The cold winter months are slowly approaching which means you might be thinking about switching up your skincare and haircare routines.
Skincare switches often get more attention — but haircare switches are equally important to remember. You know the way you might swap out your lightweight moisturizer for a thicker one in the winter? The same logic applies to your hair care routine.
Think about it: the cold temperatures outside and heat blasting inside can actually be pretty damaging to your hair.
To help with this, I did some research and spoke to several experts on the topic to find out how to properly care for and protect your hair in the cold, harsh winter.
They are:
• Lauren Udoh, creative director of WigReports.
• Samanatha Denis - licensed stylist, founder of Allyoos hair care line.
• Tom Smith, evo European Creative Director.
• Elle Westby, stylist and co-founder of Gem House.
• Sharie Wilson & Tonya Thompson, founders of DreamGirls Hair.
• Madison Keene, Research and Development Specialist for Not Your Mother’s.
• Paul Labrecque, master stylist and colorist of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa.
• Kiyah Wright, celebrity hairstylist.
• Jon Reyman, celeb stylist & Dyson global styling ambassador.
• Oliver Adams, Wella colorcharm top artist.
For starters, it's important to know how the change in seasons can affect your hair.
With that in mind, here are expert-approved tips, tricks, and advice on how to best care for your hair as temperatures drop. If you have some to add, share in the comments!
1. Secure your hair into a ponytail or bun before you go outside so it doesn't have to battle coat collars, scarves, and the changing elements as much.
![The back of a girl's head and her hand is holding her hair in a ponytail](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/8/22/asset/03eb6ce1bc83/sub-buzz-2613-1639001805-44.jpg)
2. If you're dealing with knotty, static-prone hair, use a natural bristle brush to gently calm everything down.
![A bristle brush with a wooden handle against a white background](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/8/22/asset/2808e55d4e15/sub-buzz-500-1639001942-7.jpg)
3. Hairspray can also help lessen static — but it's about applying it to your clothes and your brush, not just your hair.
![A black can of hairspray being sprayed](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/9/16/asset/26dc677b48cc/sub-buzz-4089-1639066610-1.jpg)
4. If you're applying a hair mask, cover it with a shower cap to retain even more moisture.
![Hands putting a mask in hair](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/8/22/asset/9d11efc76d34/sub-buzz-2579-1639002206-2.jpg)
5. At the same time, know how often you should use hair masks for your specific hair type.
![person putting a mask on their hair in the tub](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-01/5/18/asset/a37283c50177/sub-buzz-942-1704480587-1.png)
6. Don't underestimate the power of oils.
![The back of a head with hands in the hair](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/8/23/asset/17b44e454878/sub-buzz-2743-1639007340-25.jpg)
7. Or, go the DIY oil route — and reach for the tried-and-true combo of coconut and castor.
![A coconut cut in half next to a jar of coconut](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/10/17/asset/d5be68e156f8/sub-buzz-4475-1639157017-35.jpg)
8. Swap out your regular shampoo for a moisturizing one.
9. Nourish your hair with supplements.
![A hand with three vitamin capsules in it](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/8/22/asset/03eb6ce1bc83/sub-buzz-2637-1639002090-5.jpg)
10. Limit your use of hot tools — and if you *do* use them, don't skip the heat protectant.
![Hair on a round brush being blowdried](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/8/23/asset/26dc677b48cc/sub-buzz-2754-1639007448-1.jpg)
11. If you have curly hair, use products that pair well together to keep your curls frizz-free.
![A dollop of hair product in the palm of a hand being put into hair](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/9/16/asset/2808e55d4e15/sub-buzz-1998-1639066553-15.jpg)
12. If you have extremely dry hair, consider skipping the shampoo every other wash — or altogether.
![The back view of a woman washing her hair in the shower](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/14/16/asset/2808e55d4e15/sub-buzz-12106-1639498837-16.jpg)
13. And if all else fails? Ask your hairstylist or haircare professional for advice if you're not sure where to start.
![A woman sitting in a hair salon's chair with her hairstylist touching her hair](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-12/14/16/asset/3b2158fd97e0/sub-buzz-2549-1639499107-8.jpg)