Haircare Experts Are Sharing The Small (But Effective) Habits You Should Adopt Now That Winter Is Officially Here

After you bundle up in your layers to go outside, Samanatha Denis recommends tying your hair up in a ponytail or bun higher than your neckline. "When coat collars are high, scarves are on, and hair is down, our hair is wrestling with the wind and the fabric of what we're wearing, which is damaging."

"As a result, strands are getting tangled, matted, and knotted which is why when we come in from the cold, our hair is wild," she explained. 

"After wearing a hat and scarf, your hair is probably staticky and knotty. When you get inside from the cold, gently brush with a natural bristle brush to smooth out the hair cuticle and brush away knots," Denis continued.

If you are sill struggling with static-prone hair, Paul Labrecque recommends using hairspray. "Spraying hairspray on the material of your clothes and accessories will also create less static," he said. "A light mist of hairspray on a flat brush also helps to remove static electricity from the hair."

Elle Westby says that hydrating hair masks can be left on the hair for as long as directions indicate — and some can be supercharged by pulling a showercap over it to lock in moisture and heat, before later rinsing with cooler water. 

"For kinkier, textured, and color-treated hair, you need to do hair masks more. For color-treated hair, weekly hair masks (like this K18 leave-in one) are necessary," said Kiyah Wright. "For softer hair textures, you should use a mask about one or two times a month in the winter."

Sharie Wilson and Tonya Thompson especially recommend products that contain almond oil. "Oil penetrates the hair shaft and when oil is massaged into the scalp — also known as hair oiling — it improves blood circulation which also stimulates your hair follicles for new hair growth," Wilson and Thompson explained.

"Oiling your hair is an old yet effective method to combat frizz during the cold months," said said Oliver Adams. "I like to mix equal parts of castor oil and coconut oil and massage it on the scalp. You will see an instant boost in shine and moisture using this remedy." It's important to note that coconut oil can be heavy on certain hair types.

Westby is a fan of fish oil, which she says can help fuel your hair with the right omegas and fatty acids. "You can even add ground flax seed to your food for a dose of healthy omegas and fatty acids," she said. 

"Winter months are typically dry depending on where you live — and frying your hair with high heat from styling tools combined with the dry winter air is a recipe for breakage," said Wilson and Thompson. "Use low heat and a heat protectant if you need to use hot styling tools during winter months."

Madison Keene recommends using styling products that have hold to them in the winter. "A curl cream in conjunction with a gel are a power couple for helping strands retain definition and combat any frizz in the cold weather." 

"Styling products contain film-forming ingredients that will help keep moisture in and enhance overall style," she said. 

"Shampoo less, condition more. You can skip the shampoo all together in the shower," said Jon Reyman. "Just rinse hair well, condition, and then rinse well again. This will prevent hair from being stripped of its natural oils in the dry winter."

"Some products may feel great but can build up on the hair's surface and end up drying hair out potentially leading to breakage or weakened hair," said Reyman. "Seek professional advice when it comes to products if you're unsure."