5 Easy Ways to Winter-Proof Your Hair and Scalp

Winter can be a tough season for your hair and scalp. As a master stylist with over 20 years of experience (and a busy mom myself), I know how important it is to tweak your routine when the weather changes.

Trust me, what works in the summer won’t cut it when the cold sets in. From tackling dryness to soothing irritated scalps, here’s how to keep your hair looking and feeling its best this winter.

 

1. Turn Down the Heat (On Your Water!)

I get it, there’s nothing like a steaming hot shower on a cold winter day. But your scalp? Not a fan. Hot water strips away natural oils, leaving your scalp dry, itchy, and irritated. If you deal with eczema or psoriasis, hot water can make things even worse.

Instead, switch to lukewarm or cool water when you can. Not only will it help calm irritation, but it also seals your hair cuticle and your skin’s protective barrier, locking in moisture. Cool water can even give your hair extra shine.

 

2. Be Picky About Your Dandruff Shampoo

Winter air can bring out the worst in dandruff, but not all dandruff shampoos are created equal. I love OUAI’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo because it’s gentle and actually works to reduce flakes and calm your scalp.

Steer clear of harsh drugstore shampoos. They can be way too drying and even cause rashes or burns on sensitive skin. A better option is Biolage Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. It’s packed with scalp-friendly ingredients like Zinc Pyrithione and glycolic acid to help with flakes, itching, and redness.

🛍 Tip from a pro: Shop for gift sets at places like Ulta, Sephora, or even department stores. You can try out a few products without making a big investment and find the one your scalp loves most.

 

3. Ditch the Aerosols and Go Natural

Dry shampoo is a lifesaver, especially for busy moms like me. But aerosol sprays? Not so much. They’re full of chemicals that can irritate your scalp and damage your hair over time.

My go-to is NAPRIM Naturals Refreshing Dry Shampoo. It’s talc-free, naturally unscented, and made with plant-based ingredients that absorb oil, refresh your hair, and even provide SPF 17 protection for your scalp. Plus, it blends seamlessly into light or dark hair without leaving any residue.

 

4. Treat Your Scalp Like Skin

Your scalp is skin, so it needs love too, especially in the winter. Adding a scalp treatment to your routine can help keep dryness, itching, and irritation at bay. The Biolage Scalp Sync Treatment is a favorite of mine. It’s made with glycolic acid and fermented tea, so it’s gentle but effective and leaves your scalp feeling so much better.

 

5. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Winter air is dry, which means your hair needs extra hydration. Make time for a deep conditioning treatment or hydrating mask once a week. Look for products with natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter to replenish moisture without weighing your hair down.

 

The Bottom Line

Winter doesn’t have to be rough on your hair. By making a few simple swaps like cooling down your water, upgrading your dandruff shampoo, and using scalp-friendly products, you can keep your hair healthy and beautiful, even in the chilliest months.

If you’re ready to try something new, check out NAPRIM Naturals Dry Shampoo. It’s my secret weapon for refreshed hair and a happy scalp.

Got any winter hair tips you swear by? Drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear them!