This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Head & Shoulders. The opinions and text are all mine.
I don't know about you, but the minute the weather cools off I can tell it by my hair. So I thought it was the perfect time to share my favorite winter hair care tips!
With an oily scalp and dry ends (not to mention, color-treated), my hair can be problematic year round. I especially notice a change once the thermometer starts dropping.
My scalp starts getting itchy, the ends are even drier than usual, and I'm definitely prone to static ... there's nothing quite like having your hair standing straight on end! I've always been a little vain about my hair, so none of that leaves me very happy.
Thankfully, I've learned some easy winter hair care tips over the years that I can't wait to share with you.
1. Choose the Right Shampoo
Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is one of the most important things you can do for your hair this winter. Even if you normally use lighter products, switching to formulas that are rich and nourishing will make an immediate impact on your hair.
My favorite shampoo is Amika Bond Repair (I use the Conditioner, too). It keeps my hair soft, shiny, and super moisturized ... plus, it's perfect repairing color treated hair!
Like I mentioned earlier, my scalp gets really itchy when it's cold out. The temptation to scratch is pretty much nonstop at this time of year, so about once a week I use Head & Shoulders. (Don't tell my husband, but I often borrow his!)
Head & Shoulders is perfect people who have occasional dandruff, as well as people like me who have everyday scalp stress from using too much product, sweating, or hair styling. I've been using Head & Shoulders for as long as I can remember ... it's kind of my secret for managing winter hair (shh).
It keeps my hair healthy, shiny, smooth, and flake free, all while soothing my itchy scalp. I also love that it never dries out or damages my color-treated hair, plus it smells great.
2. Always Be Conditioning
In addition to using the right shampoo, choosing the most nourishing products is also important. So one of my favorite winter hair care tips is to always be conditioning!
Oils and styling creams will moisturize your hair, and using them helps eliminate dry ends, frizz, and the dreaded static cling. I use a combo of Frizz Ease (one of my fave drugstore products) and Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream (definitely a splurge, but worth it).
Every three to four shampoos, I also like to apply a deep conditioning mask. I recently starting using K18 Leave-in Hair Mask, which has been a game changer ... my hair has never been softer or shinier.
Make sure to watch out for products that have a high alcohol content (like hair spray), because they can dry out your hair, too.
I love using hair oils at this time of year, too! I've tried a bunch, and each one is formulated differently. Some are heavier and some are lighter, so make sure to apply a little oil at first, then only add more if you need it.
To use an oil, place a little in your palm, then warm it up between your hands before applying it to your hair. Concentrate most of the oil on the ends of your hair, then work whatever is left through the rest of your hair. A little oil will weigh down your hair, minimizing static and flyaways, and smooth out any frizz.
3. Limit Your Use of Heat Tools
Dry, cold winter weather is so bad for your hair, and excessive use of heat tools, like blow dryers, hair straighteners, and curling irons, tends to make things worse.
If your hair is dry in winter anyway, cut down on blow drying by washing your hair every other day. Then, make a habit of gently brushing your hair before you go to bed to help distribute natural oils from the scalp to your dry ends. Don't like skipping a shampoo? Choose a gentle, moisturizing product that's safe to use every day.
My favorite way to get waves without heat is by braiding my hair loosely. Simply add a few braids throughout your dry hair, then go about your business and remove them later for no fuss waves.
If you can't resist using a hair straightener or curling iron occasionally (I'm guilty, too!), apply a heat protector first and use as low of a heat setting as you can get away with.
4. Protect Your Hair from Winter Weather
My final winter hair care tip is all about protecting your hair from bad weather. Whether it's snowing or just cold, dry, and windy, winter weather is rough on your locks.
Never go outside with wet hair, because it can actually freeze, which leads to breakage. But even dry hair needs protection. Cover your hair with a hat and tuck the ends into a scarf or your coat to shield it from harsh, windy weather.
Tip: Avoid hat head by choosing a looser hat and by parting your hair in the opposite direction that you plan to wear it. When you remove your hat, apply a little styling cream to tackle frizz and flyaways, then flip your part for instant volume!
I hope you've enjoyed these winter hair care tips! How do you protect your hair when it's cold out?