Should you modify your beauty routines for winter or not? That’s the dilemma. On TikTok, you’ll encounter differing opinions from self-proclaimed ‘experts’ speaking into their phones. Without any official credentials apart from their own experiences, which, let’s face it, are undoubtedly subjective.
So, I chose to consult individuals who are actually qualified to discover what exactly we’re supposed to do when the weather turns chilly. Representing haircare, we have Trichologist Robert Bradder (and just so you know, a Trichologist is someone who specializes in hair and scalp health). He’s also a Senior Educator for Wella Professionals and Nioxin, so you can be assured he knows his stuff. On the skincare front, we have Nurse Kate Sowden, Co-Founder of BeautyFULL Cosmetic Medical.
Without further delay, here’s how to adjust your beauty routine now that winter has arrived.
@devynnmadrid It could start snowing in my apartment at any moment #australianwinter ♬ original sound – ★
Winter haircare tips
What actually happens to our hair in winter?
If you feel like your hair becomes dry and fragile during winter, you’re not imagining things. Bradder explained that due to decreased humidity, there’s less moisture in the air, which subsequently dries out your hair. This can lead to breakages, split ends, and that frustrating frizz. I KNEW IT.
“During the cooler months, it’s also common for the temperature of our showers to increase, which results in hair damage,” Bradder mentioned.
I feel so called out right now. My worst nightmare has come true. Those cozy, warm winter showers strip hair of its natural oils, resulting in — you guessed it — dry, brittle, and frizzy hair. Ick. We can’t have anything nice.
@justarandomcrow ♬ Opera – Puccini – Hollywood Strings Orchestra
So, should we change up our haircare routine for winter?
Bradder’s judgment? Absolutely, you should adapt your haircare for winter. Products focusing on nourishment are the ideal choice here.
Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Miracle Hair Oil Serum
“Such as a hair oil like the Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Miracle Hair Oil Serum,” Bradder said.
Which ingredients should you look for? Jojoba oil or shea butter are excellent starting points, “as these contain a lipid that mirrors the hair’s natural lipid for enhanced nourishment and protection,” says Bradder.
His top advice is to consider your hair type. If you have fine hair, you don’t want to overload it. A gel-based moisturizer is the best choice in that situation.
System Professional Hydrate Quenching Spray
“Something lightweight, like the System Professional Hydrate Quenching Spray, is ideal because it is super light and exceptionally hydrating,” Bradder said.
What other things can we do for our hair?
Have you ever deep-cleaned your scalp recently (or ever)? Yeah, me neither.
“I like to think of hair in skincare terms,” Bradder said. “We cleanse our skin daily and give ourselves monthly facials, so why aren’t we doing the same thing for our scalp?”
Bradder recommends deep cleaning your scalp once a week (or at least once a month) for the maximum benefits and a healthier head of hair.
Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator
“Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator is wonderful as it contains cellulose microbeads that break down and exfoliate dry skin and debris for a clean scalp, while still moisturizing the scalp with aloe vera,” Bradder said.
The next thing is a hair mask (which I’m also guilty of never doing).
“Applying a hair mask is like drinking pure cordial, whereas conditioners are watered-down cordial,” Bradder said. “A hair mask has the strongest molecular effect on the head, so if your hair needs more moisture, you should definitely start looking at using intensive masks.”
You can even occasionally swap out your conditioner for a mask this winter for max moisture and shine.
Nioxin Density Defend Anti-Breakage Strengthening Mask
“The Nioxin Density Defend Anti-Breakage Strengthening Mask is excellent for any hair type, from fine to coarse hair types, as it strengthens and moisturizes the hair,” Bradder said.
What are other ways we’re damaging our hair?
On behalf of Bradder, I’m going to give it to you straight. Put down the damn hot tools without using protectant. Yes, that includes a blow dryer. A heat protector is literally what’s stopping you from frying your hair off — so I don’t want to see you near any straightener without one. Cool? Cool.
Wella Professionals EIMI Thermal Image
“Any type of thermal protection is always the way. I would recommend the Wella Professionals EIMI Thermal Image,” Bradder said.
Now we say, “Thank you, Bradder for stopping us from ruining our hair in winter.”
Winter skincare tips
How does winter impact our skin?
Just like hair in winter, low humidity combined with blasting heating and scalding showers can all dry out your skin.
“You might notice signs like tightness, flakiness, dullness, increased sensitivity or even increased redness,” Sowden told me.
I thought our skin would be more sensitive in summer with all the sweat, but winter is the true culprit here.
So, what can you do about it? Sowden recommends paying attention to how exactly your skin changes now that it’s getting colder, so you can tweak your routine accordingly.
“Your skincare routine should change and adapt to the seasons,” Sowden said. “I always think of winter as the time to nourish and protect your skin.”
@gracecjohn Anyone else feel like they’re the only one dealing with this? I have a super dry skin so it gets so much worse in the cold weather. #skincare #beforeandafter #dryskin #dehydrated #skintok #skincare101 #relatable #reaction #dryskincare ♬ origineel geluid – r & m <3 ⸆⸉
Sensitive skin winter routine
However, if your skin is as sensitive as your ex when you called them out for cheating, then you’re the outlier in this equation. Sowden advised that if you’re already using fragrance-free and calming products, then you can keep your routine the same in winter.
The only thing you’ll change is avoiding those hot showers as much as possible. Sad, I know, but your skin will thank you for it.
@benjikrol ♬ slimpetras nicki minaj pluggnrage – slimpetras
Dry skin winter routine
Does your skin feel dehydrated and have a dull complexion in winter? Then you most likely have dry skin.
Sowden recommends switching to a richer, cream-based cleanser and incorporating a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, finishing with a thick moisturizer.
Why? So you can deeply nourish, repair and stimulate collagen, which is key to brightening your skin right back up. If you’re looking for treatments, then she recommends a Skin Booster and LED Dermalux Light Therapy Treatment.
@driplist the struggle is real for us folk with dry skin😁😅 how are you guys holding up? #livinginthenetherlands #winterishere #dryskinproblems #Amsterdam #netherlands ♬ original sound – Somi Lynda💕
Oily / acne-prone skin winter routine
If you have oily / acne-prone skin like me, I’m about to call us out right now. STOP OVER-CLEANSING AND HARSH EXFOLIATIONS. This is especially true in winter, as this strips our skin, which is already agitated as it is.
On the other hand, not hydrating your skin enough can lead to increased oil production. It’s a fine line, and it’ll take some trial and error to get it right.
Don’t be mad at your skin, though, as it’s just trying to replace the lost moisture. Enter stage right: non-comedogenic moisturizers, which help hydrate your skin without clogging pores.
@leonkaretkin That one crazy aunties advice #acne #meme #foyrou ♬ original sound – Leon
Combination skin winter routine
Layering is your best friend for those with combination skin in winter.
“Start by applying a hydrating serum all over, then spot-apply a richer moisturizer to dry or flaky areas to maintain balance across the face,” Sowden said.
