As the weather gets colder (especially at night) it’s time to look at ways to take better care of your hair and skin to prevent dry itchy skin, unruly flyways, and frizz, brittle hair, and dry split ends. Just like your skin, your hair needs an extra dose of attention during the late fall and winter months.
Here are some hair care tips, and product suggestions, to get you through the winter season with healthy, nourished, and manageable hair.
- Water Temperature
Many of us love a nice hot shower, and how a hot shower can help rejuvenate your body and soul after a long day. However, a hot shower can also wreak havoc on your skin and hair. Hot water can strip your scalp and skin of its natural oils, drying up your hair shaft and causing dry, scaly skin. We recommend turning down the temperature, rinsing your hair in lukewarm water, and shortening your shower time. If you can handle it, switching to cool water as you rinse your hair will help to seal the hair follicles, locking in moisture.
- Reduced Washes
You don’t need to wash your hair every day. In the winter, even fewer hair washings can be good for you. Frequent hair washing can alter the pH of your scalp and skin, especially if your hair is prone to dryness. Giving your scalp a chance to replenish its natural oils is good for your hair. If you just cannot stand the thought of fewer washings, or if your hair tends to be oily, consider a dry shampoo such as Invisible Dry Shampoo or Deep Clean Dry Shampoo. These Redken® products will help refresh your hair while absorbing the excess oils.
- Deep Conditioning
Restore moisture during the winter months by giving your hair a weekly deep conditioning treatment. Applying an overnight hair mask, such as All Soft Heavy Cream Mask, can work miracles on your hair by providing deep intense conditioning to replenish and restore the moisture in your dry scalp. Temperature changes from dry indoor heat to cold winter air quickly deplete the moisture in your hair. Another great way to keep your hair protected is to coat your hair with Redken Thermal Spray before blow-drying.
- Static & Frizz Control
If you’re starting to experience static and frizz due to dry winter air, look to a product like Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil. A little goes a long way and the anti-static oil keeps flyaways and frizzy hair at bay without weighing hair down. FUN FACT: MIzani’s biodegradable formula with natural coconut, olive, sunflower and jojoba oils for enhanced smoothness and frizz control.
- After-Shower Hair Routine
Hair is more vulnerable to breakage when it’s wet. After you shower, try not to rub your hair dry. Instead we suggest using a soft, microfiber towel to gently press the water out, and to comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb while it’s damp. If you can, we recommend waiting until your hair is about 80% air-dried before brushing and blow-drying when possible. Harsh bristles can tear up your hair follicles, especially if your hair is already dry and brittle. Using heat protection products can protect your hair and help cut down on blow-drying time. Big Blowout offers heat protection, and requires less blow-drying time.
- Do Not Overheat
We tend to use heated styling tools more often during the cooler months, but that’s not healthy for your hair. Blow dryers, flat irons, hot rollers, and curling irons all play a big part in causing dry hair. If you need to use your styling tools, turn down the temperature settings to avoid damaging your hair, especially with your flat irons and rollers that come into contact with already dry hair. Pureology Color Fanatic Leave in products offer faster air-dry time with effortless texture and a no-product feel, allowing you to take a break from your heat tools. PRO TIP: Getting creative with braids, buns, twists, and ponytails gives your hair a break from the heat.
- Color-Treated Hair & Dryness
Color-treated hair needs extra care as it is – but during the dry winter months, you need to step up the care a bit. Keep your dyed locks nourished, bright, and glossy with a color protection shampoo and conditioner, such as Redken’s® Color Extend Care product line. When your hair is dry and brittle it can affect the vibrancy of your hair color, leaving it limp, dull, and causing the color to fade quicker.
- Seasonal Changes
For our guests, we recommend they avoid using the same products year-round. Adapting your hair care routine to match the seasons (and the changing needs of your hair) is the best way to keep your hair healthy, moisturized, and manageable all year long.
We hope this list of haircare tips shed some light on how to care for your beautiful hair during the cold dry winter months.
If you need product, visit our Online Store and we’ll deliver direct to you.
PRO TIP: ’Tis the season for Holiday Gift Cards! Quick, easy, affordable, and they make great gifts for friends, family, and even coworkers. When you purchase gift card online, you can have them emailed directly to the recipient, or you can print them to give as a gift in person.
Need a Winter hair treatment, style or cut? We accept reservations online or you can call 408.264.4505 during business hours to book a date over the phone.