Winter brings so much to love: twinkle lights, oversized sweaters, hot cocoa by the window. What it does not bring is good hair days. Between the cold, dry air outside and the heating blasting indoors, many of us notice our hair turning dry, brittle, frizzy and full of static the moment the temperature drops.
The good news is that a few small changes to your routine can make a real difference. Here is a simple, step-by-step winter hair care routine to keep your hair soft, shiny and happy until spring.
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Why Hair Gets So Dry and Frizzy in Winter
Hair needs a little moisture to stay smooth and flexible. In winter, low humidity outdoors and dry heated air indoors pull moisture away from your strands. The outer layer of the hair, the cuticle, can lift and roughen, which shows up as frizz, dullness and split ends. Add hot showers, heat styling, and scarves and hats rubbing against your hair, and it is no wonder things feel a little crunchy.
Static is part of the same story. Dry hair builds up an electrical charge more easily, especially when it rubs against wool and synthetic fabrics.
Your 7-Step Winter Hair Care Routine
Step 1: Wash a little less often
Your scalp’s natural oils are one of the best moisturizers your hair has. If you usually wash daily, try stretching it to every other day or a few times a week, depending on your hair type and scalp. A dry shampoo can help on in-between days.
Step 2: Switch to a gentle, hydrating shampoo
Look for a moisturizing or sulfate-free shampoo that cleans without leaving your hair squeaky and stripped. Focus the shampoo on your scalp and let the suds rinse through your lengths rather than scrubbing the ends.
Step 3: Turn the water temperature down
We know a steaming shower feels amazing on a cold morning, but very hot water can leave both your scalp and hair drier. Wash with warm water instead, and finish with a cooler rinse if you can bear it.
Step 4: Never skip conditioner, and add a weekly mask
Condition every single time you wash, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends. Once a week, swap your regular conditioner for a deep conditioning mask and leave it on for the time recommended on the label. Popular options include Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask and Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask. Check the current details and reviews on Amazon to find the right fit for your hair type.
Step 5: Seal in moisture with a leave-in and hair oil
While your hair is still damp, apply a leave-in conditioner, then smooth a few drops of hair oil over the ends. The leave-in adds softness, while the oil helps seal it in and tame flyaways. Moroccanoil Treatment and Kerastase Elixir Ultime are well-known favorites, and lighter oils work best if your hair is fine.
Step 6: Go easy on heat, and always protect
Let your hair air-dry when you can, or rough-dry it until it is mostly dry before using a brush. When you do use a blow dryer, flat iron or curling wand, apply a heat protectant first and use the lowest heat setting that works for you.
And please do not head outside in freezing weather with wet hair. Wet hair is more fragile, so give it time to dry fully first.
Step 7: Protect your hair overnight
Cotton pillowcases can create friction that roughs up the hair. Sleeping on silk or satin, or wearing a satin bonnet or loose silk scrunchie, can help reduce tangles and frizz by morning. Take a peek at our guide to the best silk pillowcases on Amazon for our favorite picks.
How to Get Rid of Winter Static
Static flyaways are the most annoying part of winter hair. A few easy fixes:
- Keep hair moisturized. Hydrated hair holds less static, so the routine above is your first line of defense.
- Swap plastic combs for wood or a boar bristle brush, which tend to create less static.
- Smooth on a tiny bit of hair oil or cream over the surface of your hair on the go.
- In a pinch, lightly run a dryer sheet over the surface of your hair or the inside of your hat.
- Line wool hats with satin or choose hats that already have a satin lining.
Lifestyle Habits That Help Your Hair in Winter
- Run a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture back into heated indoor air. It is lovely for your skin, too.
- Get regular trims. A small trim every 8 to 12 weeks removes split ends before they travel up the strand.
- Eat a balanced diet with enough protein and healthy fats, and stay hydrated, since your hair reflects your overall health.
- Choose gentle accessories. Skip tight elastics and metal clips, and try claw clips or soft scrunchies instead.
- Protect from the elements. Wear a hat or tuck hair into a scarf on very cold, windy days.
Want a full, year-round routine to build on? Our guide to the ultimate hair care routine for women covers everything from scalp care to styling.
Tips by Hair Type
Fine or thin hair
Choose lightweight conditioners and leave-in sprays rather than heavy creams, and keep oils to the very ends so your hair does not fall flat.
Thick or coarse hair
Richer masks, creams and butters are your friends. You may find you can wash even less often in winter.
Curly and coily hair
Layer moisture with a leave-in, a cream and an oil or gel to seal. Protective styles and satin bonnets at night can be especially helpful during the dry months.
Color-treated hair
Colored hair is often drier to begin with, so use color-safe moisturizing products and be extra careful with heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my hair in winter?
It depends on your hair type and scalp, but many people find that washing two to three times a week works well in winter. If your scalp gets oily quickly, wash as often as you need with a gentle shampoo and always follow with conditioner.
Is hair oil good for dry winter hair?
Yes, a small amount of hair oil on the mid-lengths and ends can help smooth frizz, add shine and seal in moisture from your conditioner. Start with just a drop or two and add more only if needed.
Why is my scalp itchy and flaky in winter?
Dry air and hot showers can leave the scalp feeling dry and itchy. Gentle shampoos, warm rather than hot water, and a humidifier often help. If flaking is heavy, persistent or comes with redness or soreness, it is a good idea to see a dermatologist, since it could be dandruff or another scalp condition that needs proper treatment.
Does wearing a hat damage your hair?
Wearing a hat will not harm healthy hair, and it protects your strands from cold and wind. To reduce friction and static, choose hats with a satin lining and avoid putting one on over wet hair.
Final Thoughts
Winter hair does not have to mean months of frizz and static. Wash a little less, keep the water warm instead of hot, condition faithfully, seal in moisture with a leave-in and oil, and be gentle with heat and friction. Small, steady habits add up, and by the time spring arrives, your hair will thank you.
Here is to soft, shiny, cozy-season hair, beautiful.
