There is no denying the immediate shift we experience with our hair, skin and scalp as the cold weather sneaks its way into our lives. This sudden change also means I get approached with so many questions and concerns from family, friends and followers seeking advice on how to manage their dry and flakey hair and scalp issues. If you’re experiencing any of these changes, there’s a good reason why. See the top questions and answers below on everything you need to know about managing your hair this winter and protecting it from becoming easily damaged. Let me know which one resonates the most with you and leave me any comments or additional questions I can answer for you below.

Stay hydrated and don’t neglect those locks!

Shab

Q1. What is it about the climate/weather that makes hair feel so much less manageable in the winter?

SR: The winter brings about a completely different environment that immediately affects our hair. The cold and dry air suck the moisture out of our locks, leaving our cuticles vulnerable and susceptible to damage.

Q2. Should you be worried about your hair if you’re outside in the cold too long? Is there a fix if so?

SR: Cold air can damage the cuticles of your hair and dry out your strands. What we often overlook is that, even the shortest exposure to the winter weather like a walk down the street can impact your hair. I always recommend protecting your hair from cold air and wind by either tucking it into your coat or scarf or putting it up in a bun. I do this even when walking from the cab to my door. Our hair is so precious and delicate, we must do everything to protect its integrity if we want to maintain healthy looking hair.

Q3. If you already have dry hair, how can you really infuse some moisture into your hair during the winter without weighing it down?

SR: Hair oils are the best defense against the harsh winter for our hair. One of my favorite light-weight hair oils is the Shea Oil Nourishing Hair Treatment by Inkey List. This non-greasy hair oil with jojoba and shea oil, nourishes and protects your strands at the same time.

Q4. How can wearing a hat/beanie throughout the winter hurt your hair?

SR: Wearing hats of any kind for an extended period of time can start to alter the microbiome of your scalp and increase bacteria due to excess sweat and sebum building up underneath. Your scalp like any skin on your body needs to breathe and be kept clean to avoid build-up or disruption to the scalp environment.

Q5. What are the best solutions to fixing “hat hair?”

SR: Hats can flatten your roots, make your hair part awkward or put unnecessary tension especially on the fragile hair of our head like the front hair line. Anyone may want to think twice before wearing a hat both indoors and outdoors throughout the same day as they can disrupt their scalp, cause breakage and ruin their hair style. To fix your hat hair on the spot, I recommend flipping your hair over and shaking out your roots for a few seconds using your fingers. This can wake up your roots and reset your hairstyle.

Q6. Why does hair get so static-y in the winter time? How can you avoid this?

SR: Static is simply caused by the lack of moisture and friction. When the temperature drops and the indoor heat turns on, we lose moisture in the air and our hair gains extra electrons which causes the strands to repel from one another. With added friction from scarves and hats in the winter time, we exacerbate the flyaway and dry looking effects of static. The best way to prevent static in the winter is to add extra moisture to your hair post shower, before it dries by using the Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Hair Treatment in order to maintain and increase your hair’s moisture levels.

Q7. What causes frizz? How can you combat it?

SR: Frizz is caused by disrupting the cuticle layer of your hair by either drying your hair too rapidly or using a roughly textured towel. I recommend drying your hair in a microfiber towel for at least 20-30 minutes before exposing your hair to the air or blowdrying. After your hair is towel dried, I recommend using my favorite post shower hair product- the Hyaluronic Acid Hair Treatment by Inkey list, in order to trap in moisture and allow the hair to dry smoothly.

Q8. Your hair goes through a lot of heat styling, washing, and brushing in the winter thanks to parties and special occasions. How can you make sure you’re styling safer/healthier?

SR: The best tip for styling your hair while minimizing damage is to style your hair dry. Drying or styling your hair dry means allowing it to air dry or gently dry using the low heat setting on your blowdryer before initiating your actual styling technique of round brushing or using a hot tool.

Q9. Are certain hot tools better at keeping your hair healthier? Why?

SR: All hot tools eventually weaken the cuticles of your hair and dry out your strands. The best way to use a hot tool is by using a lower setting and holding for a few extra seconds to allow the hair to smooth out and grab the style slowly without over heating it and causing the style to fall out faster due to a complete lack of moisture in the hair.

Q10. What if you’ve already fried your hair? Is there a way to fix it without a trim?

SR: Once hair is damaged, it’s irreparable but certain products can help mask the damage and dryness until you grow out new hair. At that point, I recommend laying off any hot tools and embracing your natural texture so you can give your hair a break. The best product for creamy and soft looking natural texture in your hair is the Chia See Curl Defining Treatment by Inkey List that is full of hair strengthening omegas and nourishment that smooth your strands like a rich yet light-weight body cream would for your skin.

Q11. What can you do at night to protect your hair while you sleep (protective hairstyles, and certain pillowcases, overnight treatments, etc…)?

SR: The combination of sweat and friction accumulated from sleeping for hours every night can make or break your hair over time. I have slept with my hair up in a bun using French hair pins for as long as I can remember because it not only protects the health of my hair but it maintains my hair style the day after styling.

Q12. What can you do in the shower to ensure your hair stays healthier, silky, and strong?

SR: The best thing that anyone can do right now to maximize the benefits of washing their hair is to squeeze or shake out the extra water from their hair before applying conditioner followed by clipping it up and allowing the product to penetrate while you wash your body. This will deliver the full potential of your conditioner and feel like your used a completely different product all together.