Winter can be seriously hard on hair. Cold, dry air, harsh weather, and everything that comes with it can make your hair dehydrated and more prone to breakage than the warmer months. If your hair is feeling dry and brittle, try these tips to keep it healthy and hydrated.
Note: All products mentioned are available for purchase at Mockingbird, so if you want to give them a try, stop by the salon!
1. Put down the shampoo
At least some of the time. Shampoo cleanses dirt and products from your hair, but it also strips the hair of natural oils that keep your hair soft and healthy. Try to shampoo only once or twice a week to keep your hair moisturized. If you have a naturally oily scalp and the idea of shampooing once a week has you nervous, supplement with a dry shampoo like R+Co's Badland's Shampoo Paste.
2. Turn down the heat
A hot shower on a cold day can be the best thing in the world, but too much exposure to hot water can seriously strip moisture from hair (and skin!). Try to keep showers warm to lukewarm, and keep them short. At least most of the time--everyone needs a hot shower now and then, just make sure you wear a shower cap if you want to indulge.
3. Add moisture
Treating your hair with moisturizing products is a great way to combat dry hair. Try R+Co's High Dive Moisture and Shine Cream To take it a step further, add a hair oil to your routine like R+Co's Tinsel Smoothing Oil.
4. Don't skip the conditioner
Ever. It may sound obvious, but it's an important step in any hair care routine. For serious moisture, check out R+Co's Atlantis Moisturizing Conditioner. Don't forget to add a leave in like High Dive Moisture and Shine Cream from, you guessed it, R+Co.
5. Avoid heat styling
As fun as it is to blow out, straighten, and curl, it can wreak havoc healthy hair. Allow your hair to air dry as much as possible, and give straightens and curling irons a little break. If you must heat style, use a protectant like R+Co's One prep spray.
6. Wear a hat
The elements can do a lot of damage, so when you go outside make sure you grab a beanie or hooded jacket to keep your hair protected from cold dry air and harsh weather. If hat hair is a concern, wear a satin lined cap to reduce frizz.
7. Invest in a humidifier
Heaters and radiators seriously dry out the air--and your hair. Get a humidifier for your bedroom to keep the air from getting too dry while you sleep. You can even get a small personal humidifier for your desk or car if you want to take it to the next level.
8. Keep up with haircuts
We know we're supposed to get regular trims, but it's easy to forget. Trimming hair keeps it healthy and stops split ends from getting worse. Set a calendar reminder to book a haircut every 2-3 months for long hair and every 4-8 weeks for shorter hair. If you can't remember the last time you had a cut, you can book an appointment with us here!
9. Eat healthy fats
Omega-3 fatty acids keep hair shiny and helps it grow, and the body can't produce them alone. Add salmon, avocado, nuts, or sardines to your diet to make sure you're getting enough.
10. Up your vitamin C
Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that help produce again free radical damage, helping to protect against split ends and breakage to keep your hair healthy and voluminous. Citrus fruits and dark leafy greens are excellent sources of Vitamin C, so pick some up the next time you buy groceries.
11. Stay hydrated
If you're not hydrated, it'll be harder to make sure your hair is. Dehydration directly impacts hair, and not drinking enough water can actually slow hair growth. Aim for three liters a day. Carrying a reusable water bottle is a great way to make sure you remember to drink more water.
12. Save your scalp
If you have a dry, itchy scalp in the winter, give yourself a scalp massage with coconut oil before washing your hair. This will replenish oils and give yourself a much-needed moisture boost.
13. Don't go out with wet hair
You probably don't want to anyway, but going out with wet or even damp hair can cause breakage. Aside from the obvious risk of freezing, your hair will be cold, and since cold expands it can weaken the hair causing damage. If you stick to morning showers and have a hard time getting your hair completely dry before heading out the door, consider washing your hair in the evening so you know it will be completely dry by the next day.
14. Deep condition once a week
Or even twice if you have time. A moisturizing hair mask can make a world of difference in the winter. Try R+Co's Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask which is fortified with butters and oils that dry, damaged hair will love.
15. Hydrate at night
Applying oils at night is the hair equivalent to night cream for skin. Pick an oil rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like baobab oil and smooth a bit into your hair every night. If you don't already, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or wear a satin bonnet to protect both your hair and your pillowcase.