Winter weather can be harsh on all hair types & textures. Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from grim winter elements to remain moisturised and healthy.
Follow our top 10 winter hair care tips and try out our recommended products to ensure you have luscious locks by the time Spring comes back around.
1. Keep hair washing to a minimum
If you are someone who washes your hair every day, it’s time to change things up! Over-washing your hair strips it of the natural oils that help to keep it moisturised and provide protection. This is especially important in the winter when these oils are very much needed. Doing this will also help to cut back on the amount of heat styling used on your hair, which is especially harmful in the winter too.
2. Use a sulphate-free shampoo
Sulphate can be a real problem for already damaged hair, as it strips it of beneficial oils. Opt for a shampoo free from sulphates and as many other chemicals as possible.
We personally recommend Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Mirrorsmooth Shampoo as a great option for a sulphate-free shampoo. It is infused with Abyssinian oil which helps smooth the cuticle, enhancing shine and banishing frizz. It smells devine too!
3. Avoid tying hair up in a bobble
Wearing your hair down will help to prevent any additional breakage that a bobble can create. If you do decide to tie your hair up, we recommend using a spiral hair bobble (pictured below). These hair ties don’t pull or snag on the hair like an elastic bobble would, and its coil design locks into the hair meaning it doesn’t cause damage or breakage.
4. Cut back on heat styling
Limit your use of heat styling tools such as hair-dryers, straighteners and curlers. The heat dries out the hair and scalp which increases the risk of damage and breakage.
Instead, we suggest that you let your hair air-dry where possible. Even partially air-drying before finishing it off with a hair-dryer to reduce to amount of heat used will make a huge difference.
5. Make sure you get regular hair trims
Winter weather can really make the ends of your hair very dry and brittle. Regular trims (every 4-8 weeks) will massively reduce the chance of split ends and keep the hair healthy.
6. Invest in a good oil
Using a good hair oil through your ends and mid-lengths will immediately restore moisture, leaving your hair feeling and looking healthier instantly.
A favourite of ours is Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum as it is a lovely lightweight formula which seals the strands leaving them shiny, silky and frizz-free.
7. Commit to a deep condition once a week
Using a leave-in conditioner once a week will help to replenish moisture into your hair and counteract the effects of any heated styling tools, indoor heating, and the bitter winter weather.
8. Use a hair mask weekly
Weekly hair masks can make a significant difference as they help to reduce the effects of dry and damaged hair. They offer benefits such as softening, hydrating and adding shine to the hair. Leave a hair mask on for about 20 minutes once a week and you will soon notice these benefits.
9. Make sure to use a heat protection spray
If you really can’t go without using heat on your hair, then please use a good quality heat protection spray.
We use Wella Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray in the salon as it protects the hair from heat up to 220 degrees celcius and leaves it super smooth.
10. Look at your diet
A diet full of foods that are rich in natural oils, vitamins & minerals will not only help keep you healthy through the winter, but it will keep your hair fighting-fit as well. Your diet should include plenty of Vitamin A, C & E, as well as Iron and Selenium – which is found in a variety of fresh fruit & veg, meat, fish, nuts & cereals. This will help to repair damage that can occur to your hair, and it will give your immune system a boost too.
With a little bit of effort, following these tips will keep your hydrated and looking fabulous this winter season!
