When it comes to seasonal beauty, most of us probably think of makeup or skincare. But as the weather changes, so does our hair (and what it needs!). In the winter, you might find your hair is more dry, dull, or brittle, and it might even be more difficult to style.

Instead of stressing, there are a couple simple things you can do, like opting for moisturizing hair care products, using hair masks, and adjusting your daily habits.

Switch Up Your Products

We switch our skin care routines around seasonally, right? As the weather changes, so does our skin. And the same goes for our hair. So no matter your hair type, it’s best to switch to natural, gentle, and moisturizing hair care products as the temperatures drop.

If you’ve got hair that’s on the oily side (like me!), a moisturizing product can work wonders. When your hair is properly moisturized, the oil production will be more balanced, so you might notice your hair is more “normal” and you can go longer between washes!

(P.S. If you haven’t switched to natural hair care, here’s some tips to get you started!)

Josh Rosebrook

One of the biggest names in clean beauty, Josh Rosebrook offers a Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner to well…nourish your hair.

This line was formulated to treat scalp conditions (like dandruff), help hair retain moisture, and improve circulation (therefore improving the health of your hair!). It basically does everything, thanks to the blend of certified organic plant oils and extracts.

100% Pure

Another option is the 100% Pure Honey & Virgin Coconut Restorative Shampoo & Conditioner. 100% Pure’s hair care is one of my favourites in the industry. It’s not too expensive, it’s made with amazing ingredients, and it works really well.

This formula is meant to restore dry or damaged hair but even if your hair isn’t that extreme, you’ll benefit from the humectant properties of honey, moisturizing plant oils, and restorative herbal extracts.

Bonus: This option is safe for colour treated hair!

Green Beaver

This Canadian brand has formulated a moisturizing hair care line that I think is great year-round, even as a once-a-month wash to maintain healthy hair.

The Moisturizing Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner are budget friendly, certified Ecocert, gluten free and vegan, and made with really great ingredients.

Try a Moisturizing Hair Mask

Hair masks are a great way to nourish your hair beyond your daily products. You can use these as often as you’d like, although I think once a week is great!

Avocado + Banana Moisturizing Mask

Avocado has lots of B vitamins to nourish your hair, while banana contains potassium to strengthen hair. And of course, the coconut oil is really moisturizing.

• ½ Avocado
• ½ Banana
• 1 TB Coconut Oil

You can blend the ingredients in one of two ways – either mash with a potato masher or blend in a blender. Then apply to wet hair, focusing on the scalp. Let it sit for at least thirty minutes before rinsing. Follow with your new moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

Clarifying Bentonite Clay Mask

We’re focusing on winter hair care here, but I feel like I can’t write a blog post about hair without mentioning my favourite DIY hair mask. This mask is amazing for cleansing and “restarting” your hair – so no matter what condition your hair is, this will sort it out. Which does make it great for winter if you find that your hair just isn’t working with you this season.

• ½ cup Bentonite Clay
• ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• ¼ cup brewed Green Tea

Mix together in a non-metal bowl using a non-metal spoon (the metal reacts with the clay and will reduce the healing properties). Apply to wet hair, focusing on the scalp. Let it sit for thirty minutes before rinsing. Follow with shampoo and conditioner.

Winter Hair Care Tips + Tricks

Aside from moisturising hair products and masks, there are a couple of other recommendations I have for maintaining health hair throughout the winter.

• Get regular trims: I know we all say this and most of us don’t do it. But regularly trimming your hair (especially right before winter) is a great way to ensure your hair is strong and healthy going into the new season.

• Stay hydrated: This is so important – not only for overall health, but for the health of your hair. Hydrating internally will give you external benefits!

• Shampoo less often: Shampooing your hair everyday can be too much for drier hair. Try to go at least every other day, or maybe every three days.

• Use a hair oil: A nourishing oil on the ends of your hair can moisturize and protect. I love coconut or argan oil for this night time ritual!

• Avoid heat styling: While lots of heat styling (blow drying, straightening, curling) isn’t great to begin with, it’s especially damaging in the winter when your hair is already on the dry side.

• Avoid excessive dry shampoo: Dry shampoo is a great quick fix but it can cause build up, dulling your colour and causing your scalp to produce more oil. Stick to using dry shampoo just in emergencies and use a clarifying shampoo once a month.

• Wear a hat: Protect your scalp (and hair) from the harsh elements with a hat! Maybe it’s a baseball cap or a warm toque but either way, your hair will thank you!

Winter hair care is so important for maintaining happy, healthy hair. Do you have any questions about winter hair care? Leave us a comment so we can help!