10 Products Proven To Hydrate Your Thirsty AF Hair All Winter Long
In winter, the thirst is real. I'm not even talking about cuffing season. Your hair may become intensely frizzy due to plunging temperatures and dry, artificial heat. Or it might just feel like straw, snapping or breaking at any sign of friction. Either way, knowing how to hydrate your hair in winter is key.
My hair does not like any changes in weather. During the hot and humid summer months, it frizzes and falls flat. For the few short weeks during the pleasantly cool fall weather, my hair is slightly happier. It behaves for the most part, curling or straightening as I tell it to. But, when the fall air becomes a bit crisper, my hair gets crunchy just like the dead leaves under my feet. The frizz returns, but in a more manic, Albert-Einstein-esque fashion. If I don't go out of my way to layer products on my hair, any and all heat styling is out of the question.
After years of intense research and dozens of product trials, I can honestly say I've learned to tame my frizz beast and give my hair the extra TLC it needs to thrive in the dry winter air. So if you're feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of hair product choices out there, give these products a whirl to quench your strands' thirst all season long.
L'Oréal EverPure Moisture Shampoo
Ever Pure Moisture Shampoo, $8, Ulta
This shampoo has been my must-have for years. Even when I go off and explore other products, as beauty lovers are shameless about doing, I always come back to my L'Oréal EverPure Moisture Shampoo. It thoroughly cleanses hair without stripping hydration or activating unnecessary frizz. A little bit goes a very long way. A nickel or quarter size is all you need, depending on your hair length.
IGK Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub
IGK Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub, $36, Sephora
The IGK Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub is a new favorite of mine. As the weather gets cooler, my scalp flakes and becomes overly sensitive. The apple cider vinegar and walnut shell powder exfoliate dead skin and shed product buildup while peppermint oil cools and rebalances my persnickety scalp. Though most scrubs can be stubborn and stick to the scalp, this one rinses out with ease. Use once or twice a week, just like any exfoliating scrub, and you'll be glad you did.
Alterna Haircare Caviar Repair RX Instant Recovery Conditioner
Alterna Haircare Caviar Repair RX Instant Recovery Conditioner, $34, Sephora
If an alpaca might mistakenly nibble on your hair because it's so dang dry, the Alterna Haircare Caviar Repair RX Instant Recovery Conditioner ($34; sephora.com) is your antidote. It reconstructs dry and/or damaged strands and hydrates them from the inside out. If you want to get more bang for your buck, use this product once or twice a week, alternating with a basic hydrating conditioner. You'll immediately see a difference in your hair's texture.
TIGI Bed Head Colour Goddess Miracle Treatment Mask
TIGI Bed Head Colour Goddess Miracle Treatment Mask, $19, Ulta
Just like face masks, hair masks will bounce your hair back to a healthier, more hydrated state in mere minutes. You can even try multi-masking while you lounge around in a cozy robe. The TIGI Bed Head Colour Goddess Miracle Treatment Mask leaves your hair smelling like vanilla sugar cookies! If your hair is being extra rude, leave the mask on overnight under a shower cap and rinse out in the morning.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer, $28, Sephora
Applying heat to your hair can leave your strands dry, dehydrated, and prone to breakage. Spray-on protectants, like Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer defend against damage caused by straighteners, curlers, and blowdryers without weighing your hair down. This primer contains six different hydrating oils that moisturize without heaviness.
DevaCurl Supercream® Coconut Curl Styler
DevaCurl Supercream Coconut Curl Styler, $28, Sephora
If you have naturally curly hair but find your coils need even more moisture in the cold, DevaCurl Supercream® Coconut Curl Styler helps. Virgin, organic coconut oil will thoroughly hydrate your strands while corn starch fights frizz. This product works for a wide variety of curl coils. Simply change the application technique based on your hair type.
Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield
No Frizz Humidity Shield, $22, Sephora
The Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield is the ultimate frizz fighter. If you've tried nearly every trick in the book but your baby hairs just continue to have their temper tantrums, then it's time to bring out the big guns. Whether your frizz is caused by humidity or dehydration, this weightless spray will tireless fight frizz all 365 days of the year.
Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil
Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil, $22, Ulta
The Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil ($22; ulta.com) is a five-star rated product that relies on nourishing Marula oil, a natural wonder derived from the fruit of African Marula trees. It hydrates without weighing hair down, smells subtle-y delish, and can be used on both wet/dry hair to soften and add glossy shine.
It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Potion Plus Keratin
It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Potion Plus Keratin, $20, Ulta
To say that It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Potion Plus Keratin ($21, ulta.com) multi-tasks is an understatement. It moisturizes, smoothes frizz, reduces the appearance of damage, preserves straight styles, separates curls, and safeguards against heat styling. It does pretty much everything but pay your rent, but stay tuned because one day it just might.
Wella Brilliance Treatment For Coarse, Colored Hair
Wella Brilliance Treatment for Coarse Colored Hair, $14, Ulta
For under $15, you can expect repaired, detangled, and heavily hydrated hair from the Wella Brilliance Treatment For Coarse, Colored Hair. This one is specially formulated for thick hair, so you know it's heavy-duty.
FORM Multitask. Leave-In Lotion
Form Multitask Leave-In Lotion, $32, Sephora
Newly released, the FORM Multitask. Leave-In Lotion is amazing for post-shower hydration, whether you air or blow dry. It boasts a sophisticated blend of coconut, argan, grapeseed, and avocado oils that is somehow lightweight. Plus, the brand is cruelty and paraben-free.
