‘Tis the season for harsh temperatures and frigid weather that draws moisture directly from your strands and scalp. Windy conditions cause tangles and friction alongside hats, scarves & sweaters… With hair damage set in stone by spending the day in a heated, dry office. The shock from all of these extremes can accelerate frizz, breakage, and split ends.

Avoid unnecessary cold weather hair and scalp damage with these 4 tips:

#1. Shampoo less frequently

Suffer from greasy hair or an itchy or flaky scalp? Plaques of dry skin can smother the scalp, where frequent scratching can hinder growth. To combat the extra dry winter weather, switch to a shampoo formula that’s designed to restore moisture, and cleanse less frequently whenever possible. When cleansing, use only a nickel-sized amount of shampoo and focus its distributions on your roots through mid-shaft. Massage the product into your scalp gently, being sure to avoid the ends of your hair for long strands!

#2. Incorporate biotin treatments

The goal for all of the season is keeping hair nutrient-packed! For more visible scalp and hair loss issues, incorporating biotin treatments can restore health without weighing the strands down. Dry, staticky air exhibited in any hair texture means you should focus on weekly hair treatments to replace lost moisture. Hair dries out in winter from not having enough moisture available in its environment, enforcing the need for biotin treatments.

As a bonus treatment, pamper your hair once a week by applying conditioner to damp strands and let absorb for at least thirty minutes, giving the formula an opportunity to deeply hydrate each strand.

#3. Cut down on heat-heavy styles

Styles that require a thorough hair dryer, straightener, and curling iron can result in increased split ends and breakage. Even when you omit them, protect weak hair from increases on the thermostat with the use of heat protection products and leave-in conditioners. Incorporate playful, protective styles like braids, buns, twists, and ponytails, which give hair time off from the heat routine. If you can shower at night, sleep on a silk pillowcase for smooth locks come morning time.

#4. Line your winter hats with silk or satin

This tip is especially important for those with curls or natural-texture! We all love a cozy winter beanie, but those course wool and cotton fabrics cause increased friction, resulting in split ends and breakage in your locks. Take the time to line wool, acrylic, and/or cotton hats with silk or satin. Do it easily by repurposing old fabric (like a vintage scarf or silk blouse), simply measure and stitch into any hat you already own.

For those with curly and natural locks, prep hair by applying an oil-based moisturizer throughout locks (avoiding scalp) prior to hat placement.

During the winter months, cold outside weather combined with dry indoor heat can wreak havoc on your strands, leading to split ends and breakage. Keep your locks nutrient-rich all year long, with these quick, effective solutions!