Winter Hair Care Tips: Why Your Hair Feels Thinner and Drier in Cold Weather and How to Fix It
Jeremy JoyWhy Your Hair Feels Thinner and Drier in Winter and the Easy Changes That Bring It Back to Life
It’s mid-October in Australia. You’re hustling to your next meeting, braving the freezing winds while dodging piles of snow on the sidewalk. Your coat is buttoned up, scarf wrapped tight, and gloves snug—but your hair is left unprotective and without a beanie? That’s a different story. One glance in the mirror after battling the winter weather, and you know exactly what I mean.
It’s dry, frizzy, and full of lifeless strands. The static refuses to settle, and no amount of curling or product seems to do the trick anymore. Winter can be pretty brutal on hair. At EZZ DNA, we understand it all, because we’ve experienced it.
From brittle ends to dull roots, winter hair woes are common, but with the right care and a bit of expert advice, you can restore your hair’s natural bounce and bring it back to life, even in the chilliest months.
How Cold Weather Disrupts Hair Growth
As explained in our previous blog, we talk about The Science of Hair Loss and Hair Growth Products where it talks about how your hair growth cycle goes through several phases, and external stressors like cold weather can slow these phases down.
When you step outside and winter hits your scalp and strands, they don’t just get cold, they also go through real biological stress. The drop in temperature and humidity changes how your hair and scalp behave, slowing your growth cycle and making your locks feel thinner, weaker, and less vibrant.
The reduced circulation and nutrient supply mean your strands don’t get what they need to thrive, leading to more noticeable shedding during winter. Here’s how the cold quietly works against your hair’s health:
1. Reduced Blood Flow to the Scalp
Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, which limits the flow of oxygen and nutrients that your follicles need to grow healthy strands. This reduced circulation can push more hairs into the resting (telogen) phase of the growth cycle, leading to more noticeable shedding during winter.
2. Dry Air and Indoor Heating Strip Away Moisture
Winter air outside is dry, and indoor heating only makes it worse. Together, they draw moisture from your scalp and hair shaft, leaving it brittle, dull, and prone to breakage. Without enough natural oils (sebum), your scalp can also become flaky or itchy which is a sign it’s struggling to maintain balance.
3. Lack of Sunlight and Vitamin D
Less sun exposure during winter means less Vitamin D, which plays a key role in the anagen (growth) phase of your hair cycle. Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to weaker follicles and slower growth, making your hair look and feel thinner over time.
4. Seasonal Stress and Hormonal Shifts
Shorter days, colder weather, and lifestyle changes like staying indoors more can increase stress levels or disrupt your sleep, both of which can throw off hormonal balance. This stress response can push your hair into the shedding phase prematurely.
5. Overwashing or Hot Showers Make It Worse
It’s tempting to take long, hot showers during winter because of its heat, but the heat strips your scalp of natural oils even faster. Combine that with frequent washing, and your protective moisture barrier becomes compromised leading to frizz, split ends, and a dry scalp environment that isn’t ideal for growth.
Signs That Your Hair Is Struggling in Winter
You might not notice it, especially during winter, when you’re juggling work, social plans, and everything in between. But knowing the signs that your hair is struggling during this cold weather helps you take action before the damage worsens. Here are signs that your hair is struggling during this winter:
- Increased Dryness and Brittleness: Hair strands feel rough, straw-like, and break easily due to moisture loss in the air and on your scalp.
- More Hair Shedding: Just like in any other season, you may notice extra hair on your brush or pillow. This happens because the colder months cause a longer resting phase in the hair growth cycle.
- Scalp Flakiness or Irritation: A dry, tight, and itchy scalp with visible flakes often signals dehydration, lack of moisture, and sensitivity caused by the cold and indoor heating.
- Lack of Shine and Softness: Hair looks dull and lifeless because natural oil production decreases and moisture evaporates more quickly in cold weather.
- Static and Flyaways: Winter’s dry air increases static electricity, making hair harder to manage and messy-looking as it constantly tries to fly away.
If any of these signs feel familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is that by recognizing them early, you can adopt targeted winter hair care habits to revive and protect your strands and your hair doesn’t have to suffer through the colder months.
How to Support Healthy Hair in Winter
Cold weather will always be there, nevertheless, you can counteract its effects with proper care and attention. Here are some tips to keep your hair from becoming dull and lifeless during the winter season:
1. Moisturize Regularly: Use hydrating shampoos and conditioners that contain nourishing ingredients like argan oil, keratin, or hyaluronic acid. These help seal in moisture and prevent breakage caused by dryness.
2. Avoid Overwashing: Washing your hair too often strips it of its natural oils. Try to wash your hair only two to three times a week and use lukewarm water instead of hot to avoid further dehydration.
3. Massage Your Scalp: A gentle scalp massage improves blood circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. You can do this with your fingertips or a scalp brush for a few minutes daily.
4. Use Scalp Oils and Serums: Applying nourishing scalp oils helps restore moisture and soothe any irritation, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth.
5. Nourish from the Inside Out: A balanced lifestyle is key. Eat foods rich in biotin, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E. Supplements like those from EZZ DNA can also support hair growth and strengthen roots during the colder months.
6. Protect Hair from the Cold: Just as you protect your hair from heat, do the same during winter. Wear a hat or scarf outdoors to shield your strands from harsh winds.
7. Limit Heat Styling: Even if you want styled hair, avoid excessive blow-drying, straightening, or curling. If you must use heat tools, apply a thermal protectant spray to prevent damage.
8. Deep Condition Weekly: Apply a deep-conditioning treatment or hair mask once a week to restore moisture and elasticity. Focus on the ends, where dryness and damage appear first.
9. Stay Hydrated: Always keep yourself hydrated no matter what season, but most especially in winter when colder air robs your hair of moisture. So, drink plenty of water—hydration from within is just as important for your scalp and hair as external products.
10. Choose the Right Hair Accessories: Use silk scrunchies or clips that don’t pull or break your strands. Avoid tight hairstyles that can cause tension or damage when your hair is already dry.
11. Trim Regularly: Regular trims every 6–8 weeks prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, keeping your locks looking healthy and full.
12. Use a Humidifier Indoors: Indoor heating reduces moisture in the air, which can dry out your scalp and hair. Using a humidifier helps maintain balance and keeps your strands from becoming brittle.
13. Switch to a Microfiber Towel: Traditional towels cause friction and frizz. Gently pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt to reduce breakage.
14. Be Gentle When Brushing: Brush from the ends up to avoid tugging or pulling. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush on damp hair to prevent breakage.
15. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase: Cotton absorbs moisture from your hair, while silk reduces friction and helps retain shine and hydration overnight.
Protect Your Hair This Winter with EZZ DNA
Australia’s winters are tough, but with the right knowledge and care, your hair doesn’t have to suffer through the colder months. With the right routine, mindful care, and nourishing habits, you can maintain strong, hydrated strands all winter long.
At EZZ DNA, we believe winter hair care is all about hydration, nourishment, and protection. By incorporating simple yet effective practices and using hair growth products that help your hair grow and stay protected, you’ll keep your hair looking vibrant and full throughout the season.
Need expert advice or want to find the best products for your winter hair routine? Visit EZZ DNA today and let us help you embrace winter with healthy, beautiful hair.
Remember, your hair deserves the same care as your skin this winter. Feed it, protect it, and watch it thrive with EZZ DNA Hair Growth Products which are powered by science and inspired by you.
