As the cold season approaches, various tasks make their way onto your checklist. Winterizing your home and transitioning your summer wardrobe are obvious priorities. However, have you contemplated the necessity of adjusting your hair care regimen? Cold weather can impact your hair, prompting a need to modify your routine for year-round optimal appearance and feel.
To guide you through this, we consulted with three hair stylists who shared their insights on products to steer clear of during colder months. Keep reading to discover what you should omit from your winter hair care routine.
Table of Contents
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1. Avoid Clarifying Shampoos in Winter
Clarifying shampoos, known for their deep-cleaning properties, are a staple in hair care. However, Krysta Biancone, co-founder of Amari Salon & Spa and a stylist at Hair by Krysta, suggests postponing the use of clarifying shampoos during colder months. She emphasizes that these shampoos are too harsh for winter, stripping natural oils and leaving the scalp dry and itchy.
2. Steer Clear of Salt Sprays
Achieving perfect waves in winter may not be worth the dryness it can cause. Kira Byrd, a hairstylist and co-founder of Curl Centric, advises against using salt sprays and other volumizing or texturizing products in cold weather. While effective for beachy texture in summer, they contribute to excessive dryness when hair is already prone to it.
3. Refrain from Heavy Oils, Butters, or Waxes
Thinking of using heavy oils, butters, or waxes to combat frizzy hair? Think again. Byrd and Biancone recommend avoiding these products in winter. Their richness can weigh down the hair, making it look flat and feel stiff.
4. Limit the Use of Hairspray
Lisa Abbey, a hairstylist and founder of Flygirl Beauty Brands LLC, advises reducing the use of hairsprays and gels in winter. Both these products have high alcohol content, which tends to dry out the hair and increase susceptibility to damage and breakage. In warmer seasons, humidity adds moisture to the hair, counteracting the drying effects of these products. However, in colder, drier seasons, they draw moisture from the hair shaft, resulting in dry and brittle hair.
Essential Tips
Maintaining Hair Moisture
Maintaining hair moisture is essential during the cold season. Hair stylists emphasize the importance of altering your product choices to adapt to the challenges posed by the cold air outside and dry indoor heat. According to Byrd, the key is to take extra care to keep hair moisturized in the cold season. She encourages a fearless approach to changing products as needed.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
For effective winter hair care, deep conditioning treatments and masks are recommended to add moisture back to the hair. Abbey suggests using a hydrating leave-in conditioner before applying other styling products in winter. This provides much-needed hydration, keeping the hair healthy, eliminating breakage, static, or fly-aways, and evening out the porosity of the hair for better performance of styling products.
Styling Products
In terms of styling products, Byrd recommends cream or serum-based options that won’t dry out the hair shaft. Abbey echoes this advice, suggesting a wax-based finishing spray for hold and definition without drying or dulling the hair. In lieu of gels, a balm-type styler or a hydrating mousse with coconut or argan oil is recommended to keep hair smooth and hydrated through winter.
Few Things to Keep In Mind
Byrd emphasizes the importance of not turning up indoor heat too high, as it can dehydrate the hair further. Additionally, Biancone suggests cutting down on heat styling and getting regular trims in winter to avoid split ends. When braving the cold outdoors, covering your hair with a hat or scarf can provide protection. Making a few adjustments, as recommended by the stylists, can ensure your hair stays happy throughout the winter season.
