Winter weather can be tough on your locks, thanks to a combination of super-drying outdoor elements and heated indoor environments. We often end up with breakage, brutal split ends, the dreaded frizz halo and an overall dull texture.
A bad hair day will put you on the fast track to the winter blues. It’s a seasonal beauty issue faced by all hair types, textures and lengths. We’ve rounded up some professional winter hair repair tips to keep your locks healthy and happy.
Daily hair repair
Let’s talk about lifestyle choices first. Nourishing natural hair products are essential, but there are also some simple daily tips that will reduce your risk of hair damage and lifeless locks in winter.
Shampoo habits
You’ve probably heard that shampooing too often isn’t the best for your hair’s health. But cleansing the hair and scalp is just as important as cleansing the skin, especially when using a nutrient-rich shampoo and conditioner.
Here are some ways to practice hair repair with regular washing!
Shampoo for silkier locks
For detangling and repairing hair, our Glossing Collection comes in big: a collection of ultra-nutritive and beneficial formulas designed to treat everything from brittle, thirsty hair prone to damage and frizz.
Our brilliant shampoo is formulated with algae collagen for rejuvenation and strengthening. Rose Hydrosol provides moisture and pH balance to help banish flaking and irritation that can occur in winter. Our Shine Conditioner has an equally stellar CV, with an ultra-hydrating base of Aloe Water and Rose Hydrosol. Avocado Butter and Virgin Coconut Oil add intensely rich hydration and detangling action.
When it comes to hair repair for particularly damaged strands, the problem may lie in tangled strands caused by a damaged hair cuticle. When we talk about hair, the cuticle refers to the outermost layer surrounding the hair shaft, made up mostly of proteins that form together – almost like scales of armor.
However, the cuticle can be damaged when exposed to friction, heat or chemical treatments. This makes the cuticle porous and protein depleted.
Fortunately, there are ways to help strengthen the cuticle for natural hair repair. Our Shining Yuzu & Pomelo Shampoo not only incorporates the exquisite, rejuvenating aroma of fresh citrus, but also the benefits of sea kelp extract. Kelp contains a wealth of amino acids, which act as the building blocks of protein. And when the hair cuticle is split or damaged, amino acids help fill those gaps to strengthen the hair.
Shampoo for the daily care of the scalp
While we see most damaged hair in the strands, the problems often start at the scalp. A healthy scalp is essential for winter hair repair, and one of the best ways to reset and restore the scalp is to exfoliate the scalp. This can help slough off dead skin cells that hinder hair growth and shiny locks.
One of the easiest ways is to incorporate scalp exfoliation using a clarifying shampoo, like our Burdock and Neem formula. Burdock is excellent for purifying pores and purging oil, while neem helps fight dandruff and soothe the scalp. But you can go even further in repairing your hair through scalp care.
When combined with scalp conditioning, scalp exfoliation can be particularly effective. We know that’s not what your hairdresser or mom taught you about using conditioner, but hear us out!
While conditioners do a lot of hair repair right on the strands, applying them directly to your scalp can work wonders for those who take a hit after using a clarifying or exfoliating shampoo, especially for those with fine hair or the oily scalp.
When you apply the conditioner directly to your roots, it can help the scalp recover more effectively from sudden moisture loss, while promoting hair repair.
All of our vegan sulfate-free conditioners nourish the scalp, but we especially love our Moisture Drench conditioner. This formula uses comfrey to condition and soften scalp tissue, along with avocado butter and aloe vera to nourish hair follicles.
Moisturizing Hair Repair Shampoo
In the heart of winter, your hair can become dehydrated more easily than in summer. Heaters, low humidity and heavy use of hot tools can all contribute to hair loss of moisture. This is where our Moisture Drench shampoo can help repair hair.
This hair-saving hero uses argan oil, which is a favorite for strengthening and protecting your hair from the elements, as well as biotin, which is a water-soluble B vitamin that is vital for healthy hair and may even promote hair growth.
Another luxurious alternative for hair repair is our Honey Virgin Coconut Shampoo and Honey Virgin Coconut Conditioner. Both contain aloe vera juice, rose hydrosol and vegetable cellulose for hair restructuring, strengthening and hydration.
Doesn’t that sound much more delicious than the artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives, sulfates and detergents found in conventional hair products?
PRO TIP: If you have very dry hair, try not to shampoo every other shower. Sometimes even the most nourishing formulas are best used sparingly on very dry hair, which can become even more oil-depleted if you wash it too much.
Hair accessories for a healthier mane
Wearing hats or beanies adds to a multi-layered winter outfit and can also protect your scalp from exposure to cold and wind. This means less dryness and breakage – and can be a great way to hide frizz.
Another intuitive change you can make is to your hair ties. Instead of using super-grip plastic bands, try using a fabric hair tie that won’t tangle, which will prevent breakage and weakening of hair strands.
Also essential: never go out with wet hair. Freezing your locks will put them on the fast track to breakage, damage your hair shaft, and accelerate color fading.
Maybe this one is a no-brainer: Avoid harsh bleaching, relaxing treatments, and daily heat styling in the winter. These hair rituals are tough on your strands at the best of times, and cold winter weather can exacerbate their negative side effects — damage, dryness, and overly porous strands prone to splitting.
DIY hair mask
With these low-maintenance lifestyle changes, you’ll be set for winter-ready hair. For intense hydration, try adding a hair mask to your weekly routine.
Regular use of a moisture-rich hair mask will help normalize moisture production in your scalp, lock in beneficial oils, and add bounce and shine. Hair health is directly linked to scalp health, so be sure to give love to both.
For a low-maintenance DIY face mask, try combining sea kelp powder, aloe vera, honey, and coconut oil. Apply the mixture to the roots and massage the scalp; say hello to stimulated hair follicles and exfoliated scalp. A hair mask is essential during the winter months for hair repair!
Not ready for a hair mask, but still want similar results? Reap all the goodness of nourishing seaweed in our Kelp Mint Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner.
Repair with a hair serum
Our Pro-Vitamin B5 Smoothing Hair Serum contains Wheat Protein to strengthen hair shafts and Vitamin B5 to strengthen hair structure and stimulate growth. Vitamin E rebuilds damaged hair follicles and promotes hydration levels.
After towel-drying freshly washed hair, pump hair serum onto your hands. Rub your hands together to warm the serum before working it into your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up. Fine hair types should stop at the ears, while coarser hair can carry it all the way to the roots.
Remember, when in doubt: put on a hat, make humidity your best friend, and stick to natural ingredients that won’t irritate your hair or scalp. These are our best kept secrets for healthy hair in winter!
