The 7 Best Tips for Winter Hair Care & Protection

Well, the weather outside is frightful… but the cozy nights on the couch are delightful! With winter in full swing, it’s time to consider some of the best hair care tips for protecting your hair in cold weather. The Beauty Supply 123 team has gathered our top 7 tips for winter hair care — so whenever you hear those sleigh bells ring, you know you’re ready for your next holiday party!

1. Don’t leave the house with wet hair. 

Did you know that wet hair is more vulnerable to damage than dry hair? It’s true! Chilly winter weather can make your hair more brittle and more likely to break, especially if temperatures drop below freezing. If you can, let your hair air dry at home. If you don’t have time, you should definitely at least blow dry your hair before you head out. Look for a hair dryer with multiple heat modes (try to use the lowest setting) or use a diffuser, like this Hot Sock Ultralight Diffuser. It’s also a good idea to apply a heat protectant like hair oil or David Douglas Blow Out Thermal Guard before and after you apply heat. 

2. Invest in a humidifier. 

Indoor heating, whether gas or electric, sucks the moisture out of the air—and by extent, out of your hair. Very dry air makes hair listless, frizzy, and staticky. A humidifier adds much-needed moisture into the air, which can be extremely beneficial for your hair. Sleeping with a humidifier will also help with other pesky winter self-care issues, like dry skin or cracked knuckles. 

3. Try a leave-in hair oil. 

Moisture is your best friend when you’re wondering how to protect your hair during the winter. Oil-based treatments with nourishing ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and argan oil not only add moisture to your hair but also “lock it in,” keeping your hair lustrous and shiny for longer. We like Joico’s Defy Damage Protective Shield Hair Treatment or Joico K-Pak Hydrator Intense Treatment for Dry Damaged Hair.

4. Deep condition or use a hair mask once a week.

Like we said, during the winter, your hair gets thirsty! Fight the dry air by giving your hair much-needed moisture. An intensive treatment like a deep condition or a hair mask is a great way to restore hydration and nutrients to your hair. Leave-in conditioners like It’s A 10’s Miracle Leave-in Conditioner can go with you all day, or a hair mask like David Douglas DIY Hair Mask can become part of your routine. 

5. Don’t wash your hair as much. 

And when you do wash it, lower the water temperature. Over-washing your hair gets rid of the natural oils produced by the scalp, meaning your hair loses a lot of its natural protection. If you’re a daily hair-washer, switch to every other day. Go as long as you can without washes, and try a dry shampoo like this degreasing dry shampoo from Manfix to keep your hair and scalp itch-free, moisturized, and healthy. 

6. Wear a hat. 

Let’s be real, people. Winter is just an excuse for cute hats. Carhartt beanies, cute little bobble-tops, and fuzzy bucket hats make for a cozy and stylish winter. A hat also keeps your hair protected from the worst of the weather. However, materials like wool and cotton can cause hair breakage, so look for hats lined with satin or silk for an extra layer of protection. And a pro tip? If your hat’s creating too much static electricity in your hair, wipe it down with a dryer sheet and watch those frizzies melt away.

7. Skip the heat styling. 

Finally, with the air so dry and cold, skip aggressive heat treatments. That may sound counterproductive—it’s so cold outside, don’t we want to warm up?!--but the dryness of winter makes your hair more likely to break or split. Heat-based styling tools like straighteners and curlers just add to that brittleness. If you’re heading to a holiday party and want a bold look, make sure to apply a heat-resistant oil or mousse like David Douglas Spray Straight 4oz before you reach for that curling iron. 

Whether you’re heading home for the holidays or snuggling up on your couch with a cup of hot cocoa, we hope the winter holidays treat you well! The team at Beauty Supply 123 is here year-round to help you find the best hair care and personal care products for your routine. 

Shopping for stocking stuffers? Check out our Sale Items for some of our all-time favorites. Or, take a look at our full Hair Care section and try something new!