Industry pros reveal tips and tricks for gorgeous cold-weather strands

Winter hair care tips: Industry pros reveal easy tips and tricks for GORGEOUS cold-weather strands

  • Reduced moisture in the air, cold winds and hot showers can make hair dry and frizzy in the winter months
  • Industry experts share tips for your scalp and strands to maintain their health and vibrancy this season 
  • To restore moisture, you want product formulated with ingredients that will protect and condition, like Shea Butter
  • Scalding water can break protein bonds and damage the hair cuticle, opt for lukewarm showers in the winter 
  • Make masking a part of your weekly routine  

Winter can be tough on your hair. Reduced moisture in the air, cold winds, hot tools, scalding showers and several other factors can make your hair dry and frizzy.

Fortunately with a little TLC, it’s possible to protect your precious mane regardless of the weather. 

Industry pros reveal eight tips and tricks to include in your beauty regimen this season for your scalp and strands to maintain their health and vibrancy.

Winter can be tough on your hair. Reduced moisture in the air, cold winds, hot tools, scalding showers and several other factors can make your hair dry and frizzy. Fortunately with a little TLC, it’s possible to protect your precious mane regardless of the weather

‘There are so many factors leading to drier hair (and skin) in the winter months, but the main culprits are naturally less moisture in the hair (drier climate) and heat,’ said Sarah Lund, STYLE.MASTER for KEVIN.MURPHY

‘Heat can come from heaters in our homes, to blow drying more often. These factors all lead to the need of more moisture in the hair.’ 

Tip 1: Restore moisture in hair

In the hot summer months, we use humectant products, shampoos, and conditioners to combat humidity.

To restore moisture in hair during cooler months, you want to use product formulated with ingredients that will protect and condition.

‘Look for luxurious, moisturizing ingredients like Shea Butter,’ says Sarah.

‘Shea butter is brilliant as it is very easily absorbed by the hair making it perfectly weightless and suitable for all hair types. 

‘I also love anti aging oils like Baobab Seed Oil and Immortelle to nourish and protect hair strands.’ 

According to the stylist, a good moisturizing conditioner is key for laying the foundation for your hair routine straight out if the shower. She then suggests using a leave-in product to help moisturize and protect tresses.

She favors leave-in conditioner UN.TANGLED by KEVIN.MURPHY, saying ‘this is particularly good for thick and curly hair.’

‘Look for luxurious, moisturizing ingredients like Shea Butter,’ says Sarah. ‘Shea butter is brilliant as it is very easily absorbed by the hair making it perfectly weightless and suitable for all hair types’

Tip 2: Take lukewarm showers

While a hot shower releases tension in the body, relaxes the muscles and can feel amazing when it’s cold out, scalding water can wreak havoc on hair.

It can strip the scalp and cause it to overproduce oil, break protein bonds and damage the hair cuticle.

‘We tend to take hotter showers when it is cold outside but this has the same effect as heating the hair with a blowdryer,’ revealed Sarah.

‘This is why it important to opt for a moisturizing conditioner to counteract this.’

Tip 3: Make masking a part of your routine 

To tame dry and frizzy hair effectively, your scalp and strands need nourishment and protection from the elements.

‘A mask should be applied at least once a week but can be upwards of 2-3 times depending on individual needs and how often one washes their hair,’ said Sarah.

‘For instance, if you wash 1x a week, you should mask every time. If you wash everyday you might want to go 2 or even 3 times as needed.’

Tip 4: Maintain your color 

‘A glaze or a gloss is great for improving the condition and manageability of the hair,’ said hair colorist, Sydney Ann Lopez.

‘The reason for this is that it helps fill in any damaged areas to give a smoother and shinier result.’

While a gloss is done at the salon and goes deeper into the hair, a glaze gives shine and adds semi-permanent dye to your hair and can be done at home. 

‘This can be done whenever you want to boost your color in between salon visits. If you are looking for an at-home glaze, I recommend Celeb Luxury which is a glaze in a shampoo and conditioner. It is as easy as washing your hair. Plus, there are a wide range of colors available.’ 

While air drying is healthier for most hair types, it’s not a good idea to step outside with a wet head in the winter. When blow drying or diffusing hair but Sarah recommends using a heat protectant with at least 400 degrees of protection’

Tip 5: Avoid hat hair 

Hats can keep your entire body warm because they reduce the amount of heat that escapes from your head.

The downside to this functional accessory is that when removed it can cause less than flattering hat head. 

‘If you’re wearing a hat to stay warm, make sure to either use a knit hat or a hat that is slightly loose,’ said beauty expert and Matrix ambassador Nick Stenson.

Tip 6: Don’t shy away from hot tools

While air drying is healthier for most hair types, it’s not a good idea to step outside with a wet head in the winter.

When blow drying or diffusing hair but Sarah recommends using a heat protectant with at least 400 degrees of protection. 

‘It is vital when using a heat protectant to apply the product from root to tip and distribute evenly throughout hair.’ 

Tip 7: Hair needs beauty sleep, too  

Most of us have a nightly skincare regimen but often overlook prepping our locks before we lay down.

In addition to sleeping on a silk pillowcase and tying up our tresses with a protective hair tie, Sarah suggests applying a lightweight oil from mid strand – ends. 

Tip 8: Trimming tresses regularly ensures healthy hair  

Scarves that you bundle up with can cause friction and fray ends. Trimming off the damage makes hair look fuller and stops breakage. Plus, freshly cut ends encourage hair growth. ‘I suggest a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep hair healthy,’ shared Nick.

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