We all love the atmosphere that cold weather brings. The change of the season means cozy nights inside by the fire and drinking hot chocolate while leaves fall outside the window. There’s something magical about the seasons transitioning into fall and winter. However, with the cold comes the possibility of hair damage.

You might be feeling a little less magical if your hair isn’t as healthy as it was during the warmer months. So, we created a list of things you can do to help keep your hair in good condition through the colder months.

Increase Moisture

During the colder months of the year, there is less moisture in the air to keep your hair feeling fresh and healthy. This is why a lot of times your hair or skin may feel dry. Take preventative measures by using leave-in conditioners, oils, and hydrating hair masks. This helps prevent or repair damaged hair.

Use hair masks at least once a week and leave-in conditioners and oils as needed. A little goes a long way when it comes to moisturizing. Too much of a good thing can make your hair feel oily and greasy. You’ll want to develop a hair care routine that works best for your hair type.

Reduce Heat Styling

We all know that we aren’t supposed to use much heat when styling our hair. Using heat causes damage and split ends. It’s especially important to avoid heat styling during the fall and winter months!!

Blow drying causes an effect called “flash drying”. This means that blow drying not only removes the moisture from the surface of your hair but also the water that is bound to the hair. Using heat irons can cause damage as well by ruining hair cuticles. Both types of heat cause significant breakage and split ends if used often enough.

Try not to use heat as much as possible on your hair, but if you need to, use a heat protectant to prevent damage from the tools you use to style.

Develop Healthy Hair Habits

Using hair treatments and developing healthy hair habits is important when caring for dry hair. Here are some things you should be incorporating into your routine during the colder months:

• Avoid washing your hair too frequently. Washing your hair strips it of its natural oils that keep it healthy and moisturized. If your roots aren’t too oily, consider skipping the shampoo and just washing with a moisturizing conditioner.

• Use a moisturizing hair mask weekly. This helps seal in hydration, making sure your hair is soft and shiny.

• Use natural shampoos. The harsh chemicals found in most shampoos strips your hair of its natural oils and make your hair even more dry. Try using a natural shampoo to keep your hair moisturized.

• Trim your hair regularly. The better you maintain your split ends the less you’ll have to chop off in the long run.

Go Darker

If you’ve ever dyed your hair blonde you know that your hair almost instantly feels weaker from the harsh chemicals. Going darker on your hair color can help maintain moisture that would be lost if you were to bleach it.

If you do choose to bleach your hair, use a moisturizing purple shampoo to help maintain the color and minimize hair up-keep appointments. Pick the right stylist to keep your hair as healthy as possible if you’re going with a lighter color this season.

Get Lined Winter Hats

Wearing a hat during the cooler days helps protect your hair and scalp from the elements. A hat is beneficial if you have to go outside in the cold with wet hair because it helps prevent it from freezing and breaking.

Make sure your hats are loose enough not to squeeze your hair. Also, don’t get hats that are lined with wool, as this can draw moisture from your hair and make it more susceptible to breakage if worn regularly.

Wear a silk or satin scarf under your hat during the winter if you have a favorite wool hat. It creates a barrier between the wool and your hair so that you can still keep your head warm and your hair healthy!

We Can Help With Your Winter Hair Care!

Finding the right professional can make all the difference when it comes to your winter hair care routine. At Douglas J Salons, you don’t have to search far to find talented cosmetologists who know exactly how to help you prepare for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Set up your reservation at a location near you and get your hair treated the right way!

Ready to take the next steps towards a career in cosmetology?

You can get an Aveda cosmetology education that prepares you for a future career in the beauty industry at Douglas J Aveda Institutes. We offer programs for cosmetology, esthiology, massage therapy and barbering. See yourself in the beauty industry by scheduling your tour of one of our campuses today.