Spooky season is upon us, but along with pumpkins, candy and ghouls we’re about to see some very, very cold weather.
As the days get colder, your hair will suffer. Frosty winter weather and indoor heating strip moisture from the scalp and hair, leading to dryness, breakage and increased shedding. Not a look you want captured in the family’s Thanksgiving photo.
But by giving your hair some TLC, you can avoid dry scalps and frizzy, dull and lifeless hair for the season. Below, we’ve got the tips from award-winning men’s hairdresser and owner of TONI&GUY Billericay, Jim Shaw, on how to prepare your hair this winter.
Wash According to Your Scalp
Tailoring your wash routine to your specific scalp type prevents the scalp barrier from drying out whilst still managing sweat, oil and fibre buildup.
In winter, cooler outdoor air and dry indoor heat will pull moisture straight from the skin, and when your scalp dries out, it overcompensates by producing excess sebum, leaving roots greasy and the ends brittle.
“Getting your washing routine right can stop the flaking caused by winter dryness, and stop hair strands from becoming weak, dull or static-prone,” said Jim.
“In the winter, opt for gentle formulas like sulphate-free shampoos to clean the roots without drying out the skin.”
Make Hats Work With the Cut
As the days get colder, hats become a central part of our outfits. Aligning your winter haircut with how you wear your hats prevent flat spots, reduces friction damage and keeps your style looking sharp.
Shorter sides, like a fade or crop, keep hair from bunching up uncomfortably under a tight beanie or cap. Leaving the top slightly textured rather than stiffened with gel also stops hats making awkward, immovable dents.
“When you take off your hat indoors, a structured cut bounces back naturally instead of looking matted to your head. For styling, skip the heavy gels and use a light matte past or sea salt spray instead so the hair remains flexible under pressure.”
Condition Condition Condition
To restore moisture lost during the winter freeze, add a deep conditioner to your routine. Cold air strips natural oils from the scalp and hair shaft, but conditioning well helps prevent breakage and makes the hair more flexible, meaning it bends rather than snaps under friction from those big beanies.
“You can incorporate a leave-in treatment to your routine if hair has become especially damaged, these are left in the hair for longer and have a thicker formula, locking in moisture,” said Jim.
Keep Getting Trims
Regular haircuts during the winter can stop the split ends often caused by dry indoor heat from travelling up the hair shaft. Trims remove these weak spots before any structural damage is caused, and they can help maintain your styles shape.
“A fresh trim keeps short cuts, fades and longer layers balanced and polished. Trimmed off damaged, brittle ends also gives the hair a smoother, cleaner look – perfect for those winter parties!”