Rescue Your Hair from Winter
Product images from retailers. Graphic: Style / Substance by LKS
Chilling temperatures outside and the thermostat cranked up indoors are the perfect storm for dry hair. Let’s not forget about the static electricity, too (like a human lightning bolt - zap!). Picture that mad scientist look — not a style archetype any of us are eager to endeavor.
As a color-treated blonde, this is the worst time of year for my hair. Especially since deliberately growing it out (made even more complicated since this has been a time when some people are losing their hair due to shocks to our systems). All the things that could not benefit my hair any less are happening at once. Oh joy, January!
To put action into reaction, I’ve finally worked out the rescue squad remedies that will temper the flyaways and exude smooth shine — thanks most in part to the guidance of my talented colorist/stylist, Aimee. I recognize that everyone has their own beauty preferences and products — there are tons out there — which means find what works best for you and your hair type. Perhaps some of these tips and tools are helpful along the way.
Source: Sephora
Step 1: Moisture up
After you’ve showered and washed your hair, add a generous amount of Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Mask to your towel dried hair. The instructions say to leave on for 10-minutes and then wash out. I prefer to leave in overnight and let all the moisture and mask treatment sink in.
Source: Nordstrom
Step 2: Brush in the mask
Once you’ve generously applied to Olaplex mask, brush it throughout your hair for a smooth drying experience. I love this Tangle Teezer brush - it’s gentle on your hair and helps moves the mask around - the flexible teeth minimizes breakage along the way. It washes easily after brushing, leaving no treatment mask behind for future use. You may notice that your hair feels a little “crunchy” as it dries, that’s perfectly fine. It may feel like it’s slightly wet, as well, but that’s the mask at work.
Source: Nordstrom
Step 3: Leave in and sleep on silk
A silk pillowcase is the answer to hair whether dry, dry shampooed or for overnight treatments. It’s gentle and the silk absorbs less moisture and dirt from previously sleeps. Silk also mitigates any over rubbing, reducing frizziness and prevents dryness. I have a few I change out on rotation regularly.
Source: Sephora
Step 4: Pat dry after washing
Everyone hair their preference on shampoo and conditioner, but when the time comes to wash out your leave in mask, be sure to rinse it all out like a normal cleanse and condition. Once you’ve rinsed and stepped out of the shower, towel dry your hair with a micro-fiber towel - again, helping keep frizz and friction down.
Source: Sephora
Step 5: Frizz-free layer
Part two of the Olaplex treatment that makes a big impact, No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Cream is applied to damp hair and brushed, prior to blow drying. This cream layer helps sooth and smooth the hair strands and tempers the frizz outrage.
Source: Amazon
Step 6. Blow dry in layers
The Dyson hair dryer is a client favorite and it’s definitely a worthy investment. For a next level blow dry, I reach for my reliable Revlon dryer - it lives up to its name of “Smooth Brilliance.” I tend to blow dry in three tiers/levels of hair, working my way up, starting with the under layers.
Source: Amazon
Step 7: Protect your hair from added heat
Before you hit each layer of blow dried hair, spray it with this protection coat of a subtle strong hold in straightened styling that’s weightless. Works for curling irons, too. The thermal spray adds a protective layer onto your strands when you hit them with high heat.
Source: Ulta
Step 8: Straighten
Some people add an additional layer of heat at this step, either with a flat iron or curling iron. Worth sharing my latest upgraded hot tool in the BaByliss - a reliable flat iron that’s thin, lightweight, efficient, and doesn’t pull. After much research and analysis, this straightener has won over the others to be efficient on my straightening needs (good for fine hair and a lot of it).
Source: Sephora
Step 9: Post-heat smoothing treatment
My most efficient little tool in the hair kit is the Mini Moroccan Oil Treatment. I drop a tiny dime-sized pour into my hand and run it through my fingers and then throughout my hair for a finished smooth shine. A tiny little bit goes a long way, so careful not to overdo the oil otherwise you’re back to washing your hair again for a clean finish. Spread a little bit to the tips of your fingers and gently tap the root of you hair line and part to tame the flyaways and frizz.
Source: Amazon
Step 10: Stay detangled
This lightweight spray from L’Oréal’s expert line is a mini spray to reach for regularly throughout clean hair days. Keeps hair shiny, detangled, and looking like it’s just been brushed. The scent is a bonus touch to clean hair.
Source: Sephora
Step 11: Keep it fresh
Dry shampoo is the sharpest tool in the kit. My go to is from Moroccan Oil, this one is the “Light Tone.” The offer various tones of hair colors. Whichever brand you go with, know that this will keep your hair going for as along as you need to. Your hair will thank you, too, in between elongated wash cycles for healthy hair nutrient growth and stimulation.
Source: Nordstrom
Step 12: Pull it back
In between washes, especially during low impact workouts, I reach for silk slip hair ties. Reduce crimps in hair and breakage with this easy, gentle on the strands elastic.
Affiliate Disclosure: I occasionally use affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This is at no cost to you. Thank you for continuing to support my work!
Interested in regular styling advice and shopping recommendations?
Sign up for my weekly Style / Substance newsletter…
