The Winter Hair Care Reset You Need for a Gorgeous New Year
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Except for when it comes to your hair. The winter months are full of reconnection, social events and the giving spirit, but cold temperatures often bring on dryness, frizz, dullness, and breakage. Hitting reset on your hair care routine can help you keep your strands sumptuously soft and picture perfect for every photo op.
So what are the secrets to staving off static, saying goodbye to split ends and dodging damage? A few simple updates to your winter hair care routine.
Turn down the temp on your showers.
We get it. Hot water feels fantastic when you’re in it. BUT the aftermath is dry, flaky, irritated skin. The hot water strips your natural oils and can make your hair brittle and more prone to breakage. Stick to lukewarm water to maintain your hair’s optimal moisture balance and get that comfy-cozy feeling from a dryer-fresh towel instead. Feeling luxurious? Treat yourself to a towel warmer to reward your restraint. Your soft skin and flake-free hair will thank you.
Kick hydration into high-gear.
Even if your hair doesn’t normally run dry, it’s a good idea to dial up the moisture in the cold months. Lay a strong foundation for your style with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. A nourishing formula can help combat post-shower dryness, lock-in your natural oils and give your scalp the TLC it deserves. Consider bringing in an ultra-hydrating deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once a week to help protect and restore moisture.
Don’t be afraid of oil.
Sometimes oil gets a bad rap. But regular oil treatments can help transform your hair health, especially in the winter. Natural oils like coconut, argan, and olive oil nourish and moisturize for strength and shine. A few times a month, apply oil from mid-length to the ends of your hair, leave it on for at least 30 minutes, and wash it out with your usual shampoo.
Skip the hairdryer.*
Asterisk because this one comes with a major caveat. Wet hair is even more susceptible to cold weather damage. You should avoid going out with wet hair if you can by giving yourself time to air-dry before venturing outside. Cutting back on hot styling tools like hairdryers, flat irons and curling wands can help prevent dryness and breakage. When you do decide to use them, start with a good heat protectant and keep the temperature settings as cool as possible.
See your stylist more often.
There’s no shortage of products out there claiming to rescue split ends. The hard truth is that while split ends can be prevented with better hair care, they can’t be repaired once they happen. They can only be concealed. The best way to get rid of them? Regular trims. They help target split ends and prevent them from getting worse – which leads to that frizzy, frazzled look. Schedule time with your stylist every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair looking fresh.
Dress for the weather.
Beyond looking great, hats and scarves do more than keep you warm. They literally shield your hair and scalp from the harshness of the wintertime chill. Lean into cute cold weather accessories to minimize exposure to wind, snow and rapid changes in temperature and humidity.
Start by focusing on internal health.
Outer beauty starts on the inside. As always, glowing skin and vibrant hair rely on staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet. That means drinking enough water throughout the day and eating nutrient-dense foods. Focus on powerhouse nutrients like vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. Try to limit alcohol and sugar, even though they can be hard to avoid this time of year. Start a new meal planning habit to support your beauty and wellness goals – and save money in the process (no more impulse buys at the grocery store).
With a few changes to your hair care routine, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny and resilient. With every step, focus on hydration, protection, and nourishment to keep your hair looking its best all year long.
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