Winter Hair Woes? Read These Expert Tips to Keep Your Locks Luscious (2025)

Between icy winds, dry indoor heat, and staticky hat hair, the colder seasons can feel like they're out to sabotage your locks. But just because the temperature drops doesn’t mean your hair health has to plummet, too. With a little expert advice and the right TLC, you can dodge the dreaded winter dullness and keep your hair healthy, no matter the weather.

Take it from haircare expert Maria McCool, a hairstylist, salon owner, and founder of Calista, who knows all the tricks to protect your strands from winter’s wrath. Over anything, you'll want to make sure you're using the right products. McCool says, "It really comes down to product—the integrity of your products matters even more in the winter than the rest of the year.... A great routine without great product won’t get you anywhere!"

So, from nourishing treatments that lock in moisture to hacks that will keep your strands from getting brittle, your best winter hair days are just a few tips away. Read on to learn how to keep your locks luscious.

Use Hydrating Hair Masks

Winter air tends to be exceptionally dry, stripping so much moisture from your hair. So, you'll want to take extra steps to keep your hair as hydrated as can be. That said, hair masks are "essential!" McCool tells us, "Masking a few times a week keeps hair from getting too dry, hydrates the scalp, and deep conditions the ends. Look for ingredients like saw palmetto and quinoa to add moisture and nourish hair follicles."

Try Hair Serums

Another way to combat dryness is by adding hair serums to your routine. "These are specifically formulated to create a protective layer directly on the hair shaft, which locks in natural moisture and keeps hair looking and feeling healthy even in the driest weather," says McCool. Your tresses will thank you later!

Stay Away From Drying Ingredients

Using the wrong hair products can also be a major factor in brittle hair. "So many hair products have harmful parabens and sulfates that dry the hair out even more during an already dry season," says McCool. She adds that, "Other harmful ingredients found in styling products like alcohol, silicones, and mineral oil can further strip your hair of natural oils, leading to more breakage and dryness. Always check the ingredients on your shampoo, conditioner, styling products, and hairsprays!" Also make sure to choose products that promote hydration to the scalp as well as the hair.

Don't Overwash and Avoid Hot Water

Do you know how often to wash your hair? Well, frequent washing can strip hair of its natural oils. While that's always something to watch for, it's especially important in the winter! Hair washing definitely depends on your hair type, but a good rule of thumb is to wash every other day if you have fine or straight hair. For those with more coarse or textured hair, you can wash every few days. Just don’t leave more than three days between cleansing in order to maintain your scalp health.

Additionally, while hot showers feel great in cold weather, they can really strip your scalp and hair of those good oils. Instead, you'll want to wash your hair with lukewarm water, then finish with a cool rinse to seal the cuticle.

Limit Styling Tools

Along with that, excessive heat styling and indoor heat can make winter dryness worse. So, try to limit the use of blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. You'll also want to allow your hair to air dry when possible. If you still want to reach for your styling tools, just be sure to use a heat protectant to minimize damage. Take it from McCool, "A great heat protectant can help keep hair hydrated by protecting against any heat. They seal in the moisture and help prevent frizz and dryness."

Get Regular Hair Trims

The winter months can make split ends worse—and who wants that? According to McCool, "Keeping up with regular hair trims helps maintain moisture in your hair by removing the driest part of your hair: split ends. Trimming off dead ends sets the stage for better moisture retention overall."

Brush Regularly

You probably already incorporate hair brushing into your routine. After all, it's a necessity to keeping your locks looking great! But did you know it helps with more than just appearance? "I also recommend brushing the hair to stimulate the scalp and maintain your hair’s natural oils," says McCool. With all those tangles you're sure to accumulate after stepping outside into winter winds, this one should be easy to remember.

Don't Go Outside With Wet Hair

Though it can be tempting to leave the house before your hair has dried completely (we get it, life can be busy!), this will only take away from your hair's health. McCool explains, "To prevent breakage, definitely avoid having your hair wet when outside in the cold. You can also use a hydrating hair oil, specifically on your ends, to keep the hair from becoming brittle and snapping off." Try to give your hair enough time to air dry if you have somewhere to be.

Protect Your Hair from the Elements

Whether you brave the cold with wet hair or let it dry beforehand, you'll want to do everything you can to shield it from the blustering outside air. The cold temperatures and stronger winds can cause extra tangles and breakage. So, wear a hat or beanie lined with satin to reduce friction and prevent frizz. You can even tuck your hair into your coat or scarf on extra windy days.

Invest in a Humidifier

Of course, staying warm through the winter is a must! But all that indoor heating really dries out the air, negatively affecting your hair and scalp. To fix that, you can use a humidifier! Running a humidifier in your home can help to maintain moisture levels and prevents dryness.