Winter Hair Care Tips

Taking care of you hair during the winter goes way beyond deep conditioning (though that is important). We asked the pros for tips on how to care for heat, wind and hat-havocked hair. Read on to find out why you need a paddle brush, highlights and an ionic blow dryer.

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"Great looking hair starts with a great cut, and it ensures your hair looks its best during the winter months, " says beauty expert Kyan Douglas. Plus, when you get a good cut, it requires less heat and product styling, which means less damage to the hair.

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There's nothing more damaging to the hair than heat styling, particularly if you use more than one thermal-activated tool. If possible, let your hair air dry during the winter months. If you don't have the time (or patience) to do it naturally, Douglas recommends investing in an ionic hair dryer. "They dry your hair with less heat in less time," he says. Translation: less damage.

TRY:
Conair Lightweight Ionic Ceramic Styler Dryer

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If you can get away with it, shampoo less. "Over shampooing strips the hair of its natural oils," says Douglas, and those natural oils are what keep the scalpand your hairhealthy. If you have hair that needs to be washed daily, try a sulfate-free shampoo. They're less drying and irritating to the scalp, which is particularly important in the dead of winter.

TRY:
Her Cut Dry Hair Shampoo
David Babaii Hydrating Moisturizing Shampoo

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It goes without saying: deep conditioning the hair during the winter is essential. Between indoor heat (particularly radiator heat), wind and hats, the hair takes quite a beating. Once or twice a week, treat hair to an intense treatment or mask.

TRY:
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask
Pantene Pro-V Time Renewal Replenishing Mask for Damaged Hair

Courtesy of Kerastase

Just like you swap your flip-flops for snow boots, the pros suggest switching your gel-based styling product to a more emollient type for the winter. Products that contain humectants, which attract moisture to the hair, are most beneficial. If you're completely hooked on hair gel, which has a greater tendency to flake and dry the hair out in cold weather, Douglas suggests mixing your own product cocktail: one part favorite hair gel to one part moisturizing styling product.

TRY:
Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream
Living Proof Wave Shaping Curl Defining Styling Cream

Courtesy of Fekkai

When the hair shaft is roughed up and the cuticle is lifted, hair appears dull and damaged. To keep locks looking healthy and full of shine, seal the cuticle. The two simplest ways to get and keep it closed: rinse the hair with cool water before exiting the shower and use the nozzle attachment on your blow dryer to streamline the airflow downward.

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"Brushing the hair with a paddle brush is a great way to move the scalp's natural oils to the ends of the hair for added protection," says Douglas. It's a great tool to control static, too. When static strikes, spray the brush with a little hairspray and run it through the hair.

TRY:
Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush

Courtesy of Aveda

Looking a little dull? Get highlights. "They brighten your skin tone, bring out your eyes and add depth to monochromatic color," says Kyle White, senior colorist at the Oscar Blandi Salon in New York City. If doing it yourself, notes White, choose a shade that is no more than two shades lighter than your base color. This ensures the most natural-looking results.

Courtesy of Garnier

It's the equivalent of smoothing the skin with a touch of shimmer; a hair gloss instantly adds luster to lifeless locks. According to White, glosses add richness and radiance to the hair, as well as luminosity to the complexion. "Using a gloss adds warmth to your hair color, which brings out the warmth in your skin. It works in much the same way as a certain color clothing can pop your skin tone."

TRY:
Oscar Blandi Ancora Colore

Courtesy of Oscar Blandi