Nothing says winter like hot cocoa, snow, and dull, dry, brittle hair. My biggest headache aside from my dry skin, which I will chat with you about at another time, is keeping my hair health, shiny, and growing during the long winter months.
This year, with the global pandemic still keeping us at home, I’ve been on a mission testing products that are easy-to-use, worth the price tag, and effective for my dyed hair.
Below I listed my must-haves along with my top three mantras for maintaining soft, shiny locks.
Hygiene before Hydration
First, let’s talk about keeping it clean. As someone that exercises (read: sweats A LOT) every single day, it’s important for me to balance washing vs. dry shampooing. In the winter, the air is dry and the combination of that with dry shampoo adds risk of breakage and gunk build up. I’ve found that the perfect middle is limiting use of dry shampoo to only when I’m leaving the house (hi, quarantine) and washing my hair 2-4 times per week.
I double wash my hair, similar to how I wash my face, but that’s a preference. First, I use a drug store shampoo like Aussie or Head & Shoulders, which really clean and freshen the hair and scalp. Bonus: they smell great!
Then, I go in with the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo. I LOVE this stuff. It’s a little pricier than other options at $28 per 8oz. bottle but, I really think it has drastically changed the texture and appearance of my hair. Also, you only need a nickel-sized amount (generally) so it really does last a long time. At 2-4 washes per week, this bottle lasts me about 2 months.
Lastly, I use the Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. You need a bit more of this than a nickel-sized amount but, it’s definitely worth it. Leave for 3ish minutes before rinsing off and in a few washes, you will notice your hair so much softer and looking healthier.
Hydration before Heat
Water is life. Life is water. Everywhere, all of the time. This rings true for our hair too! If you dye your hair, if you live in fluctuating climates, if your hair is dryer, frizzy, oily – these are all signs that you need more hydration.
I’ve incorporated a leave-in conditioner and hydrating hair oil into my routine and it has changed everything. Now my hair is shiny and doesn’t break off like it used to. IT ACTUALLY GROWS *gasp*
I spray the Leave-in Conditioner every single time post-wash and then gently comb through starting with my ends and working my way up top. Honestly, any affordable brand usually does the trick as long as it is light-weight, smells fresh, and doesn’t leave any residue. Right now, I am using the DeDe Hair Mist but the IGK THIRSTY GIRL Coconut Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-in Conditioner is a close second.
The dae Prickly Pear Hair Oil has been AMAZING to use after styling. It smells really great, it lasts a long time, and it is actually hydrating. After application, I feel like my hair is reflecting light and not looking like I haven’t showered in weeks. I use a pea-sized amount on dry hair starting with my ends and working my way up as needed.
Bonus: Every couple of weeks, I indulge in a hair mask to add to the nourishment and protection.
The Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Hair Mask has been my go-to lately.
Heat only when necessary
This tip is short and simple, limit the amount of times you use heat on your hair, use a heat protectant (any drug store brand works fine for me), and be mindful of temperature. Although some of my curling irons go up to 450 degrees, I typically stay in the 300-350 degree range; it makes the curl a shape that I love and it’s gentler on my hair.
There are so many trends and videos on Instagram and YouTube of heat-less curls and styling that are so feasible and if not, rock the air-dried freedom!
The more you care for your hair the more you will see it love you right back. It’s all a compounding effect, cuties! Xo
My product selections are curated by me based on what I’ve used and my personal experiences. If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I would only recommend a product that I genuinely love.