Winter can be a challenge for maintaining healthy, nourished hair, so we’ve put together a few pointers to help clients shield their hair from everything winter throws at it, whether they live in a moderate climate or somewhere more extreme. 

Why Winter Hair Care Is Essential

Many clients don’t realize that winter can be just as damaging to the scalp and hair as summer—cold temperatures, driving wind, and dry air can all take a toll on our locks, leaving them dull, dry, damaged, and broken. 

Keeping hair healthy is easier than repairing it, so preventative care is key during the winter months. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways stylists can help clients maintain their hair’s integrity, despite the winter elements. 

Keep Hair Moisturized

Dry air is one of winter’s greatest threats when it comes to scalp and hair health. Clients can combat dry air in a number of ways: 

Humidify! 

Clients should use a humidifier at home and at work to keep moisture in the air in the places they frequent most. This will help minimize moisture loss from dry air and heating systems, keeping it hydrated and better protected outdoors. 

Change up the Routine

Consider switching clients to a more hydrating care routine for the winter months. MORROCANOIL’S HYDRATING SHAMPOO, for example, provides a daily boost of moisture with Argan Oil, Vitamins A and E, and Red Algae. 

Clients with excessive moisture loss, or those that live in more severe climates, can treat hair with a leave-in conditioner such as IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm as needed to add extra hydration and help reduce frizz. 

Clients can also use a masque such as BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT DEEP CONDITIONING MASQUE on a weekly basis to restore hair health and aid in the prevention of further damage when necessary.  

(Don’t) Heat Things Up

Instruct clients to avoid hot-water showers, which can pull moisture from hair. A warm shower followed by a cool rinse won’t suck the moisture out of hair, leaving it much healthier and less prone to damage. 

Likewise, blow-drying and other heat treatments can also remove moisture from hair, and clients should avoid them where possible. Instead, clients can take advantage of hat season with a stylish beanie or slouch hat, which will help hair retain moisture and protect it from the wind (plus who doesn’t love throwing on a hat to get out of styling duty). 

Avoid Over-Washing

Too much washing is also a common culprit of dry hair and scalp. Educate clients on hair health basics and let them know that everyday washing can actually damage hair. 

Let Hair Dry Before Going Outside

It might seem counterintuitive, but going outside with wet hair can be super damaging. When possible, clients should air-dry hair and avoid leaving the house with a wet head. 

Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, frizzy hair. Give clients the knowledge and the products they need to help their hair thrive this winter and shop with EISS.