Healthy Hair in the Winter

I did a segment on Paula Sands Live on December 2nd to discuss how to keep your hair healthy in the winter months.  Some clients missed the show and wanted me to share my tips with them and I would like to go a little more in detail, so here I go:


Winter sure can wreak havoc on your tresses!  You have to fight dryness, static, itchy/flaky scalps, and dull, lifeless hair.

Tip 1: For the winter I say it is all about MOISTURE!  This means that you need to avoid harsher cleansers, especially clarifying shampoos, and instead opt for a hydrating shampoo.  I suggest the Moroccan Oil Hydrating Shampoo.  The Moroccan Oil line is magical.  The secret ingredient is argan oil.  The women of Morocco have used this oil for centuries to combat all of the harsh conditions in the desert.

Moroccan Oil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

So you have your hydrating shampoo, now you need a conditioner.  In the winter it is best to use a stronger, deeper conditioner.  I suggest the Moroccan Oil Hydrating Conditioner.  You can purchase these items at Salon Lotus or you can get an in salon deep conditioning treatment with a deep conditioning mask (this also includes an amazing scalp massage).

Tigi Bed Head Superstar

Tip 2: Avoid products that are high in alcohol because these will overly dry out your hair.  Products high in alcohol include mousses, gels, and some hairsprays.  The best products to use in the winter are dual purpose products.  I suggest Tigi Bed Head Superstar.  Superstar is a leave in conditioner that is also a volumizing spray and can be purchased at Salon Lotus.

There are many other products that are dual purpose and have a leave in conditioning factor in them.  If anyone wants a list of more products, please email me.

Tips 3: Use less heat and shampoo less.  Some of you gasp when I suggest shampooing less, but it really is better for the health of your hair.  Try to shampoo every other day or every two days.  You may find your hair a little more oily for a little while, but give it two weeks.  Over shampooing your hair strips it and your scalp of your natural oils and therefore your scalp overproduces oil.  After two weeks you will find that your scalp rebalances itself out and starts producing less oil.  If you still feel you have dirty hair, try skipping the shampooing, wet your hair, and condition only.

A tight twisted bun.

You may ask yourself, "How the heck am I going to use less heat and still style my hair?"  I have a few tricks for you!  As soon as you get out of the shower, put in your products and go about your normal routine.  When you are done with your morning rituals, the hair will have air dried a lot and you can use your blow dryer on a lower heat setting to style.  This will cut down blow drying time in half!  Make sure to use a boar bristle roundbrush and use wooden brushes and combs to avoid static.  For a tousled, wavy look, simply put product in towel dried hair and fasten hair into a braid or tight twisted bun.  Let the braid or twist air dry, take it out, and fingercomb through the hair.

Tip 4: Use products with tea tree oil or get an in salon treatment for itchy scalps.  Tea tree oil has been used for centuries as a natural cure for many skin conditions, including dandruff.  Learn more about tea tree oil here: http://www.scalp-health.com/head/tea-tree.htm. My favorite shampoo and conditioner that contains tea tree oil is the American Crew Balancing Shampoo and Calming Conditioner.  American Crew is a brand for men, but this shampoo and conditioner really works well and does not have an overly masculine scent.  They also have some styling products that contain tea tree oil.

American Crew products with tea tree oil.

The other option to cure an itchy, flaky scalp is to get an in salon treatment.  Massaging the scalp stimulates blood flow which makes the scalp produce more oil and this oil acts as a natural moisturizer, plus the massage feels super great.