Have you considered what your hair goes through every winter?
Winter is without a doubt, the most difficult time of year to maintain your hair health and hairstyles. Battling against colder temperatures, blustery winds and central heating, combined with hat hair and over-indulgence! Winter can mean your hair is more prone to dryness, split ends, colour fade and breakage throughout the colder months. That’s why a winter haircare routine is so important to keep our hair looking and feeling healthy!
“Much like skincare, it's important to switch up your haircare routine during the winter.”
Here’s our top tips on how to optimise your haircare routine for the colder months…
Care for your scalp
While your scalp isn’t always visible, it needs just as much care as your hair. In winter the combination of central heating and cold weather can strip away moisture, creating a dry and sometimes flaky scalp. Other factors such as over-washing and having the shower temperature too hot can strip it of its natural oils too. As these oils are what ordinarily keep your hair protected and looking healthy, taking care of them is even more crucial for your winter routine. Massaging your hair and scalp regularly, once or twice a week, in these chilly winter months can nourish your hair roots and strengthen your hair follicles by increasing blood circulation as well as remove any product build-up and dead skin cells.
Take a break from using heated styling tools
Heated straighteners, curlers and hairdryers all contribute to creating or worsening dry hair in winter. Since their high temperatures play havoc with the hair’s moisture levels, allowing your hair to dry and style naturally is always best. Blow-drying can strip moisture out of your hair, increasing the chance of breakage, particularly when your hair is more delicate in the colder months. Heat-free drying helps to keep your hair shiny and healthy. If you’re short on time, try washing your hair in the evening so you can allow your hair to dry naturally before going to bed. Embrace your natural hair and go heat-free where possible, it’s a great opportunity to try new styles like braids, buns and heatless curls!
Discover our professional tips on creating heatless curls here.
Moisturise
Moisturising is the name of the game for winter haircare. Use your SalonLab&Me Conditioner every time you shampoo to replenish, moisturise and combat the effects of styling tools, indoor heating and cold winter weather. Static hair is a common occurrence when your hair is subject to cold weather. Keeping hair hydrated with an intensive conditioner will help protect it and keep your hair looking and feeling nourished.
Treat your hair to a mask
You may treat your face to a weekly face mask, so why not treat your hair to a weekly mask too? This will help to keep your locks looking radiant and feeling fabulous! Regardless of the condition of your hair or your natural hair texture, we’re all in need of a moisture boost to help combat winter hair concerns, so even if your hair doesn’t appear damaged, it’s still wise to take preventive measures.
Use your SalonLab&Me Intense Care Mask once or twice a week and massage it into damp, clean hair (post-shampoo), gently comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb and leave for up to 10 minutes. Your hair will be left instantly nourished.
Discover our step-by-step guide on how best to apply your SalonLab&Me Intense Care Mask here.
Don't shower too hot or too cold
Your bathroom is your sanctuary, particularly when you’re in the mood for a relaxing bath or shower to soothe and warm your body during the winter months. However, the temperature that you wash your hair in might be contributing to your dry winter hair. Extra hot (and even cold) water temperatures can strip those all-important natural oils from your scalp and create sensitivity. Your water temperature should be lukewarm and comfortable, to keep your hair looking its best during the winter months.
Wash your hair less frequently
If you’re someone who washes your hair often, winter is the time to reduce this. Over-washing your hair will strip it of its natural oils that help to keep hair moisturised and protected. This is especially problematic in the winter when those oils are much needed. Try extending the time between your washes as much as possible. If you typically wash your hair every day, then switch to every other day. If you find your hair is still very dry, try every three days. Another way to help extend the time between washes is to use a leave-in conditioner or dry shampoo. Dry shampoo can help keep your hair feeling fresh.
Get regular trims
Booking regular hair appointments is a great way to keep your hair healthy throughout winter. Trimming your hair every four to eight weeks is a good way to maintain hair health especially in the cooler, winter months when your hair is drier. Look to take half an inch off the bottom of your hair to remove or reduce dry, split ends. A visit to the hair salon is always a mood booster and leaves you feeling relaxed with a head of healthy, radiant hair.
Follow these tips and with a little extra effort, you can keep your hair hydrated and looking great this winter.
How-To's
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