Between cooler weather and central heating, the change in season can take a toll on many parts of our bodies. While you may already have routines in place to combat dry skin and address your mental health, you should be sure to give your hair a little TLC at this time of year as well. Here are the products everyone needs to keep their locks smooth and shiny even when the temperature drops.
The Best Shampoos for Dry Hair
Shampoo is a staple in most women’s beauty routines, but it’s also probably the product we put the least consideration into. You of course want this workhorse to leave your hair clean and free of buildup, but a great shampoo can do so much more. Focusing on picks that have nourishing ingredients that promote hydration is key in the colder months. Above all, you want to ensure that the products you use on your hair most often don’t contain any ingredients that will actually cause damage rather than providing solutions.
Pureology’s Hydrate Shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil and contains natural ingredients like jojoba, green tea, and sage. The product is also vegan and cruelty-free so you can be confident that you’re making an ethical choice.
If you have hair that is both thin and dry, you want to look for a hydrating shampoo that will add moisture without weighing you down. Verb’s Ghost Shampoo is a great pick that will make your hair radiant and the inclusion of sunflower seed extract even provides natural UV protection.
The Best Conditioners for Dry Hair
Another essential product in our hair care arsenals is conditioner. Its main purpose is to reintroduce some of the moisture you inevitably lose when you shampoo. Don’t be afraid to leave it on for a couple of extra minutes on days when you have time for a longer, more luxurious shower.
As we age, our hair can become dryer and more brittle. Alterna’s Anti-Aging line focuses specifically on the issues that mature women face when it comes to their tresses. This conditioner uses caviar extract as well as vitamin C to keep your hair feeling smooth and fresh.
If you color treat your hair, you’re likely incurring some amount of damage every time you head to the salon. R+Co’s Gemstone Conditioner works to protect your hair and extend your color for as long as possible.
The Best Heat Protectants for Dry Hair
During the summer, it’s easier to let your hair air dry every now and then, but as the weather gets cooler it’s more likely that you’ll be applying heat to your locks. Whether you’re blow-drying, curling, or straightening, it’s important to protect your hair from the damage that high heats can create.
Featuring rosehip, argan, and coconut oils, Briogeo’s Heat Protectant Cream will keep your hair safe up to 450°F. You can keep dryness and frizz at bay by applying this before you take out your hot tools.
Ouai’s Leave-In Conditioner is a great multi-tasker, smoothing and moisturizing your hair while protecting it from high heats. Because it’s formulated as a mist rather than a cream, applying it is as easy as giving your mane a quick spritz.
The Best Hair Oils for Dry Hair
For hair that needs an added boost of moisture, good oil is essential. The idea of putting oil in your hair may be intimidating to some, but the way that these modern products are formulated will prevent your hair from ever becoming greasy. Most oils are versatile and can be applied right after towel drying or at the end of your routine when you’re done styling.
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, $38
The Olaplex system has been a game-changer, especially for women who maintain blonde hair color. Their products are specifically created to target damaged hair, and their Bonding Oil creates disulfide bonds while smoothing and even adding extra heat protection.
Ouai’s hair oil is a cult favorite because it manages to add gloss while feeling incredibly lightweight. The product works against your dry hair and split ends, and even has color maintaining properties as well.
The Best Masks for Dry Hair
The rest of the products on our list should be part of your everyday routine. But masks can be incorporated on the days where you can find a little extra time for self-care. Run yourself a bath and coat your hair in one of these picks for the ultimate decadent experience.
Living Proof has amassed many fans over the years because their products always perform exactly as advertised. This deep conditioning mask is no exception, using an amino acid complex and Tucuma Butter to seal your hair cuticles and prevent future damage.
Oribe makes luxe hair care products that are formulated with high-end ingredients. While so many products on the market are geared towards women with straighter hair types, this mask is meant specifically for users with Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 hair.
Looking for this season’s hottest hair color trends? Our guide will point you in the right direction.
