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Image Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesWhile cozy coats and winter accessories add charm to the season, have you ever noticed how your hair loses its luster as temperatures drop? This is a common winter woe, but you don’t have to wait until spring to regain your hair’s shine. Celebrity hairstylists explain why hair tends to look dull in winter and share effective tips to bring back its natural glow. Surprisingly, reviving dull winter hair is easier than you might think.
What Causes Hair to Lose Its Shine in Winter?
Dull winter hair results from a mix of factors working against your efforts to maintain shiny, healthy locks.
“Cold weather often depletes moisture from both the hair and scalp, leading to dryness and brittleness,” says Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dermatology Circle Clinic in New York City. “Heating tools can further dry out your hair, while scalp issues like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis often worsen in winter, making hair look lifeless.”
Other less obvious contributors include more frequent hot showers (though they feel amazing), hats that cause friction and frizz, and environmental pollutants that linger closer to the ground due to temperature inversions.
Tips to Restore Shine to Dull Winter Hair
Winter can be harsh on your hair, but with proper care, you can rejuvenate your strands and maintain their health throughout the season. From opting for moisturizing products to pampering your scalp, these expert-backed strategies will help revive your hair’s natural shine during the colder months.
Adopt a Hydrating and Conditioning Routine
Just as you adjust your skincare routine for winter, your hair deserves the same attention. Transition to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, incorporate deep conditioning treatments, and use styling products that enhance hydration and shine.
“Using a high-quality moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can have a noticeable impact. I also suggest adding a weekly hair mask or oil treatment to deeply hydrate the hair and smooth the cuticle, which helps retain moisture and enhance shine,” says Ross Kopelman, MD, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration.
Care for Your Scalp
While focusing on hydrating and conditioning ingredients for your hair, don’t neglect your scalp. A gentle scrub can help eliminate product buildup and exfoliate dead skin cells that may block hair follicles, disrupting the scalp’s natural oil balance. This also improves the effectiveness of any treatments or oils you use. A healthy scalp is the key to maintaining strong, shiny, and vibrant hair during winter.
Cut Down on Hair Washing Frequency
Depending on your hair type and the climate you live in, you might not need to wash your hair as often during winter. “Since oil and sweat production typically decrease in colder months, and the air is drier, you may find that shampooing your hair and scalp less frequently is sufficient compared to the humid summer season,” says Christina Han, MD, FRCPC, a board-certified dermatologist at XYON Health.
Avoid Going Outside with Wet Hair
While stepping out with damp hair might be fine in warmer weather, it’s a bad idea in winter. Dr. Kazlouskaya warns that this can lead to hair breakage or severe damage. When water in your hair freezes in cold temperatures, it expands, making hair strands brittle and more likely to snap. This compromises the hair’s structure and can lead to increased frizz.
Minimize Friction
Your favorite winter hats could be harming your hair. “Many people don’t realize the extent of damage friction can cause,” notes Dr. Kopelman. “I recommend opting for hats lined with silk or satin instead of wool to reduce breakage and static. It’s a simple switch with significant benefits.” Additionally, using a silk pillowcase while sleeping can further minimize friction and protect your hair.
