5 Solutions for Winter-Damaged Hair

Mar 02, 2025

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Glamglobal

Winter can wreak havoc on your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to damage. Here’s how you can protect and repair your hair during the colder months:

Deep Conditioning: Use moisture-rich treatments weekly to restore hydration, reduce breakage, and smooth frizz.
Protective Hairstyles: Styles like box braids or low buns shield your hair from harsh weather and minimize daily styling.
Hair Oils: Apply oils like coconut or argan oil to lock in moisture, reduce flaking, and strengthen strands.
Limit Heat Styling: Avoid excessive heat tools or use heat protectants to prevent further dryness and breakage.
Leave-In Conditioners: Choose lightweight or rich formulas based on your hair type to detangle, reduce static, and add shine.

Quick Tip: Pair these strategies with a humidifier at home to combat dry indoor air. Adjust your routine as needed for your hair type and condition to keep it healthy all winter long.

Deep Conditioning Methods

Why Deep Moisture Matters

Deep treatments are packed with concentrated emollients and humectants designed to penetrate the hair shaft. They help restore hydration, reinforce hair structure, smooth the cuticle, and minimize static. Here’s how they help:

Replenish moisture in dry, dehydrated hair
Strengthen hair fibers to reduce breakage
Smooth the cuticle for easier styling
Tame static and frizz

"Dry hair lacks moisture from both external sources and internal sebum, or oil, production", says Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD. Deep conditioning forms a protective barrier and infuses strands with nourishing ingredients, targeting both external dryness and the natural oils needed for healthy hair.

Steps for Deep Conditioning

Start with freshly shampooed, towel-dried hair to help the product absorb better.
Divide your hair into sections and apply the conditioner evenly, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. Use a wide-tooth comb for even distribution.
Let the treatment sit for 15–20 minutes with gentle heat, such as a shower cap, hooded dryer on low, or a warm towel.

Want to take it further? Check out our selection of hair masks tailored for winter repair.

GlamGlobal's Top Hair Masks

GlamGlobal

GlamGlobal offers winter-ready hair masks packed with ingredients known to revive and repair damaged hair. Here’s a quick guide:

Ingredient	Benefit	Best For
Coconut Oil	Softens and controls thick hair	Coarse, dry hair
Honey	Strengthens with keratin	Weak, brittle hair
Avocado	Seals cuticles, adds proteins	Damaged, dull hair
Banana	Balances pH, boosts hydration	Dehydrated strands

"Every time you deep condition, your strands will look shinier and healthier, feel softer and silkier, and be easier to manage".

For most people, 2–4 treatments a month work well. If your hair is severely damaged, weekly treatments may be needed. Textured hair often thrives with bi-weekly sessions. If your hair feels heavy, cut back on treatments. If it’s still dry, try increasing the frequency.

How to Deep Condition Your Hair and Stop Breakage

Hair Protection Styles

Protective hairstyles are a smart way to shield your hair from the harshness of winter. They help lock in moisture, reduce breakage, and minimize the need for daily styling. By keeping your hair tucked away, these styles can protect your strands from cold weather damage.

Best Winter Hairstyles

Choosing the right hairstyle can make all the difference during winter. These options not only protect your hair but also cut down on daily handling. Here's a quick guide to some popular protective styles, their benefits, and how long they can last:

Style	Benefits	Best For	Duration
Box Braids	Long-lasting protection and styling variety	All hair types	6-8 weeks
Cornrows	Scalp-friendly and perfect for workouts	Short to medium length	1-2 weeks
Two-Strand Twists	Natural look with great moisture retention	Type 3-4 hair	1-2 weeks
Bantu Knots	Compact style that creates defined curls	Medium to long hair	1-2 weeks
Low Bun with Scarf	Quick and professional daily protection	All lengths	3-5 days

Proper care is essential to make the most of these styles and keep your hair healthy.

"Cold weather climates and dry air can be brutal for afro and curly hair textures, which is why it's a good idea to keep hair in protective styles", says Charlotte Mensah, Hairstylist.

Style Care Guide

Protective styles are only effective if maintained well. Here's how to care for your hair while wearing these styles:

Daily Care

Use lightweight natural oils to moisturize your scalp. Avoid heavy creams to prevent buildup.
Protect your edges by being gentle during styling.

Weekly Maintenance

Refresh your style with a light moisturizing spray.
Check for any tension or stress on your scalp, and adjust loose sections to prevent tangling.

Essential Protection

Sleep with a silk or satin scarf to reduce friction.
Avoid keeping any style in for more than 8 weeks.
Apply a light moisturizer and oil to your roots every 2-3 days.

Before installing any protective style, cleanse and deep condition your hair. Pay attention to how your hair reacts to the winter weather and update your style every 1-2 weeks if needed. A little extra care goes a long way in keeping your hair healthy and strong during the colder months.

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Hair Oil Treatment Guide

Pair your deep conditioning and protective hairstyles with oil treatments to keep your hair healthy. Oils help lock in moisture, reduce breakage, and shield your strands from harsh winter conditions.

Best Oils for Winter Hair Care

Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right oil for your hair this winter:

Oil Type	Best For	Key Benefits	Usage Tips
Coconut Oil	Very dry, damaged hair	Retains moisture deeply	Use overnight for intense repair
Argan Oil	All hair types	Controls frizz, adds shine	Perfect for daily use
Olive Oil	Dry, flaky scalp	Improves scalp health, reduces flakes	Use weekly for best results
Jojoba Oil	Oily/combination hair	Balances natural oils, feels light	Great for daily application
Almond Oil	All hair types	Repairs split ends, strengthens hair	Ideal as a pre-wash treatment

How to Apply Hair Oil

Use these simple techniques to get the most out of your oil treatments:

For Damp Hair: Gently pat your hair with a microfiber towel to remove excess water. Apply 1–2 drops of oil, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Use your fingers to evenly distribute the oil.
For Dry Hair: Warm a small amount of oil between your palms. Apply half to one drop to smooth frizzy areas, concentrating on the ends while avoiding the roots.

"Hair oiling acts as a protective barrier, sealing in moisture and nourishing the hair shaft, thus preventing damage and promoting healthy growth", says Ayushi Limbachiya, Author at Love Beauty and Planet.

GlamGlobal Hair Oils for Winter

GlamGlobal offers premium hair oils tailored for winter hair care:

Baobab Essence Oil ($30.00): Packed with Vitamin C and Omega-3, this oil hydrates deeply and tames frizz. Rated 4.33/5.
Pequi Essence Oil ($30.00): A natural deep conditioner that provides extra moisture and protection during colder months.

Both oils work well as part of a weekly deep conditioning routine or as a daily treatment. For optimal results, apply to slightly damp hair and leave for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. For an intensive treatment, leave the oil in overnight.

Reducing Heat Damage

Using heat styling tools can worsen already fragile hair. To keep your hair healthier, limit how often you expose it to high temperatures.

Heat Styling Risks in Winter

Winter weather is tough on your hair. Dry indoor heating and chilly outdoor air pull moisture from your strands, leaving them more prone to damage. Adding heat styling to the mix can make things worse:

"Exposing your hair to heat styling tools in winter is a double whammy. Why? Because your hair is already under stress from the harsh winter conditions. Adding heat on top of that can push it over the edge."

Here’s what heat styling in winter can do to your hair:

Dry it out even more
Make it brittle and prone to breaking
Remove natural oils that protect your hair
Cause split ends
Leave it looking lifeless and dull

No-Heat Styling Options

Give your hair a break from hot tools with these heat-free styling tricks:

Style Goal	Technique	Products to Use
Smooth, Straight	Wrap hair with a satin scarf	Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil
Beach Waves	Braid damp hair	Salt spray mist
Volume	Use crown rollers	Nexxus Volume Shampoo + Diametress Volume Body Gel Spray
Defined Curls	Try the plopping method	Styling mousse

Start with damp - not soaking wet - hair, and use a microfiber towel to gently remove extra moisture. This helps reduce frizz and ensures your style holds better. If you must use heat, follow these protective steps.

Safe Heat Styling Steps

When heat styling is unavoidable, combining it with deep conditioning and protective styles can help minimize damage. Here’s how to do it safely:

Prep Your Hair
Use a heat protectant and apply it evenly from roots to ends. Let your hair air-dry until it’s about 75% dry before using any tools.
Monitor Temperature
- Fine or damaged hair: 250–300°F
- Normal hair: 300–350°F
- Thick hair: Up to 375°F
Use Proper Technique
Keep your blow dryer at least 6 inches away from your scalp and always keep it moving. For flat irons or curling wands, move quickly and avoid going over the same section multiple times.
Maintain Tool Quality
Choose ceramic or tourmaline-coated tools for even heat distribution and less damage.
Schedule Recovery Time
Allow your hair 2–3 heat-free days between styling sessions. Use this time for protective styles or deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and strength.

Daily Leave-In Products

Leave-in conditioners are a great way to protect and nourish your hair during the winter months, helping to combat seasonal damage.

How Leave-In Products Help

Leave-in conditioners provide multiple benefits to keep your hair healthy and manageable in cold weather:

Retain moisture
Shield against damage from the elements
Control static and flyaways
Make detangling easier
Add shine without weighing hair down

"Think of a leave-in conditioner as a balm that kind of does it all...They can tame flyaways and add shine - even if the hair is a bit dry or damaged." - Dimitris Giannetos, Los Angeles-based hairstylist

The key is choosing a product that matches your hair type for the best results.

Picking Leave-In Products

The right leave-in conditioner depends on your hair type and specific winter needs:

Hair Type	Best Formula	Application Tips
Fine/Thin	Lightweight spray	Apply sparingly from mid-length to ends
Normal	Water-based spray or cream	Use a moderate amount on mid-length to ends
Thick/Coarse	Rich cream or serum	Apply generously from roots to tips
Color-treated	Cream with UV filters	Focus on damaged areas, apply throughout

"I recommend applying leave-in conditioners on damp hair after the hair is properly cleansed - once applied you can move forward with heat styling."

GlamGlobal Leave-In Products

GlamGlobal offers a variety of leave-in conditioners to suit every budget and hair care need:

Budget-Friendly Options ($5–$15)

Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner: $5
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioner (2-Pack): $9
Odele Leave-In Conditioner: $12

Mid-Range Solutions ($16–$30)

Andrew Fitzsimons AF1 Restructuring 10-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner: $16
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Leave-In Conditioner: $25
amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner: $28

Premium Treatments ($31+)

Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler: $38
Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner: $48

"[Hyaluronic acid] revives dry strands and restores softness in just one minute...Just like your skin, your hair loses moisture daily - from heat styling, environmental stressors, and even washing. Without proper hydration, it becomes dry, brittle, and prone to breakage."

Pair these daily leave-in products with weekly deep treatments for a well-rounded winter hair care routine.

Conclusion: Winter Hair Care Steps

Key Takeaways

Caring for your hair during winter means tackling the challenges of cold weather and indoor heating. Here's what matters most:

Deep conditioning: Weekly treatments help restore lost moisture.
Protective styling: Shields your hair from harsh weather.
Oil treatments: Nourish your scalp and keep it healthy.
Heat management: Protects hair from the drying effects of indoor heating.
Leave-in products: Keep static at bay and provide ongoing protection.

These steps are the backbone of a solid winter hair care routine.

Building Better Hair Care Habits

Consistency is key when it comes to protecting your hair in winter. Here's how to make these tips part of your routine:

Rinse with lukewarm water daily to avoid stripping natural oils.
Shampoo gently 2-3 times a week.
Deep condition once a week for extra hydration.
Use protective styles whenever necessary to minimize exposure.

"Winter weather will inevitably mean slightly different hair care, so we've put together some winter hair care tips to help you overcome the harsh temperatures, and keep your locks fresh, healthy, and hydrated throughout the season!" - Goldie Locks®

Adding a humidifier to your home can help counteract the drying effects of indoor heating. Don't forget, what you eat matters too - proper nutrition plays a big role in keeping your hair healthy from the inside out. And since winter damage can linger even after the season ends, sticking to these habits year-round is a smart move.

Adapt your routine as needed based on how your hair responds, and you'll be ready to handle whatever winter throws at you.

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