Winter Hair Problems

Winter didn’t get its “hair destroyer” reputation for nothing. Its characteristic winds and low temperatures affect our hair in many ways, and most of them are inherently negative. But knowing about each of them gives you the knowledge you need to combat them and keep your locks healthy and gorgeous all season long.

Hair Dryness

The winter often leads to dry, brittle hair – here’s why. Both the cold air outside and the heated air inside can dehydrate your hair. And since it takes time and targeted products to rehydrate dry hair, winter hair dryness can be a real pain to remedy.

To keep your locks looking healthy this winter, make sure to drink plenty of water and use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. You may also want to try using a leave-in conditioner or a hair oil to help seal in moisture. And, of course, be sure to avoid using heat tools on your hair as much as possible.

Frizz

Winter weather and frizz go hand in hand. When your hair is exposed to that dry winter breeze or the strong winds that accompany a winter storm, it's a wonder if your strands stay in place. Most of us end up with a mess of frizz instead.

If you’re prone to winter frizzies, use a cowash to gently lift dirt and debris from your strands. Then, follow that up with a conditioner that's specifically designed to tame frizz. Lastly, be sure to avoid brushing your hair when it’s dry – this will only make the frizz worse.

Static

Another winter hair woe that's all too common is static. In the winter months, your hair inevitably rubs against fluffy sweaters, hats, and scarves and creates static electricity. This makes your hair stand on end.

One way to prevent static is by using an anti-static hair spray - it's specially formulated to keep static at bay. Another is to avoid using products with alcohol, which can dry out your hair and make static worse. You can also try rubbing a dryer sheet over your hair to reduce static. And if it's feasible, use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air and help keep your hair from drying out.

Dry Scalp

Dry scalp is another common winter hair issue. When the air is dry, your scalp just can’t hold onto moisture like it normally would. This can lead to itchiness, flaking, and even dandruff.

To combat a dry scalp this winter, oil your scalp regularly. You can use a store-bought scalp oil or make your own with a 1:1 mixture of coconut oil and olive oil. Massage the oil into your scalp before continuing with your normal hair styling routine.

Split Ends & Breakage

Split ends and breakage are inescapable in the winter. This is a real bummer, considering that dry, brittle hair is more susceptible to damage. And since we tend to style our hair more intensely in the winter (to combat the frizz, static, and dryness), this only adds to the problem.

You can stave off split ends and breakage by using a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Look for a product that's formulated to repair damage and fortify your hair to resist further breakage. It's also essential to avoid tugging or pulling at your strands during styling.

We hope that this article was helpful to you and we wish you the best with your hair this winter!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.