WITH winter fast approaching and December just days away, temperatures have dropped dramatically over the last few weeks.
But as the weather continues to change, so does its impact on our hair, and the cold can leave it feeling dry, frizzy, or even brittle.
This is because it has a difficult time keeping in moisture when it’s cold outside, and having the heating on more indoors can leave it feeling like straw.
So it’s no wonder that many of us love a trip to the salon at this time of year to get a lovely gloss treatment or professional blow-dry for an instant shine.
But keeping it looking good doesn’t need to involve expensive trips to the hairdresser’s – the way you treat and care for your hair at home can make just as much of a difference.
Beauty experts revealed that small everyday changes could help achieve a smoother, glossier finish.
Cami Krier, Skincare Specialist and Head of Brand Development at Rhug Wild Beauty , shared her seven tips to get brighter, shinier hair without visiting the salon.
1. Use a clarifying shampoo
For some of us, washing our hair with normal shampoo is enough to give our hair a shine. But, if it’s not, Cami suggests trying a clarifying shampoo instead.
She explained: “If your hair still feels heavy or looks dull after washing, product buildup could be the culprit.
“Styling products, oils and other residue can collect on the hair over time, leaving the strands feeling coated and making it harder for them to look glossy.
“A clarifying shampoo provides a deeper cleanse by lifting this buildup from both the hair and scalp. This can leave the strands feeling lighter and help restore natural shine.
“As clarifying formulas can be more intensive than everyday shampoos, they are best used once a week, rather than with every wash.
“In between, use a gentle shampoo to cleanse the hair without removing too much moisture. Natural ingredients such as honey and argan oil can help hydrate the hair, leaving it looking smoother and more reflective.”
2. Try the ‘Sandwich Method’
Another thing Cami suggests trying is her ‘Sandwich Method’, which means using conditioner before and after shampoo.
The beauty pro said: “If your roots need washing but your lengths often feel dry afterwards, the usual shampoo-first routine may not be doing your hair any favours.
“This can be particularly noticeable with curly or fine hair, where the ends are more prone to losing moisture.
“While shampoo focuses on cleansing the scalp and removing buildup, drier lengths may benefit from a little extra protection during the washing process.
“The ‘sandwich method’ does this by applying conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends before shampooing the scalp.
“After rinsing out the shampoo and conditioner, apply a nourishing conditioner to the lengths for a second time. This extra layer of care can help the hair hold onto moisture, making it less prone to frizz.”
3. Lower water temperature
We all love a roasting hot shower or bath to completely relax, but the expert warns that our hair may not enjoy it quite as much.
This doesn’t mean we need to avoid them altogether – Cami says some small tweaks mean we can still enjoy them without them damaging our hair.
She advises: “Frequent exposure to very hot water can strip away natural moisture, leaving your strands dry and more prone to splitting when brushed.
“You do not have to give up warm showers altogether, though.
“Instead, try lowering the temperature slightly for your final rinse, letting cooler water run through the lengths for about 30 seconds.
“This simple habit helps seal the hair cuticle, allowing it to retain moisture more effectively and lock in a beautiful, healthy shine.”
4. Use natural oils
The beauty pro also shared her natural hair oil trick that can make a huge difference.
Cami said: “Rather than reaching for a separate hair oil, there is a simple trick you can try with a product you may already have in your routine.
“After applying your body oil, use what remains on your hands to gently smooth over the ends of your hair.
“This can give dry areas a light touch of moisture without applying so much that the hair feels greasy.
“A body oil containing argan oil and sweet almond oil can be particularly useful here, as both oils contain fatty acids that can help condition and soften the hair.
“Keeping the product focused on the mid-lengths and ends can also help avoid buildup at the scalp and prevent the roots from feeling weighed down.”
5. Protect your hair overnight
It’s not just about trying to help your hair after the damage is done – it’s also important to protect your hair, too.
Cami explains: “Your hair spends hours in contact with your pillow while you sleep, and repeated friction against the fabric can leave strands tangled by morning.
“Movement against the pillow can also disturb the hair’s natural shape and contribute to frizz.
Five winter mistakes that are damaging your hair
WHEN the frosty air hits in winter, there’s no better feeling than wrapping up against the cold.
But Frederick Apenteng, pharmacist at Roseway Labs , has warned that some of our cosiest winter habits could actually be sabotaging your hair and scalp.
He revealed five winter mistakes quietly damaging your hair, and the simple swaps that can save it.
- Woolly hats that cause breakage – “Tight or synthetic hats create a warm, damp environment where yeast thrives, leading to itching and flaking, and breakage and thinning around the hairline”. He advises choosing lined or breathable materials like cotton or silk to reduce scalp irritation.
- Scalding showers that strip your scalp – “Very hot water emulsifies the scalp’s natural oils and weakens its lipid barrier”. He suggests washing hair with lukewarm water and gently towel-drying to protect your scalp’s balance.
- Harsh shampoos that over-cleanse – “They strip away the little natural moisture your scalp has left, Look for gentler, dermatologist-approved formulas containing panthenol, glycerine, or urea”.
- Ignoring seasonal shedding – “A little seasonal shedding in winter is normal and linked to lower daylight and vitamin D levels. It usually settles in a few months”.
- Skipping your scalp care routine – “Add a nourishing leave-in conditioner or lightweight scalp serum with niacinamide or hyaluronic acid a few times a week”.
“Try loosely tying your hair back before bed and wearing a silk bonnet to help keep it in place overnight.
“The smooth fabric allows the hair to move more easily rather than catching against the material.
“This helps to reduce tangles and keep the strands looking smoother by morning.”
6. Rethink your towel
You might not realise it, but the towel you’re using on your wet and damp hair could also have a huge impact on its condition.
The beauty pro says: “Hair is more fragile when wet, and the rough texture of a standard towel can create friction that can lead to breakage.
“Since this damage happens gradually, it can be mistaken for natural texture or frizz, rather than linked to the way hair is dried.
“Switching products alone cannot prevent this type of damage, so the key is to remove excess water with as little friction as possible. A microfibre towel, or even an old cotton T-shirt, can absorb water more gently than a traditional towel.
“Before wrapping your hair in a microfibre towel, gently squeeze out excess water section by section rather than twisting or wringing the lengths.
“This simple change puts less stress on wet strands, helping to reduce breakage and keep the hair looking smoother once dry.”
7. Finish with cool air
The expert also revealed that finishing with cool air instead of hot air is another thing that can make a huge difference.
Cami says: “There is nothing wrong with using a blow-dryer, but once your hair is nearly dry, continuing with high heat can add unnecessary stress to the strands.
“At this stage, most of the moisture has already evaporated, so extra heat is less useful and can contribute to damage over time.
“This is where the cool setting can make a difference.
“Once each section is dry, switch to cool air for a few seconds to finish the style without adding more heat.
“It can help set the hair in place while leaving the surface looking smoother and more polished, giving your finished style a little extra shine.”
