Hair often becomes dry, brittle, and dull in winter due to cold air, indoor heating, and even cozy fires. The good news — a few simple changes to your at-home winter hair care routine can help protect your hair and keep it hydrated.

Below, Rebecca Johnston, Owner and Freelance Hairdresser at Rebecca Johnston Hair, shares practical tips for a healthy hair care routine in winter for men and women. We’ll also answer common questions about winter hair care and share some of our favorite moisturizing products.

Take Lukewarm Showers

While a hot shower might feel nice during winter, hot water can cause dry hair and strip its natural oils. Instead, rinse your hair in lukewarm or cooler water. This is gentler, keeps your hair hydrated, and even helps your color last longer.

Avoid Overwashing

Overwashing strips your hair of its natural oils, which can dry it out. While Johnston recommends washing your hair two to three times a week, your ideal frequency depends on your hair, scalp, and lifestyle. The key is to wash often enough to keep your hair clean but not so much that it becomes too dry. 

It’s also important to use shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type to maintain balance and moisture. For example, moisturizing products are best for dry or damaged hair, while strengthening products work well for all hair types.

Be Mindful of Heat Styling

Heat styling itself isn’t always the problem. Friction and styling practices often cause more damage. For instance, going to bed with wet hair can lead to breakage as it rubs against your pillowcase. It’s also important to use a heat protector before using tools to minimize damage and lock in moisture.

It’s also a common myth that air drying is always best. But Johnston explains it’s okay to blow-dry your hair, especially in winter when air-drying takes longer and can cause a dry scalp or more split ends. 

Use a Hair Mask or Oil

Hair masks and oils are ideal for hydration and nourishment. Hair oil provides daily moisture and shine, while a mask offers deeper, weekly conditioning. You can use one or both depending on your hair’s needs.

You can use hair oil as often as daily to lock in moisture and add shine. Apply it to the mid-lengths and ends after showering, or use a smaller amount on dry hair just on the ends to avoid greasiness.

A conditioning mask once a week also supports your winter hair care routine and helps maintain healthy strands.

We love Oakwell Cosmetics Hair Mask and Oil because they’re made with gentle, hydrating ingredients.

Get Regular Trims

Keeping up with trims helps maintain a healthy hair care routine in winter by preventing split ends and keeping your hair strong and manageable.

Johnston recommends the following schedule for trims:

• Short hair: every 6–8 weeks
• Curly hair: every 3 months
• Medium length: every 8–12 weeks

Wear Protective Hair Styles & Covers

Silk pillowcases, bonnets, and bandanas protect all hair types by reducing friction that causes breakage. Styles and hair accessories that prevent hair from rubbing will also help keep your hair in great shape throughout winter.

Johnston recommends using gentle silk-covered hair ties because they don’t tug or damage the hair like tight elastic ones. You can also use crocodile clips, which hold hair securely without adding tension or pressure. 

Stay Hydrated

Internal hydration is just as important as moisturizing products for keeping hair hydrated in winter. Drinking plenty of water helps your hair, skin, and nails stay hydrated. A balanced diet rich in iron and other nutrients also supports healthy hair growth. 

Winter Hair Care Routine: FAQs

Why does hair become dry during winter?

Hair can become dry and prone to breakage in the winter due to a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors, explains Johnston. People often use heating or indoor fires, which strip moisture from the hair and scalp. The drastic change in outdoor temperatures can further dehydrate your hair. We also spend more time inside and get less sunlight during winter, which can reduce vitamin D levels and impact hair health. 

How can I take care of my hair in winter?

To take care of your hair in winter, avoid overwashing, use a heat protector, and add moisture with a hair mask or oil. It’s also important to get regular trims and wear protective styles to minimize breakage.

Is oiling hair good in winter?

Oiling your hair can be very beneficial in winter. It helps lock in moisture, adds shine, and reduces frizz. Just remember to apply it from mid-lengths to ends and adjust the amount based on your hair’s response.

How to stop hair from going frizzy in winter?

To stop your hair from getting frizzy in winter, you need to add moisture. A hair oil or mask works best for this. It also helps to limit heat styling and avoid overwashing, both of which can dry your hair out.

Winter Hair Care Routine: Conclusion

Your winter hair care routine doesn’t need to be complicated — just consistent. Focus on gentle washing, regular moisture, and protection from heat and friction. With a few mindful at-home habits, you can keep your hair healthy and hydrated all season long.