your palms, and apply it to your ends, working your way up to mid-shaft.
Make it a weekly ritual to indulge in a hair mask. This is your secret weapon for hair repair. It infuses locks with essential hydration and nourishment, all while impressively repairing up to 96% of split ends.* After cleansing, apply mask to wet hair, evenly coating from root to tip, concentrating on the ends. Leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For the best results, we recommend using it once every 1-2 weeks, or any time your hair needs a boost of repair & hydration.
Winterize Your Tresses - Final Thoughts on Winter Hair Care
This winter, be proactive with your hair care in winter, from the products you use to the styles you choose. Consider this your guide to resilient, healthy-looking hair that can brave winter conditions with ease.
