Who doesn’t dream of a winter wonderland?
It’s a beautiful season filled with festivities, cozy fireplaces, and fun winter sports like skiing. Winter can indeed be magical, but at the same time, it can wreak havoc on your hair. Ever brushed your hair only to look like you stuck your fingers in an electrical socket? Dry air, cold temperatures, and thick winter accessories can damage your hair, dry it out, and throw your scalp off balance.
Fortunately, we're here to share our best tips – with special attention to postpartum hair – to keep your hair healthy and radiant!
1. Use Oil to Seal Your Hair
Let’s start strong, with a good oil. The cold, dry winter air causes your hair cuticles to lift, allowing moisture to escape. The number one tip, seriously, is to use an oil. During winter, your hair needs an extra layer to seal in moisture and protect it from drying out.
After hydrating your hair (with a leave-in conditioner or water, for example), apply a few drops of Ritual Nourish Postpartum Hair Growth Oil to the lengths and ends. This nourishing oil locks in moisture, prevents frizz, and protects against the cold, dry air.
2. Care for a Dry Scalp
It’s not just your hair that can dry out – cold air can also wreak havoc on your scalp, leading to itching and flaking. Massage a few drops of our oil into your scalp 2 to 3 times a week. This helps hydrate and nourish your scalp. Ingredients like castor oil and rosemary extract stimulate blood circulation and support healthy hair growth.
This is a very light oil, so if you have an extremely dry scalp, you can leave it in for longer without your hair looking greasy (if you use just a couple of drops). For a deeper treatment, use more oil and leave it in for a minimum of 2 hours. Wear your hair in a sleek bun and go about your day while it works its magic.
3. Wear Satin-Lined Hats
To stay warm (and cute), we love winter accessories like wool and fleece hats. But… they can flatten your hair, cause tangles, and draw moisture out of your strands. Luckily, there are stylish hats with satin linings! Satin protects your hair from tangling, prevents dryness, and isn’t itchy.
You can also tie a satin scarf around your hair before putting on a hat. This minimizes friction and keeps your hair hydrated.
4. Choose a Gentle, Hydrating Shampoo
Many blogs will suggest minimizing hair washing during winter to avoid drying it out, but we believe there’s a better option. Your scalp produces natural oils and sebum, which can attract dust and dirt. If left for too long, this can clog your hair follicles and cause hair loss.
Instead, opt for shampoos free from harsh chemicals. This is important year-round but especially during winter's cold, dry air. Use a sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses your scalp without stripping it of natural oils. Great options include OUAI Detox Shampoo, OUAI for Fine or Medium Hair, Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Sulfate-Free Shampoo, and Kérastase Densifique Bodifying Shampoo.
5. Use Heatless Styling Products
Cold winter air already dries out your hair, so save it from extra stress by opting for heatless styling. There are heatless curlers for tight or loose curls and blowout rods for a luscious blowout effect.
No matter how fancy your styling tool is, heat will dry and damage your hair. Moms, this tip is a lifesaver – it saves you time in the mornings and keeps your hair healthy too.
6. Wear Protective Hairstyles While Sleeping
For those with gorgeous curls – oh, how jealous the rest of us are! Heatless curling methods might not be for everyone, but curls are already fabulous and often don’t need heat to look amazing.
To maintain your curls, wear a satin bonnet at night or sleep on a satin pillowcase. For outdoor activities like skiing, braid your hair or wear it in a protective style to avoid tangles, breakage, and frizz.
7. Deep Conditioning for Winter Hair
A good deep-conditioning treatment is essential to keep your hair healthy in winter. Use a hydrating mask once a week and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Great options include:
- Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask
- Kérastase Résistance Hair Mask
- Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
- Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Hair Masque
8. Don’t Forget to Hydrate Yourself
Hydrating your hair is great, but don’t forget to hydrate your body too! Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in fatty acids, like avocados, nuts, and fish. A healthy lifestyle will reflect in your hair.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to be your hair’s enemy! With the right tips and care – like using Ritual Nourish Postpartum Hair Growth Oil – you can face the cold with healthy, radiant hair. Take the time to pamper yourself and your hair – you deserve it!
Curious for more tips or our products? Visit catharinerose.com and discover how Catharine Rose can support your hair care journey.