How To Protect Your Hair in the Winter

Beanie be gone!

As I was putting lotion on my extremely dry, chapped hands the other day (they honestly felt like sandpaper) it amazed me just how dehydrated my skin can get during the winter. And then I got to thinking - does the same thing happen to our hair? And what can be done to protect it from the harsh climate? So I asked my talented colourist Shanda Watson (who's responsible for my silky blonde locks!) from my salon Ponytails + Horseshoes and here's what she had to say:


Edmonton has an extremely dry climate and you can definitely feel it most in the winter when it takes a toll on your skin. Can the same thing be said for your hair? What happens to your hair during the colder months?

Absolutely winter takes a major toll on your hair and scalp. Dry, winter months tend to suck all the moisture; that is why your scalp will flake - because it is so dry and it can leave your hair dry, brittle and frizzy. To help avoid crazy winter hair it is important to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner that is free of silicon. Also, the climate is so different in the summer vs. the winter so it's always a good idea to switch up your shampoo and conditioner from summer to winter since both climates have different effects on the hair. You wouldn't wear the same shoes in the summer as you do in the winter and the same thing goes for your hair. Hair treatments and regular haircuts are also very helpful in keeping your hair happy and healthy.

 What hair treatments do you recommend?

The type of treatments really depend on the type and the condition of the hair. For fine hair I recommend ANGEL.MASQUE by Kevin Murphy. For medium to coarse hair: Moisture Masque by Neuma and for very damaged hair: BORN.AGAIN.MASQUE  by Kevin Murphy.

Above are the products Shanda recommends using. (Side note: I use Kevin Murphy and Neuma products and they are both AMAZING.) Left to Right:

Kevin Murphy ANGEL.MASQUE $41.00, Nuema neuMoisture Intensive Masque $39.00, Kevin Murphy BORN.AGAIN.MASQUE $41.00

Kevin Murphy YOUNG.AGAIN $41.00, Nuema neuRepair Argan Oil $27.00, Kevin Murphy SMOOTH.AGAIN $36.00 

 If you're in Edmonton you can purchase all of these products at Ponytails + Horseshoes

What other products do you recommend using in the winter?

During the dry months everyone should be using an oil for their hair, especially if they're using heat tools. I would recommend YOUNG.AGAIN by Kevin Murphy for the ladies who do use heat on their hair and for those who are more "wash-and-go" I would recommend the Argan Oil by Neuma ($27). Kevin Murphy SMOOTH.AGAIN is an excellent choice for curly hair and even for girls who find their hair gets frizzy fast because it eliminates frizz and helps smooth the hair.

How many times a week should you wash your hair during the colder seasons?

Everyone's hair is different. Some people can go 4-5 days without washing their hair while others have to wash it every second day. The most important thing is that you don't wash it every day. Doing that will strip the natural oils from the hair and you need those oils to make your hair shiny and healthy.

Thank you Shanda for the helpful tips. Cheers to happy, healthy, beautiful hair! Even if you live in the North Pole ; )