Top tips for healthier hair in winter

Bad hair days will be banished once you’ve read these top tips for healthier hair in winter. Protecting your locks during the colder months is just as important as protecting your skin. We spoke to hair expert Jane Mayhead MIT, consultant trichologist at The Maylan Centre, to find out how to keep your mane looking great in winter.

The basics

You can spot dry or damaged hair by checking the ends for splits, or find it gets particularly difficult to untangle or manage during washing. Autumn should be the time to have a good cut to remove any breakage or damaged hair, and a regular conditioning routine is essential to prepare hair for harsh winter weather. You can’t repair broken hair, but you can use products that provide a protective coating and you can also improve your diet to get the nutrients you need to help it grow and stay healthy.

Washing and conditioning

Contrary to what many people believe, frequently washing hair is actually beneficial, as long as you use a conditioner. If your hair is not particularly dirty or oily then you should choose a low-sulfate or sulfate-free shampoo. Also try to use a weekly conditioning hair mask to treat cuticles, and be wary of applying heat to hair through hot showers, intense indoor heating or hot styling tools – as this will dehydrate the hair.

The right nutrients

Maintaining the levels of vitamin D needed for hair growth can be difficult during winter, as the hours of sunshine reduce. Multivitamin supplements specifically for hair, skin and nails that include protein and vitamin D are usually recommended. Combine this with a protein-rich diet. Avoid eating anything that could compromise your immune system, such as processed and sugary foods, as the right balance of nutrients is crucial for healthy hair. Fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and fish are all great sources of vitamins and minerals, so they should be included in your diet every day. And try taking a supplement like Vega Nutritionals Multivitamin, £6.99, too.