Cold Weather, Dry Hair: Why Your Hair Needs Extra Care in Winter

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There is something quietly wonderful about the first sign of winter, the crisp air, the early dark, and scarves pulled out of the closet again. Hair, though, feels this season differently than we do. Strands that felt soft and pliant through warmer months turn coarse, and vitality fades without obvious cause.

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Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, heated rooms pull humidity from every surface, and wool and wind work quietly against hair's texture. Hair simply asks for more attention in the winter season, and understanding why makes that easy to provide. We spoke to Clelia Cecilia Angelon, Founder & CEO of Surya Brasil, who shared insights on this.

Why Winter Wears Hair Down

Each strand is covered in tiny overlapping layers that lie flat when hair is healthy, letting light bounce off evenly. Dry winter air draws moisture out from under these layers, and that unevenness is what reads as dullness. "The scalp takes a heavier share of the strain, reacting to wind and radiator heat much as facial skin does, while oil production, one of its few natural defences, slows down. Static increases too," said Angelon.

The change builds slowly, over weeks, until hair in early autumn and hair by midwinter feel like they belong to different seasons.

Caring for Hair Through the Cold Months

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Start with water temperature

Hot water is justifiable on a cold morning, but it strips away oils from the hair faster than the cold outside air does. "A cold rinse after the wash helps close the cuticle back down, leaving hair smoother once it dries. Conditioning belongs in the routine more often through winter, since dry hair needs frequent chances to hold on to moisture," added Angelon.

Turn to Plant-Based Ingredients

Plant-based formulations have become the preferred choice for many people through the winter months, and usually beyond it too. "Botanical oils and extracts absorb into the hair rather than coating it, without the heaviness synthetic alternatives sometimes bring. Murumuru butter, açaí oil and aloe vera are among the ingredients often favoured for this reason, each drawn from traditions that have relied on them for generations," explained Angelon.

Henna is another widely used ingredient, trusted for generations to strengthen each strand and build shine gradually. Formulations rooted in Indian botanical tradition are now pairing this beloved ingredient with herbs native to the Amazon, bringing two distinct plant heritages together in a single product.

Check What Goes Into the Formula

What goes into the formula matters too. Some brands avoid ammonia and related chemicals such as ethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine, which are often linked with harsher formulations and faster processing. There are also those brands that adhere to clean ingredient guidelines, which means excluding thousands of harmful ingredients from their formulations.

Small Habits That Make a Difference

A few smaller habits matter more than people expect. Silk pillowcases cut down on friction that leaves hair knotted by morning. So does a loose braid before bed. Ends dry out first in winter, so a trim every six weeks catches that dryness before it travels upward.

The Season Rewards Attention, Not an Overhaul

Angelon concluded, "Winter does not call for an overhaul. It calls for warmth used a little more carefully, moisture put back more often than usual, and haircare formulations that earn their place in the routine. Keep at that through the coldest weeks, and the difference is easy to see by the time spring arrives."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.