Combating Dry & Damaged Hair

As the colder, drier months set in, your hair care routine may need a shift just like your skincare. The drop in temperature and lack of humidity can leave your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Trust me, I know how frustrating and discouraging this is, but I am going to fill you in with all the tips and product suggestions I have. While dry hair can be stubborn, it doesn’t have to be forever! Keep reading for all the steps you need to combat damaged, winter hair! 

What is Dry, Damaged Hair and What Does it Look Like?

Dry and damaged hair is characterized by a lack of moisture and elasticity. Common signs include dullness, brittleness, split ends, and a rough texture. You might notice increased tangling, breakage, and a general feeling of stiffness.

You can probably also be able to tell just based on the feel of your hair. Hair that’s healthy should feel smooth and supple, with a natural shine and bounce. Dry, damaged hair, on the other hand, often appears lifeless, frizzy, and unmanageable. We’ve all been there, but I’m here to help you tackle this. So try not to be disheartened!

Why Hair Damage is More Likely in Winter?

I think the most obvious variable is the climate shift. Winter brings a significant drop in humidity, leading to drier air that can strip moisture from your hair. This lack of moisture is more than likely the primary reason for increased hair damage during the colder months.

With this, there are some additional stressors that aren't exactly helping our hair out. The contrast between cold outdoor air and indoor heating can exacerbate the problem, creating a cycle of moisture loss and breakage.

Solutions

Now that we have discussed how to identify dry, damaged hair and what’s leading to it, let’s cover some solutions to getting our smooth bouncy hair back!

1. Hair Conditioning Masks:

Hair conditioning masks might not have the immediate allure of bond builders or peptide treatments, but, believe me, their role is crucial. They work by softening and flattening the hair’s outer cuticle, providing temporary protection against breakage and snapping.

Hair conditioning masks can be used in place of regular conditioners. They coat the hair strands with conditioning ingredients, offering a shield during everyday activities like combing. You will probably not be surprised to hear that I have a weekly hair schedule and I usually like to schedule in a hair mask once a week!  They are honestly one of my first recommendations when someone is trying to level up their hair routine. It’s such an easy entry into hair care beyond your basic shampoo and conditioner. There are a ton of great ones, but the Briogeo and Kerastase are staples in my shower (take a peek at my blog on other shower hair care must-haves).

Bonus Tips:  It's important to note that there are masks with and without protein, catering to different hair needs. Regardless, make sure to cleanse your scalp thoroughly to avoid buildup or “protein overload” (if you are struggling with hair buildup, you can read my blog on the best ways to remove hair build up).

2. Silk Pillowcases: 

Ok, I know what you’re thinking, the idea of a silk pillowcase might just seem like an unnecessary luxury. Don’t be fooled though, a silk pillowcase is way more than just a cute bed accessory. The smooth surface significantly reduces friction, meaning your hair is less likely to break and snap as you sleep, compared to other fabrics.

I am also all about a small change with a big impact. This small pillowcase shift is so beneficial,  particularly if your hair is prone to dryness and damage.

3. Peptide Treatments: 

For those serious about combating damage, peptide treatments are unparalleled. It should be mentioned that they tend to be a little on the pricey side, but I promise I would not be suggesting it unless I thought it was absolutely worth it (don’t worry, not all haircare changes are expensive Check out my recent blog on Free Haircare Changes). Unlike traditional bond builders, peptide treatments repair both disulfide bonds and polypeptide chains, offering a comprehensive rejuvenation of damaged hair.

Though these treatments come with a higher price tag, their efficacy in restoring hair health is unmatched. They are, arguably, the closest solution to reversing hair damage and maintaining hair health. Even if you’re not using color or chemical services, just everyday environmental exposures and even brushing damages your hair! Check out my podcast episode with a leading hair scientist where we cover all the sneaky ways your hair is becoming damaged! 

If you’ve been following me for a minute, you know I am obsessed with the K18 hair mask for its transformative impact. This mask stands out with its patented peptide technology that clinically reverses the effects of hair damage by penetrating deep into the hair shaft. It targets damage at a molecular level, forming new cross-links between the hair’s keratin proteins. This not only restores strength, softness, smoothness, and elasticity but also repairs the hair from within. For a little more detail on why I am in love with this treatment, you can take a peek at my blog on the K18 hair mask.

I am so excited for you to give these tips a go! Please DM and let me know how it goes. Also, if there are any other hair care questions you have, please send them my way! Finally, for a little visual on the subject, make sure to watch my recent tik tok on dry, damaged hair.


**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and may contain products gifted in PR. This means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase via these links at no additional cost to you (thank you! It helps me keep things up and running)… As always I ONLY recommend products, goods and services that I stand behind and personally love and use.