How to winterproof your hair, according to the experts
Cold, damp weather and central heating is a recipe made in hell for your hair. We’ve called on the experts for top tips to keep your locks shiny and smooth all season long
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Crisp winter mornings and cosy nights in may make winter one of the most wonderful times of the year. But, sadly, it can also cause havoc with your hair. From chilly temperatures, windy conditions, unpredictable drizzles and outright downpours to moisture-stealing central heating, your hair goes through quite the ordeal during the winter months. Winterproof your locks and you can maintain a healthy, strong and gloriously luscious head of hair.
Just like the humid, high temperatures of summer that can send your hair into a frizzy cloud, cold climates and everything that goes with the freezing season can also leave your hairdo out of control. Cold temperatures and damp air can tamper with the moisture levels in your hair, causing it to become wispy and frizzy. Then there’s stepping inside to powerful central heating systems which can suck all the moisture out of your hair, causing it to become dry and lifeless. There’s no doubt the winter is harsh on your hair and looking after each and every strand is paramount to supporting healthy growth and keeping it in good condition.
We’ve called on hair expert and lead hairstylist at Beauty Club London, Shady Harb, for some of his top tips to see you and your glorious hair through the winter season. “Winterproofing your hair is all about layering your care – starting from the right washing techniques and products to external protection and internal nourishment. With a bit of extra effort, you can maintain healthy, glossy hair all season long.” You heard Harb: there’s no need to live with dry, frizzy locks prone to breakage. Read on for our guide to combating every bad hair day, plus the products that will keep your hair, well, perfectly perfect all the way to spring.
Start with the right shampoo and conditioner
It’s important to stick to a consistent hair washing routine during the winter months to give your hair the nourishing treatment it deserves and restore moisture for voluminous, shiny results. However, it’s also crucial to strike the right balance and not overwash your locks to retain the natural oils that protect your hair. Harb suggests washing just two to three times a week and adds his top tip: “When you do wash, finish with a cold water rinse to close the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and adding shine.”
When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, look for rehydrating formulas to deliver revitalising care to your roots and locks – natural oils such as argan, avocado and coconut are great. Harb recommends “choosing a sulfate-free shampoo, which is gentle and won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. Pair this with a deeply hydrating conditioner containing ingredients like argan oil, glycerin, or shea butter – these help to seal in moisture and keep your hair smooth.”
Hair Jumbos Healthy Hydration duo
This shampoo and conditioner duo is made from natural ingredients including 17 amino acids and coconut oil to deeply hydrate and soften the hair.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Shampoo
Reinvigorate dehydrated locks with The Rich Shampoo, enriched with amino acids and vitamins to boost moisture, shine and volume.
Oribe Intense Conditioner for Moisture & Control
Tame and control frizz with Oribe’s top-of-the-range conditioner. Containing acombination of keratin and plant proteins, hair will be left soft, smooth and strong again.
MorocconOil Hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo
Give your locks the TLC they deserve with this shampoo and conditioner combination, perfect for dry frizzy hair that needs rehydrating and nourishing.
Post-washing rituals
Once you’ve washed your hair, take your haircare routine that extra mile by applying a leave-in conditioner while your hair is still damp, designed to provide even more moisture and deeper treatment. “Focus on the mid-lengths and ends to keep the hair cuticle flat and protected throughout the day”, advises Harb. He also recommends using a conditioning hair mask once a week, preferably containing keratin or protein to repair any damage and maintain the hair’s natural elasticity.
Sol de Janeiro Joia Milky Leave-in Conditioner
Translating to ‘Sun of January’, hydrate and reinvigorate winter hair with Sol de Janeiro’s leave-in conditioner for a touch of summer sun and super soft results.
Dr Barbara Sturm Repair Hair Mask
Treat your tresses to Dr Barbara Sturm’s repairing hair mask for silky smooth, glossy results thanks to its organic shea butter and cationic hyaluronic acid.
Reduce heat styling
Limiting the use of heat styling tools is an easy way to prevent dry and damaged hair. The heat technology used in curlers and straighteners alike can strip away the natural oils in your hair, leaving it weak and brittle. Try to limit the use of hair stylers in winter when your hair is already going through enough – and when you do need to use them, ensure you use a heat protection product to help prevent damage. Harb also recommends setting the stylers to a moderate temperature rather than a high heat to make less of an impact on your hair when it is already vulnerable. For a great alternative to heated curlers, why not swap for heatless curlers? Hugely popular on social media, these foam rollers and silk hair curlers can still create bouncy ringlets and curls, minus the heat.
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat protection spray
Shield your hair from the heat with Oribe’s protection spray – a plant-based formula that protects, soothes and deeply nourishes every strand as it is exposed to hot tools.
Silke London Heatless Curlers kit
100 per cent silk and zero per cent heat, these curlers will bring the best bounce to your hair without any damage. Leave in overnight for striking results.
Boost your hair with supplements
For an extra boost over the winter months, when hair can become limp and lanky due to the lack of moisture and natural Vitamin D from the sun, add a hair supplement to your routine. Essential for hair growth and strength, supplements containing vitamins A, C, D and E can help maintain healthy locks, preventing breakage and boosting shine. Easy to add to your daily routine, usually either in capsule or gummy form, take as recommended and watch for the results. Drinking enough water is also essential for all-round hydration, Harb reminds us.
Vidaglow Hairology
Powered by a plant-based formula containing biotin and zinc, take one Vidaglow supplement per day and achieve strengthened and livened-up hair in no time.
Nutriburst Hair Skin and Nails
Packed with 11 vitamins and minerals, Nutriburst’s gummies will help encourage strong, radiant hair all winter long.
Wear a hat
As simple as it sounds, wear a hat. When out and about in the blustery, fiercely cold climate, popping a hat over your hair can make a real difference to the damage it experiences (and keep your extremities warm, win-win). But picking the right fabric is important to avoid friction and static. Look for silk or satin designs which can act as a protective barrier, says Harb.
The Big Silk beanie hat
A classic woolen beanie, the Big Silk’s hat features a beautifully soft silk lining to protect your hair from unwanted tangles and static.
Issey Miyake Wrap silk-blend balaclava
Wrap up in Issey Miyake’s balaclava, crafted from a mohair and silk blend to keep your hair’s moisture locked in and your winter style as chic as it gets.
Read more: Party hair – How to keep your locks luscious this Christmas
