How winter affects your hair and how to deal with it

Dry, static, frizzy hair? If you can relate, you’ll know that the winter months are here and ready to wreak havoc with your lovely locks. Smooth, shiny hair from the summer is well and truly behind us.
 
Exposure to the harsh weather that autumn and winter brings can strip hair of moisture leading to dull hair that is more susceptible to damage. And when you add to this the constant temperature changes as you go from hot houses to the cold outdoors, you’ve got a recipe for a hair disaster.
 
But don’t despair, there are ways to revive your dry locks to make them luscious once again. We’ve put together our fave winter hair care tips, so you don’t have to suffer this season!
 
Moisturise
 
Just like your skin, your hair needs moisturising too. During the colder months, heating tends to zap moisture out of your hair, sometimes leaving you with a dry, flaky scalp. Adding a leave-in conditioner or a hair oil to your routine will help to combat this dryness and add much needed moisture back into your locks! If you suffer with a flaky scalp, leave the treatment in for longer and then wash your hair as normal to get rid of the oil.
 
We love Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-In Conditioner which is a lightweight conditioning spray that helps to detangle, hydrate and improve the elasticity of your hair and Montibello Smart Touch Instant Hair Conditioner which repairs, nourishes, offers frizz control and provides heat defence.
 
If you’re after a hair oil, anything with argan, Moroccan or jojoba oil is perfect for leaving hair feeling soft and shiny.
 
Avoid frequent hair washes
 
We’ve said it before, and we will say it again - avoid washing your hair every day. Over-washing your hair strips it of natural oils that you need to keep your locks moisturised and protected, and during the winter months, this is even more vital. Try to take an extra day between your hair washes if you feel it is becoming dry. It’s also important to invest in a quality shampoo and conditioner that works well with your hair type. If you’re unsure, pop into the salon and we can advise.
 
To get you through the extra days, try a dry shampoo like Philip Kingsley One More Day. The lightweight formula refreshes and soothes the scalp whilst getting rid of dirt, oil and odour and also adds volume and texture.
 
After you’ve washed your hair, we recommend using a moisturising spray like Montibello Smart Touch 12 in 1 Treatment Spray which does just about everything from softening and moisturising to heat protection and colour protection.
 
Get regular trims
 
Trimming your hair every four to eight weeks is a good way to maintain hair health and keep your locks looking fresh. Take a half inch off the bottom to reduce the chances of developing dry, split ends.
 
Avoid heat styling
 
We know it’s nice to have styled hair but it’s no secret that it’s a major culprit for damaged locks. If your strands already feel dry, try to lay off heat styling where possible. When you are styling your hair, make sure to use a quality heat defence spray to protect it. The products we have previously mentioned will help to protect against the damage that styling causes.
 
Dry your hair before going out
 
This might be a regular habit for you anyway, but it’s important to make sure you’re not leaving the house with wet hair. Cold hair expands the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage. Allow extra time in the winter to air dry your locks before going out.
 
We love Montibello Daily Defence All-Weather Lotion to protect your hair from the elements. It combats the harmful effects of the sun, cold and wind. It’s perfect all year round but will go the extra mile to protect your hair during the winter season.
 
A weekly deep conditioning hair mask
 
A weekly deep conditioning treatment can make the world of difference to repair dry and damaged hair, and also to prevent future damage. If you use a face mask, you should be treating your hair the same way.
 
We always recommend Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment to clients looking for a deep conditioner. The award-winning formula is a super conditioning pre-shampoo treatment that delivers elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine to all hair textures. With frequent use, your hair will be left stronger and healthier with less breakage. We often use this in the salon on clients and it really does work wonders.
 
Be careful with accessories
 
We all loved to get wrapped up in hats and scarfs so that we feel cosy when we’re out in the elements, but our beloved accessories are actually known for causing breakage and static hair. Cotton and wool may well be soft to touch, but the fabric grips and tugs at your hair which causes damage. Try other materials like silk, which stimulates hydration, and then layer up over the top to stay warm.
 
Stay hydrated
 
Hydration starts from within so make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will encourage hair growth, stimulate a healthier scalp, and prevent split ends and brittle hair.
 
We hope our tips help you fight off bad hair this winter!
 
If the weather is playing havoc with your hair, pop into the salon to purchase any of the products mentioned and book a trim and a deep conditioning treatment while you’re here, your locks will thank you for it!