Winter Hair Woes and How to Fight Them

The holidays are over, and it’s officially that phase of winter where we start counting down the days until spring. And being in the thick of winter means the arrival of the much-dreaded winter hair woes. 

Itchy scalp? Coarse beard? Split ends? Static? This list is a who’s who of the most annoying hair and facial hair frustrations that plague us every winter. 

The good news? You can make 2022 the year you finally winter-proof your hair. Read on for our list of most common winter hair woes and learn how to give your hair the TLC it needs to shine all season long – and beyond.

Dry and Irritated Scalp

If you switch up your beauty and skincare routine in the winter months, then it makes sense to switch up your hair care routine as well. Just like the skin on your face and hands gets dry during winter, so does the skin on your head. And the same logic applies for treating a dry scalp. Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize!

Unfortunately, you can’t just slather lotion on your hair like you do your hands. But luckily, there are a lot better options for revitalizing a dry scalp. 

If you can, try to shampoo less and condition more. Shampoo contains surfactants, which do a great job cleaning the hair but can also strip the scalp of necessary moisture. If shampooing less is not an option, swap your current shampoo for a gentle, moisturizing one.

Hair masks and oils can also work wonders when it comes to locking in moisture and nourishing your scalp. Try this DIY coconut oil hair mask that can be customized to your hair’s specific needs. Oils can help moisturize and heal irritated scalp skin, but they don’t work the same for everyone. For instance, if you have very fine hair, too much oil can make hair feel weighed down and greasy.

Not sure how best to treat your hair type and texture? Book an appointment with your hair technician on Booksy.

Dandruff

No, it’s not snowing – that’s just my dandruff. If you’re dealing with an itchy scalp, chances are you’re also experiencing the dreaded seasonal bout of dandruff. When your skin is dry, it produces more sebum to compensate. This results in flaky skin and the tell-tale sprinkle on your favorite dark sweater. 

If you’re struggling with dandruff, a very easy change is to reduce the water temperature you use to wash your hair. A hot shower may feel great when you’re freezing, but hot water is a major culprit when it comes to drying out your skin. 

When treating this stubborn issue, a dandruff shampoo might not be enough. If the problem is severe, it might be time to switch to shampooing every other day. While this may be uncomfortable at first, your scalp will thank you for it! And since it’s winter, you can always hide your unwashed hair under a stylish hat. 

Coarse Beard

Maybe you grew out your facial hair for No-shave November and decided you kind of liked it and wanted to keep it. After all, what could be better than a little extra hair to keep you warm during the winter? It seemed easy enough to maintain at first, but as the temperature dropped and your hair grew out, you ended up looking more Gandalf than gallant. 

Before you decide to say au revoir to this labor of love, know that your beard can make it through the winter healthy and smooth. 

First of all, get your hands on a beard shampoo. Just like the hair on your head needs deep cleaning, so does the hair on your face. There is no set answer on how often you should wash your beard. It depends on your skin type, hair texture, lifestyle, and environment. A good rule of thumb: if your skin starts feeling dry or itchy, you’re washing too frequently. 

But don’t stop with beard shampoo. After washing, always make sure to condition your facial hair. Avoid excessive heat, whether that’s hot water or a blow dryer. Pat your beard dry and apply beard oil to lock in moisture. Finish off by first combing and then brushing your beard to evenly distribute the oil throughout your hair. 

Even if your beard is a keeper, it’s good to freshen things up sometimes. Find a barber in just a few clicks on Booksy. 

Dry and Brittle Hair

The combination of cold, drier air and hot water in the shower can leave hair drastically dry in the winter months. This can be especially rough for curly-haired people with naturally drier hair. 

If you’re struggling with this problem, the first order of business is to remove heat whenever and wherever you can. Stop using hot styling tools, crank down your blow dryer temperature, and wash your hair with lukewarm water. If possible, try to wash your hair less and rely on dry shampoo to give your hair a lift between washes. 

Then, work on adding moisture back into your hair. Check your shampoo labels for ingredients that strip moisture, such as sulfates. Choose a hydrating shampoo designed for your hair type, and protect your strands with a leave-in conditioner afterwards.

For added protection, we recommend cult-favorite product Olaplex – especially if your hair is color-treated. It works at a molecular level, repairing broken bonds beyond the surface of the hair follicle. Olaplex boasts a wide range of products to protect your hair at the salon and repair it at home. 

Need some professional hairapy to fix your winter hair woes? Find and book a stylist or barber in just a few clicks on Booksy. 

Static

This one is more of an annoyance, but (along with the dreaded hat head) a very frustrating one. The first step to reducing static is – you guessed it – adding moisture. Hair that has ample hydration tends to be heavier and less prone to static charge. Letting hair air dry before styling is also a great idea, especially if you add leave-in conditioner to the mix. 

For those who blow-dry, we recommend switching to an ionic hair dryer. These types of dryers actually counteract the positively-charged ions that cause static in your hair.

To combat static on the go, there are a few things you can do. Carry a few dryer sheets to have on hand for that moment when you remove your hat and you hear cracks and sparks. Or, apply some lotion to your hands and smooth your hair with your fingers, avoiding the roots.