Don’t make the mistake of believing these winter hair myths! If you’ve got dry, frizzy hair or breakage, here’s what NOT to do.
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There’s tons of hair care advice out there, and some of it is just WRONG.
Winter hair care can seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be complicated – if you’ve got the right info.
If you’re tired of struggling with your hair during the cold months (even though you think you’re doing everything right…)
You might be making some huge mistakes and not even know it.
If you want beautiful, healthy hair, you’ve got to treat it the right way.
And today I’m going to debunk a bunch of myths that you may have heard, and might even be following.
Whether you have natural hair, relaxed hair, or curly hair, these tips will help you create a hair care routine in winter so you can reach your hair goals.
Winter Hair Myths Exposed
1. You don’t need sunscreen for your hair in winter
Many people believe that sun protection is only necessary during summer, but this is far from the truth.
UV rays can still damage your hair in winter, especially when reflected off snow. This can lead to dry, brittle hair and even color fading for those with dyed hair.
To protect your hair from winter sun damage, add UV protection into your winter hair care routine.
Look for leave-in conditioners or scalp products that have SPF. These products can help shield your hair from harmful rays while providing moisture and nourishment.
2. Washing hair less often prevents dryness in winter
This winter hair myth is a super popular one. While it’s true that over washing can strip your hair of natural oils, going too long between washes isn’t the solution either.
Over time, buildup from sweat, styling products, and environmental pollutants can actually worsen dryness and irritate your scalp.
Instead of rarely washing your hair, focus on using gentle, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners on a regular basis.
Look for products specifically formulated for winter hair care or dry scalp. When washing, use lukewarm water rather than hot, as extreme temperatures can further dry out your hair and scalp.
For those with curly hair, consider co-washing or using a gentle DIY shampoo between clarifying shampoo sessions to maintain moisture without stripping natural oils.
3. Air-drying hair is better in winter than using heat styling tools
While it’s generally good to minimize heat styling, air-drying in cold weather can actually lead to moisture loss and potential damage, especially if your hair freezes.
This can be pretty problematic for those with natural hair or curly hair, as it can lead to increased frizz and breakage.
Instead of completely avoiding heat styling, use a blow dryer on low or medium settings – and always use heat protectants!
This approach can actually be gentler on your hair if done correctly.
For a winter curly hair routine, use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to minimize frizz and maintain curl definition.
4. Cutting hair less often in winter helps it grow faster
Many people believe that cutting hair less frequently in winter will lead to faster growth. However, trimming your hair regularly is crucial for preventing split ends, which can worsen in dry winter air.
Healthy ends promote overall hair health and can give the appearance of faster growth, because your hair isn’t breaking off.
Add (semi) regular trims into your hair routine, especially if you are prone to split ends.
I’ll admit I don’t do this that often, but I keep an eye on my ends and if they’re starting to look a little thin, it’s time to chop ’em off!
5. You can skip conditioning in winter to avoid weighing hair down.
Conditioning is essential year-round, but it’s especially crucial in winter.
The combination of indoor heating and cold outdoor air can seriously deplete your hair’s moisture levels.
Skipping conditioner can lead to dry, brittle hair that’s prone to breakage.
If your hair gets weighed down easily, choose lightweight, hydrating conditioners and apply them mainly to the ends of your hair.
For those with natural hair or curly hair, consider using a heavier leave-in conditioner, hair butter or oil.
Great options would be brazil nut oil or shea butter, to provide extra moisture throughout the day.
To further condition the hair and add softness and TONS of shine, use a quick 1 minute hair gloss treatment in the shower.
6. Hats cause hair loss or damage
Hats can protect your hair from environmental damage like wind, which can dry out your hair and scalp, and cause tangles.
However, really tight hats or those made from rough materials can cause friction and lead to breakage.
To prevent static from hats and protect your hair from friction, use a satin or silk-lined hat.
They’re especially great for those with natural hair or curly hair, as they help maintain moisture and reduce frizz.
7. Hot showers help combat dry hair
While a hot shower might feel great on a frigid day, it’s not doing your hair any favors.
Hot water strips the scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and potentially making scalp conditions worse.
This can cause big issues for those with a dry scalp or prone to dandruff.
Instead, use lukewarm water when washing your hair. It’s gentler on your scalp and helps retain moisture.
After washing, consider doing a final cool rinse (as cool as you can stand in the wintertime) to help seal the hair cuticle and add shine.
8. Using more shampoo helps clean hair better
Using too much shampoo can completely strip natural oils from your scalp and hair, leading to dryness and irritation.
This is especially true in winter when your hair and scalp are already prone to dryness.
A small amount of shampoo is usually enough, and you should mainly focus on cleansing your scalp rather than the lengths of your hair.
If you deal with dry ends or breakage, consider using a gentle or sulfate-free shampoo to maintain moisture.
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9. Deep conditioning masks should be left on longer in winter for better results
Another popular winter hair myth – it seems logical, right?!
While it might seem to make sense to leave deep conditioning treatments on for longer in colder months, this isn’t always better.
Deep conditioning masks have specific instructions for best results. Leaving them on longer than recommended can lead to product buildup or weigh hair down without giving you any extra benefits.
Follow the instructions on your deep conditioning products and hair masks.
For an extra moisture boost, consider using a hair steamer or sitting under a hooded dryer while deep conditioning.
This can help the product penetrate more deeply into the hair shaft.
10. You don’t need to protect your hair from indoor heating
Indoor heating systems can significantly dry out the air, leading to moisture loss from both skin and hair. This can result in dry, frizzy hair and an itchy scalp.
To combat this, use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air.
Also, applying leave-in conditioners or natural carrier oils (like coconut oil, argan oil, etc.) on a regular basis can help maintain moisture levels in your hair.
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11. You can’t get dandruff in winter if you have oily hair
Dandruff isn’t just a dry scalp problem.
It’s caused by a combination of factors including dry skin, excess oil production, and a type of fungus that thrives in cold, dry environments.
Having oily hair doesn’t necessarily prevent dandruff, and proper scalp care is essential year-round.
If you’re prone to dandruff, use an anti-dandruff shampoo regularly and make sure to thoroughly cleanse your scalp.
Don’t forget to regularly exfoliate your scalp to remove flakes and buildup!
Winter Hair Care FAQ’S
Winter weather can make hair drier, more brittle, and prone to static due to cold air outside and dry heated air indoors.
It can also lead to a dry scalp, itchiness or dandruff.
It depends on your hair type, but generally 2-3 times a week is enough for most people.
If you have dry or curly hair you might want to wash less often.
Use a leave-in conditioner, avoid plastic combs, and consider using a humidifier. Check out this post for more tips on getting rid of static hair!
Keep your hair moisturized with deep conditioning treatments, use protective hairstyles, and avoid heat styling when possible. Also, use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction while you sleep.
The combination of cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating can strip moisture from your hair, making it feel or look different than usual.
You might notice increased frizz, static, or dryness. Also, wearing certain hats and rough scarves can cause friction, leading to more breakage.
Many people also experience seasonal hair loss in the winter months.
Natural hair, especially tightly coiled textures, can be more prone to dryness and breakage in winter.
The dry, cold air can cause hair to become more brittle, while indoor heating can further dry out the hair and scalp.
Now that you’ve got your cold weather hair care tips, I hope you’re feeling prepared! Be consistent with moisture, protection, and treating your hair gently, and your hair will stay healthy all winter long.
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