Hey babe
Spooky season has officially begun and winter is right around the corner - and do you know what that means? Dark long days/nights, icy winds, dry indoor air from radiators.. our hairs worst nightmare.
But winter doesn’t have to mean dry hair. I would like to share couple of tips and tricks that have helped my hair stay soft and strong during the cold days.
1. Hydration First
Winter is dry by nature, so your hair needs more moisture than usual. I always switch to a nourishing shampoo and conditioner with ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid or argan oil. They help keep my hair moisturized instead of dry.
I have been using L’Oreal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner for some time now and absolutely one of my favourite budget friendly products.
My advice is to wash less. 2- 3 times a week is more than enough. Over-washing in winter can create more dryness.
And yes - water matters, even when it’s freezing outside. I know it’s easier to grab coffee but try mixing it up with tea. Green tea? It has a lot of anti-oxidants, it supports immune function. And don’t forget to drink water, try adding some ginger and lemon. It taste good and is natural detox.
Hydrated body = hydrated hair and skin 🤎
2. Oils & Alternatives for Protection
In winter, oils are honestly lifesavers - but only if you use the right ones. Some are perfect for daily use on the ends, while others work best as treatments before washing. And sometimes, I skip oils completely and go for a leave-in spray or serum.
Here’s what I’ve loved so far:
Light Oils (perfect for daily use)
Argan oil - my number one. Rich in vitamin E, it softens my ends and gives them that silky finish without feeling too oily.
Jojoba oil - amazing for the scalp, especially when it feels dry from heating. Because it’s so close to our natural oils, it balances without making roots greasy.
Almond oil - I love this one for extra shine. It’s lightweight and makes my hair feel softer instantly.
Heavier Oils (only as a pre-wash mask)
Olive oil - nourishing, but I only use it before washing. Otherwise it’s way too heavy.
Castor oil - I sometimes use this on my scalp to boost circulation, but always mixed with something lighter like jojoba.
Non-Oil Alternatives
Leave-in sprays/conditioners - I use these when I want hydration without any oiliness. My ultimate favourite leave-in sprays is by Ouai. It’s llight, moisturizing and doesn’t overwhelm fine hair.
Serums - Cold air always leaves my hair feeling dry and tired, so I’ve been using the Kérastase 8H Magic Night Serum before bed. It feels like a night cream for my hair — light, comfortingand by morning my hair feels softer again. And the smell… it’s so good 🤎
TBH I’ve also been using this serum during the day. It keeps my hair moisturized and protected from cold air.
3. Keep the Heat to a Minimum
Hair is like skin - you wouldn’t press your hand on a hot oven now would’nt you? Because you know it would burn. Well it’s the same with your hair. Every time you apply heat without protection, you’re leaving tiny burns that add up over time - causing breakage.
And winter doesn’t make it easier. The cold already makes hair weaker, drier and more fragile.. so using too much heat can harm them more. When I do style, I always spray on heat protection first and leaving it on for couple of min before styling. Think of it as sunscreen for your hair: non-negotiable if you want to save your hair from burns.
My favourite so far has been L ́alga seamist moisture heat protection. It protects my hair perfectly and leaves them soft and the SMELL… so luxurious.
4. Protect Under the Hat
I’ll be honest, I’m not a hat girly… but in our winters, they are a must. And keeping your head warm helps your scalp and blood flow, which means less chance of dryness or fallout.
The only downside is that hats can sometimes suck the moisture out of your hair and leave it frizzy. That’s why in winter I make sure to moisturize more.
5. Weekly Mask = Winter Ritual
Once a week I give my hair a deep moisturizing mask - and sometimes I mix in a drop of oil if my ends feel extra dry. If I’m not too lazy, I’ll wrap my head in a warm towel.
The heat opens up the cuticle so all the good ingredients actually sink in, not just sit on top. Plus it just makes the whole thing feel more special, a little spa moment at home 🤎
I am obsessed with this deep moisturizing mask - Four Reasons The Original Ultra Moisture Treatment. If you have drier hair, make sure to give this a try.
6. Care from the Inside Out
With less sunlight here, vitamin D is key in winter. It supports not only your overall health but also your hair growth cycle. I also make sure to eat omega-3 rich foods like salmon or chia seeds. Giving the proper vitamins to feel nourished from within.
Iron and protein are just as important, since hair is literally made of protein and low levels of either can slow growth or cause shedding.
7. Trim the Ends, Keep the Length
A small trim every few months keeps split ends from spreading. You won’t lose length, but your hair will look and feel healthier. So make sure your hair dressser doesn’t cut off too much.. 😅
8. Don’t Forget Your Extensions
With winter, hair is already so fragile by itself. And if you have extensions in, that can put even more pressure on your roots. Plus, the hats… putting them on and taking them off, the static, the dry air — it all affects your hair more than you think.
That’s why winter is really the time to slow down and care for it properly. Maybe try Halo? By spring your hair will thank you.
I personally switched from K-tips to Halos about four years ago and I’ve been wearing them almost every day since. My natural hair has grown back healthier and stronger after all my hair went through. I’m glad I made that change, my hair now thanks me.
So if you’re a keratin girlie, why not give your hair a break this winter and try our Halos. And if you want something funcky, you can switch it up to our Icon Pony.
But keep this in mind, if you’ve been wearing extensions for a long time, the truth about your natural hair might sting a little… Sometimes the damage is already there, and that’s okay. If you do decide to start your healthy hair journey, I’ll be so proud of you. I’ve been there - it’s not a fast process, but it’s definitely worth it.
So think about it - do you want a quick fix or real results?
It’s not always easy to choose patience over instant change but trust me - your hair will thank you for it later. You can do it 🤎
I hope my tips & tricks for ‘winter-proof’ hair make your hair stay moisturzed and strong.
With love, Suz 🤎