Winter Hair Care: How to Keep Your Hair Healthy in Cold, Dry Weather

Winter is hard on hair. Cold, dry air outside and heating or air-conditioning inside pull moisture from the hair and scalp, leaving strands dry, dull, staticky and more likely to break — and many people notice more flaking too. A few seasonal changes to your routine keep hair soft and healthy until the weather turns.

Quick answer: In winter, switch to more moisturising shampoo and conditioner, add a weekly hair mask, avoid very hot showers, never go out with wet hair, use a serum to seal in moisture and fight static, reduce heat styling and keep your scalp comfortable with regular, gentle cleansing.

Why Hair Gets Drier in Winter

• Low humidity – dry air draws moisture out of the hair.
• Indoor heating – dries hair and scalp further.
• Hot showers – very hot water strips natural oils.
• Wool, scarves and hats – create friction and static.
• More heat styling – people blow-dry more in cold weather.

Winter Hair Care Routine

1. Switch to moisturising products

Choose shampoo and conditioner designed for dry hair. 911 Quinoa Shampoo and 911 Quinoa Conditioner restore moisture, shine and manageability to dull, dry or lightly stressed hair. For thick, coarse or treated hair, try 700 Keratin & Kale. Curly hair? Use the 69 Pro Active range.

2. Add a weekly deep treatment

Winter is the time to never skip your mask. Use the 911 Quinoa Hair Mask, 700 Keratin & Kale Hair Mask or 69 Pro Active Hair Mask once or twice a week. See How to Use a Hair Mask Correctly.

3. Turn the water temperature down

Wash and rinse with lukewarm water. It's gentler on both hair and scalp.

4. Wash at the right frequency

Many people can wash a little less often in winter — but don't skip so long that oil and flakes build up. See How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

5. Condition the ends every time

Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends after every wash, avoiding the roots.

6. Seal with a serum or cream

A leave-in keeps moisture in and reduces static. 911 Quinoa Serum smooths and adds shine; 911 Quinoa Hydrating Cream adds extra moisture with hyaluronic acid.

7. Never go out with wet hair

Wet hair is more fragile and can be roughened by cold wind. Dry it fully before heading out.

8. Reduce heat and protect when you use it

Use lower settings and always apply a protective serum such as 700 Keratin & Kale Hair Serum. See How to Repair Heat-Damaged Hair.

9. Fight static

Use a leave-in, avoid over-brushing, and choose silk or satin linings for hats and pillowcases where possible.

10. Look after your scalp

Dry air can make scalps itchy or flaky. If you notice flakes, read Dandruff in Winter: Why It Gets Worse — a dandruff shampoo such as 02 Eco Dandruff Shampoo can help when used as directed.

Winter Care by Hair Type

• Dry, dull hair: full 911 Quinoa routine — see 911 Quinoa Complete Hair Care Routine.
• Frizzy or treated hair: 700 Keratin & Kale — see 700 Keratin & Kale Complete Hair Care Routine.
• Curly hair: extra masks and cream — see Best Hair Care Routine for Curly Hair.
• Coloured or blonde hair: moisturise more and tone as needed — see How to Care for Coloured Hair.

Common Winter Hair Mistakes

• Very hot showers
• Going out with damp hair
• Skipping masks and leave-ins
• Heavy oil left on the scalp for days
• More heat styling without protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my hair so dry in winter?

Low humidity, indoor heating and hot water all pull moisture from hair. Moisturising products, weekly masks and leave-ins help.

Should I wash my hair less in winter?

Often slightly less, but not so little that the scalp becomes itchy or flaky.

How do I stop static in winter?

Keep hair moisturised, use a serum or cream, avoid over-brushing and choose smoother fabrics.

Why does dandruff get worse in winter?

Dry air, hot showers and changes in washing habits can all play a part. See Dandruff in Winter.

Related Guides

• Why Is My Hair So Dry?
• 911 Quinoa Complete Hair Care Routine
• Best Hair Care Routine for Curly Hair
• Dandruff in Winter: Why It Gets Worse
• How to Apply a Hair Mask
• How Hair Serum Works
• Summer Hair Care Guide
• Pollution and Hair
• Festive Hair Care
• Wedding Season Hair Care

Shop: 911 Quinoa range · 700 Keratin & Kale range · 69 Pro Active curly range