12 Simple Tips to Prevent Winter Hair Damage

The winter can bring along some pleasant and unpleasant things. On the upside, the holidays are around the corner, and we can look forward to all the time we’ll spend gathering with family and friends. But on the other hand, there’s the dry, cold air that can make a good hair day feel like a thing of the past. Luckily, we’ve rounded up a few tips that can help you have gorgeous tresses all winter long, so you look your best for all your family photos this year. Check out the list below.

Tips to Prevent Dry Hair in the Winter

Avoid hot showers. It can be tempting to turn your shower temperature up full blast when it’s cold outside, but this will damage your scalp and leave it flaky. Try to wash your hair in tepid water.
Moisturize. You wouldn’t neglect moisturizing your skin in the winter months, so don’t forget your hair. Try to use a hydrating mask to restore your locks’ natural oils that might have been stripped away in the cold.
Protect your hair from static. Woolly hats and cozy scarves can make your hair go haywire. Try using a frizz-control spray and pat down using tumble dryer sheets — it’s a strange trick, but it works!
Use an ionic dryer. Coming into a warm house after a cold day is bound to make your hair frizz. Use an ionic hairdryer to stifle static and keep cuticles smooth.
Switch up your hair color. Your hair reacts to sunlight and may appear dull in colder, darker months. Try combining two or three shades when you color your hair to add texture and lift.
Swap gels for creams. If you use gels or thick serums, it’s time to switch your products. Gels can make hair stiffen in cold weather, especially when applied to wet hair. Creams will help to soften and protect the hair.
Invest in a silk-lined hat. If your hair is naturally curly, try wearing a silk-lined hat to protect your waves. The soft fabric will prevent breakage and also keep your head toasty.
Use Vitamin E. Harsh winds can cause split ends, so try rubbing Vitamin E treatments or oils on the ends of your hair to replenish them. Some say massaging this type of oil onto your scalp can make your hair grow faster as well.
Always have dry shampoo handy. Hat hair happens to the best of us, so when it comes time to take your hat off, make sure you have a small bottle of dry shampoo in your handbag to rescue flat roots.
Take regular trips to the hairdresser. Keep your hair in good condition in these harsh months by visiting your salon regularly. Aim to go every six weeks to keep your ends freshly cut.
Keep hair-washing to a minimum. If you can, try to limit yourself to only washing your hair two or three times a week to prevent it from drying out in the cold. This will minimize the amount of heat styling you do as well, which can have double its effect in the cold.
Condition and comb. Windy weather can make detangling hair a nightmare. Instead of wrestling with your brush after the shower, comb through your ends while they’re still wet with conditioner in to get rid of all the knots.