12 Hair Care Tips for Winter Weather that Stylists Recommend

During the winter, hair care requires an entirely different approach. You can expect snow, sleet, rain, freezing winds, and artificial heat. This will cause damage to the hair and scalp, so we’re going to provide you with some hair care tips for the winter season.

All adverse conditions hurt the hair. Men and women struggle with breakage, split ends, and dry scalp due to cold weather.

The cold air is unbearable at times, and the hair needs protection from the extremes.

Understanding the Different Hair Types

Stylists determine there are four types of hair – curly, kinky, straight, and wavy. A person needs to know what their hair type is to care for it properly.  Let’s look at each hair type more closely.

Curly Hair

Curly hair has a tighter curl form, obviously. It also has three types of patterns or subcategories: C3a, C3b, and C3c. What separates the three sizes of the “S”?

• C3a is looser than others – it’s also known as a spiral
• C3b is tighter and form ringlets
• C3c is exceptionally tight and looks like corkscrews

Wavy hair has more body and is easier to style. On the negative side, wavy hair is susceptible to damage, frizzes up in humidity, and doesn’t have a lot of shine.

Kinky Hair

This type typically belongs to the African-American community. The hair is naturally curly and has definite coils.

There are also three kinds of kinky hair:

• K4a – means tight coils
• K4b and K4c have more of a zig-zag than the others

Kinky hair gets the short end of the stick as it is mostly dry and fragile when compared to the other types of hair.  It can break easily and has a small amount of elasticity.

Straight Hair

How does one know if their hair type is straight?  Here are the clues:

• The hair is sleek/difficult to curl
• Hangs well loose and freely
• Difficult to inflict damage
• Shiny/Glossy
• Oil attaches easily

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair is somewhere between curly and straight hair. When a person has wavy hair, the hair forms sort of “S” pattern.

The patterns are broken down into three categories:

• W2a is the thinnest of them all. Waves are stretched and loose. Easy to transition to curly or straight hair.
• W2b is a tad bit thicker, plus the “S” pattern is distinct and shorter.
• W2c is hair that’s coarse and thick. It has an unquestioning “S” form

Wavy hair isn’t bouncy normally, and it’s super sensitive, likely to frizz more than straight hair or curly hair. However, it has more of a shine to it than super curly hair, but not as much as straight locks.

Hair Care Advice for Winter Weather

The weather, or a combination of rain and cold, can harm the mane. The winter winds can take its toll on the skin and the hair. However, all is not lost. Keep reading to find out what can be done to protect the hair from winter weather.

1] Wear a Cap Properly

Wearing a cap can help keep us warmer during the winter, plus it also helps protect the hair from getting damaged.

Choose to wear a cap, scarf or a knitted hat. Whichever one, wearing one is encouraged. But wait. Hate to be the barrier of bad news, but it’s a right and a wrong way to do everything, including wear a cap. And, so that you know, a beanie can cause the scalp to become itchy.

They are all fine to wear but only if it has a special lining. Protect the strands and scalp by wearing a cap, but make sure it has a silk lining. This helps to prevent damage. Another critical point is to wear a silk scarf when a cap with silk lining is not available.

By protecting the hair with a scarf, this will prevent further damage to the hair. During the winter, the hair is susceptible to breakage more so than in other months. So, go the extra mile when it comes to caring for the hair in the winter.

2] What to Wear to Overnight

In addition to wearing a cap, add moisture, so the hair doesn’t break or split.

Life can be challenging and stressful. However, being busy does not mean you should neglect appearances.

A lot can happen overnight, so it’s crucial that the hair is covered while sleeping. Use a silk scarf or a satin pillowcase. Stylists recommend using a satin pillowcase or bonnet at night. Not only that, but avoid the snow at all times.

If avoiding snow is not possible, use a deep conditioning or hot oil treatment regularly. Conditioning the hair once a week is sufficient. Don’t forget to cover they head when going outside in the snow or extreme cold.

Again, a lot can happen overnight, and adverse situations can turn to a great favor. So, stop worrying so much. Stress is not good for the hair!

3] Don’t Stress the Tresses

When we stress, we do nothing more than hurt ourselves. It shows on our face, our work performance, and in the hair. The ironic thing is about a fear of losing hair, will contribute to the hair loss in men and women.

Yes, thoughts eventually become action (so why aren’t we all millionaires?).  If thinking about losing hair makes it true, can wishing it back solve the problem? Afraid not, friend. There are ways to regain or regrow the hair once it’s lost, but wishing is not one of them.

It’s not a permanent condition in most cases. If stress is the factor which is causing hair loss, speak with the doctor and note his advice. Does the hair come out in patches when combing or washing the hair? However, when too much is too much, seek medical treatment.

Some men and women think it’s typical to lose hair especially when reaching a certain age. This could be a sign of something which requires further investigation and treatment. If stress is the cause of hair loss, avoiding stress could be the number contributor to regrowing the hair.

Engage in other remedies to prevent hair loss like natural cures and even meditation. Meditation is a stress reliever. Also, try massaging the scalp and some form of exercise to get the blood circulating in the body. Water is good to help keep the body functioning.

4] Get a Humidifier

It’s a given – most people don’t realize this either, but a humidifier is incredible in the winter time for more than keeping moisture in the room. It also keeps moisture in the hair. Forget people saying it makes the hair frizz up. The artificial heat is what will do more harm.

The humidifier will keep moisture in the skin and hair. Even the basic unit provides some form of moisture. It’s great to have around when moisture is not present. There’s not much difference between it and the steamer.

Either will enhance the effects of treatments and oils. When the hair is hydrated, it’s at its best for growth and management.

5] Got to Cut It

Some people call it a trim, other people know it’s a cut.  Well, that’s what it feels like after a trim anyway. No one expects as much to be missing, and when it’s gone, it’s gone. The good news is it will grow back.  In no way does trimming the hair, make it grow, however.

What happens is the trim work keeps ends healthy. In fact, it cuts away the split ends and burnt hair. Hanging on to dead or damaged hair only gives off the illusion that the hair is that long. The more the damage, the more the hair is cut off.

Hair should be trimmed on a regular basis to ensure the rest of the hair is as strong as the new growth. A good schedule to keep is roughly 6-8 weeks.  That’s the advice of many hair care professionals and stylists.

What’s interesting is that genetics play a significant role in the length of a person’s hair. Furthermore, a person’s diet and overall healthiness. To help keep the entire head of hair up to par, use a hair mask at least twice a week. Once a week if the hair is damaged.

Also, it can be left in overnight. When soaking up excess water, use a microfiber towel to dry hair and let air dry if possible. But make sure hair is dry before going outside. Try using a protectant hairspray if going out is unavoidable.

6] Protectant Hairspray

Moms across the world told their children not to go outside with a wet head of hair.  Some mothers explained that it could do considerable damage to wet hair. Risk breakage or blow dry?  It’s a personal decision, but best safe than sorry. Blow dry before leaving home.

Again, air drying is the best solution. However, it’s not always possible. When it’s not, use the lowest setting on the blow drying to help prevent frizzing and drying. Try to avoid all heated styling tools when possible as they can be detrimental to the hair.

It’s no secret, and there are times when going to the salon is out of the question. But at the same time, women want a salon look and so, out comes the hot iron. When picking up a flat iron or curling iron becomes necessary, put a protectant spray on the hair first.

This will work on any hair, including straight or curly hair. Start from the root and work way down to the ends of the hair. This will make the hair shine and flexible. Keeping the hair and body hydrated will help prevent drying damage or thermal damage.

Are you washing the hair? Use a mild shampoo. Whatever is used on a typical day will suffice plus add a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week or every two weeks. This is especially helpful if the hair is dry and flaky.

7] Hair Care Tips for Winter Washing

Washing the hair too much, as everyone knows, will dry out the hair. It doesn’t matter the season, too much washing is not healthy. Use products which soak up excess oils at the scalp, but one that adds body and volume to the locks.

Try to wash the hair as little as possible during the cold months. Twice weekly is the bare minimum anyone should wash their hair. Wash in lukewarm water and to use the same temperature to rinse or rinse with cold water to close the pores.

The difference between hot and cold is lukewarm, and it may be best for the hair. Hair color tends to fade faster in the winter. Cold water takes volume away from the hair so, those who are suffering from thinning hair, take a loss washing with cold water.

Warm or lukewarm water cleans but allows the pores to divert grime and buildup due to styling cremes and sprays. Hot water cleans the best especially if the hair is super oily. It may be the best temperature for some people to clean the hair and open pores.

Don’t ever use boiling water on the scalp. It will weaken the hair follicles, and the strands can break off. Besides that, it will bring on the gray hairs too far in advance (premature graying). Whey you open pores, don’t forget to close them.

Before they close, exfoliate and massage the scalp. Use a protectant when styling the hair and a conditioner.   

8] How to Solve Hard Water Blues

It’s amazing the differences in water and the effects it has on hair. The water is hard and has a high mineral count, and it could not be as good for the hair as it sounds. Fortunately, the water grade varies in each city and state.

When the water is hard, it can make it extremely difficult for the hair to get clean as possible. Product buildup begins to form, and it’s hard to get rid of. Some people have problems with their hair frizzing up and becoming excessively oily.

Just the thought of mineral water, one would think it’s healthy. However, such is not the case with hard water but there is a solution, and shampoo made just for hard water. Some individuals say by washing with a conditioner helped to smooth out their hair.

In addition to that, the conditioner helped to lock in moisture which the hair needs especially during the cold weather. Maybe adding a hair mask to the hair care regime will make a difference in how the hair behaves.

9] Proper Diet Prevents Shedding

This is something which may surprise someone. An unbalanced diet will harm the hair, too. Yeah, it kind of ruins the day for some people while others knew this bit of information. What most people fail to realize is the diet affects everything about the body, including the hair.

If a person doesn’t eat well, then the body will inevitably lack specific nutrients the body needs. During the cold weather month, people’s diets change.  They eat more, of course.

If a person is not careful, they can gain a few pounds over the holidays. But that’s not all. Getting off balance and staying off balance (regular diet routine) could cause the hair to shed. It becomes dry and fragile, so it’s easy to shed hair this time of the year.

Still, stylists recommend water and other liquids, plus a healthy and balanced diet. The only thing that should feel like a straw is a straw and not the hair. Choose a vitamin that helps to heal the hair, skin, and nails.

10] DIY Remedy for Split Ends

Treating split ends are necessary for healthy hair. Over-shampooing causes breakage as well so avoid shampoo and conditioner buildup.  It makes it more difficult for the hair to hold moisture.

Use these remedies for split ends and make trims a regular part of the hair care maintenance program:

1. Egg shampoo. Shampooing the hair with an egg is beneficial in that the egg has proteins. Take one egg and beat it well. Massage the egg into the scalp and work in all over the hair. Work in shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
2. Honey is a favorite ingredient for home remedies for the hair and skin. It’s also great for conditioning the hair and treating split ends. For this recipe, gather curd and honey. Mix the two and apply to the entire head.  Wait 20 minutes and rinse with cold water.
3. Castor Oil, mustard oil, and olive oil is a terrific combination of essentials. Wrap the whole head of hair with a microfiber towel for about a half an hour.  Rinse the hair thoroughly with shampoo.

Split ends are the worse, but especially during the winter months. This is one of the reasons why stylists do not recommend going outside or sleeping with a wet head of hair.  The strands are susceptible to breakage, and they could freeze or split.

11] The Best Hair Oil According to Hair Type

Surprising, oil is a friend to the hair. Not too much of it, but just the right amount goes a long way in the winter weather.

The hair needs plenty of moisture on a normal day, but especially during the cold. Stylists recommend hot oil treatments once a week, that is if long-term results are desired. This is simple. However, men and women should use the oil which is right for their hair type.

• Individual’s who have thick hair should use coconut oil as thick hair becomes frizzy easy. It’s just difficult to take care of in the winter. Use a thicker oil to help keep locks conditioned and moisturized.
• If the hair is wavy, try almond or walnut oil. They have loads of vitamins and healthy fats in the oil. They will repair brittle strands and restore luster.
• Those who have thin hair will do better with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is best for strengthening the hair plus adding moisture to the roots and scalp. It prevents flaking and hair loss, too.

Only a tab will do it. Take two or three drops and mix it with olive oil. Rub into the scalp and hair.

• Fine hair needs a little extra attention during the cold months. It looks dull and dry, but you don’t need to worry. Olive oil will put back the shine and leave it feeling smooth and touchable. Over time, it will make hair feel thicker.

12] Tips on Washing Different Types of Hair

When people think about washing the hair, usually, it’s not much thought put into it at all. Other than what shampoo to buy, who thinks about how to wash or if their hair type matters? It’s not always as simple as buying a cheap shampoo and conditioner.

Wintertime styling is not like summertime. The hair needs extra protection and different products. These products should match the user’s hair type and their needs to prevent any more damage.

Tips for Washing Straight Hair

Straight hair should be washed every other day but no any more than that. Use a small amount, about the size of a pea. Work this into the scalp then pour more on the strands and scalp. This should keep people who have dandruff from flaking up or rather from getting it.

With this said, put the conditioner directly on the scalp, ends, and body but more so on the ends of the hair. Leave it in for about 5 minutes or so.  Rinse out well, so no residue is left. Repeat if necessary, so there’s no trace of flakiness or buildup left behind.

Hair Care Tips for Washing Wavy Hair

Remember, do everything according to hair texture and to keep the locks hydrated and manageable. Washing wavy hair is easy especially when water helps the hair to curl, in particular, African-American hair.

One of the best wavy hair care tips is to hold the head down in the shower while rinsing. Use fingers to comb through any tangles or at this stage, and it’s safe to use a wide tooth comb.  This shapes the curls as well as separate them.

Washing Curling Hair in Winter Weather

People with curly hair shouldn’t wash very often, about once a week or every four days stylists say. Use the same amount used on straight hair, about a drop. Take this drop of shampoo and work into the hair and roots, keeping away from the ends.

Control the water, so forming suds at the ends of the hair is easy. Spray hair was going to the back.  Don’t wash the ends of curly hair! This will dry out the hair in a major way. Condition it, for sure. Allow it to stay in the hair at least five minutes, longer if needing extra attention.

While waiting, gather a wide tooth comb and comb in the conditioner. Makes a huge difference when combing out the tangles and keeping moisture in. A conditioner is critical for winter weather, that and hydrate.

Complete the mission with an old soft tee if all the microfiber towels are dirty. Please, don’t use the terry cloth towel. That’s going to undo the damage control measures just taken. Also, don’t rub the hair dry either. This, too, is harmful. Blot dry, instead.

Wrapping Up Hair Care Tips for Winter Weather

What everyone can agree on is that a conditioner is a must have for the winter. A good leave-in conditioner is critical for the hair during cold weather spells. The winter causes the hair to dry.

When it’s dry, the hair will likely break and split ends are the results of cold weather. To help out, braid the hair or brush the hair to the back while it’s drying. By doing this, the hair will smooth out and stretch as it dries.

Therefore, no heat is needed to style the hair. When the braids are taken down, they will leave a beautiful wavy pattern naturally. Remember, to cover the hair completely if needing to go out in the cold. Use a cap lined with silk to help protect the hair from breakage.

But don’t go out when the hair is wet! Make sure the hair is completely dry before leaving the house. The best policy is to let the hair air dry and then style. Keep the hair and the body hydrated for healthy hair and skin.

Replenish the hair with the proper wintertime treatments. There are two conditions to protect the hair from during the winter. The heat, as well as the cold, will dry the hair. Don’t forget to eat the right foods to get the best results and of course, drink plenty of water.