How to keep your hair healthy in the winter

I’ve been a California resident my entire life, so when I moved to Amsterdam I prepared myself to contend with “weather”. And not just the occasional handful of days that drop below 50°F. I mean REAL winter. And although I’ve been blessed with mild weather lately, it’s still wreaked havoc on my ultra fine & colored hair. So I’ve come up a complete list of everything that has helped me over the last two winters in Amsterdam. Here are my tried & true tips for how to keep your hair healthy in the winter.

(1) Get a shower filter

When the weather is already cold, hard water can be a big contributing factor to hair breakage. Getting a shower filter has actually been the best improvement for my hair (and for moving to a new place). This is the filter I used in the US, and this is the filter I use here in Europe. Also I’m a huge fan of a hot shower, but lowering the water temperature can also be helpful.

(2) Deep clean your hair

I’m always tempted to layer on product after product to try to repair my hair. But for those products to be absorbed, you need to make sure your hair is clean – just like your skin. So make sure you’re using a clarifying shampoo or mask every few washes. Exfoliating with a scalp scrub periodically can also be a good idea, as it prevents buildup.

Clarifying Cleansers

Scalp Scrubs

(3) Wash your hair less

Although your hair needs to be clean to absorb products, washing it too frequently can make it weak & brittle. I just switched to washing my hair twice a week instead of every two days, and I’ve noticed my hair is so much healthier! Less frequent washing allows the oils from your scalp to reach your ends. Although it was a tough transition, eventually your hair will adjust and be less greasy between washes.

(4) Change up your ingredients

I have very long fine hair, so I’ve always been a fan of keratin and protein treatments. However, ONLY using protein ingredients can actually cause your hair to lose elasticity, becomes stiff & brittle, and be more susceptible to breakage. So for that reason, my hair colorist always recommends swapping in a moisture mask with ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, or jojoba oil. Find some amazing masks below (this one is my current favorite).

Lastly if you color you hair I highly recommend trying Olaplex (get a sample kit here in the US, and the shampoo & conditioner set here in the EU) which repairs broken or weak bonds, located anywhere on your hair shaft.

(5) Get the right tools

In addition to the right products, you need the right tools. Hair is incredibly delicate when it’s wet, but also in cold weather. This affordable Wet brush (EU link) is my go-to for when my hair is wet, which I’ve used for years. I especially love the mini versions (EU link) for travel. I also recently invested in the cult favorite Mason Pearson brush (EU link), which I LOVE. It’s absolutely worth the hype. I purchased the Junior boar + nylon combination brush, and it gives my hair incredible shine. It’s perfect for getting the oils from your scalp down to the ends, and it’s really delicate on fine hair.

(6) Get your supplements

Biotin and collagen are two of the most important supplements for your hair. And if you aren’t a fan of pills, there are actually a ton of ways to get these supplements into your diet. Everything from gummy vitamins, to powders to mix into your morning coffee.

Just try to avoiding mixing collagen powder into your protein smoothies. Collagen is already a great source of protein, so other foods containing protein can interfere with absorption. And of course, make sure you consult your doctor before starting any new supplements!

(7) Clean up your diet

This one is tough to hear, but it’s true – your diet has a huge impact on your hair and your skin. As I mentioned, protein and healthy fats are beneficial for your hair as treatments. But you also need to make sure you’re ingesting enough of these as ingredients as well. Eggs, spinach, fatty fish (like salmon), and nuts are all great sources of healthy proteins & fats.

And conversely, eating poorly can prevent the nutrients you ARE getting from being absorbed. Sugar can hinder the absorption of protein – including things that are converted to sugar, like bread, cakes, and pasta. Drinking alcohol can make you dehydrated, and slows the levels of zinc in your body. Don’t get me wrong – I’m all about balance (I love wine & I’m eating a breakfast burrito as I write this), so I’m definitely not advocating anything extreme. But getting out of the holiday habits of daily cookies & wine will help your hair significantly (and your skin & sleep too).

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