8 Solutions For Winter Hair Woes

Let’s face it, the cold season & your hair aren’t friends. Hair can take longer to dry, heating can suck out moisture, scarves can cause static frizz… the list goes on. So at this time of year, you’ve likely mastered the art of layering & wrapping up but not how to combat your winter hair woes. 

But while the cold front brings a host of concerns, we’re here to tell you that you don’t need to bid farewell to gorgeous healthy tresses. Whether you’re battling the aftermath of hat head or dealing with straw-like locks, these eight hair hacks will put an end to your stressed-out strands.

1. Frizz

Scarves, hats & dry air can cause a lot of static & frizz in winter, especially if you like to sport a spot of wool or cashmere during the cold months. It’s the number one hair enemy of the season, but luckily, there are a few things you can do to achieve frizz-free hair from the get-go:

• Use Moroccan oil on your hair while wet to decrease the frizz factor. Not only will your hair feel stroke-ably soft, but it will also help keep your style in place.
• Choose a hair dryer designed to combat frizz. VS Sassoon’s Frizz Defense AC Salon Dryer features super frizz defense technology to eliminate static & condition hair cuticles for a smooth, glossy finish. Try a frizz-free hairstyle like a low twisted bun tied with a scrunchie or a beautiful, braided crown.
• Look for static sheets for hair to counteract static, flyaways & frizz on the go.
• Switch your regular shampoo & conditioner to hydrating alternatives, & always use a heat protectant before using a dryer or straightener.
• Invest in a silk pillowcase to help smooth out your strands while you sleep.
• Get the ultimate straightener for frizz-fighting magnificence - the Steam Straight Brilliance infuses steam moisture into your thirsty hair. Smooth, glossy, & long-lasting straightness has never been this easy to achieve.

2. Straw-like Strands

 

Cold temperatures can really take a toll on your hair, making it dry, brittle and, well, feeling just like straw! 

A moisture injection from a hydrating mask can be exactly what your tresses need, though try to limit use to once or twice a week to avoid your hair becoming dull from all the product you use. 

You can also try a coconut or argan hair oil to help lubricate the cuticles & put moisture back into your strands. These oils work especially well when left on overnight. 

Choose your styling tools wisely. VS Sassoon’s Hydro Smooth Fast Dry is a winter hair life-saver designed to replenish dull, dry hair thanks to its plasma conditioning ions. This clever technology leaves hair in better condition, so it feels healthier, smoother, glossier, & frizz-free when used consistently, meaning you don’t have to avoid heat styling in winter!

And you can’t beat the versatility of the 7-in-1 features from the Air Style Brilliance. More than a winter warrior, this 7-in-1 darling is a superhero. Check out what this multi-talented winter essential can do:

• Dries – use the concentrator to pre-dry your hair, ready for unleashing all the other styling options
• Curls – pop on the conical curling attachment & voila – you’ll be a curly girly
• Straightens – for root-level volume & long straight locks, this 2-in-1 attachment is for you
• Smoothes – the special paddle attachment allows drying & smoothing in the same stroke. The bristles hold your hair in place to get all that shiny, sleek goodness
• Volumises – want more volume? We hear you, & that’s why we designed the oval brush attachment with detangling bristles. Salon perfection at home
• Texturizes – keeping things natural? You’ll love the 38mm round thermal barrel with ball tip bristles
• Shapes – does your shorter hair, fringe or ends need some shape? The 20mm soft brush attachment gives you smooth, precise shaping.

If straw hair is an issue for you, you MUST watch this hair transformation by Love Island's @cassielansdell. In just 2 weeks, her hair was in better condition, more hydrated & glossier. It's a bleach blonde dream.

3. Irritated Scalp

Winter is upon us, & it’s time to rehab your scalp. 

Your scalp is skin, so it contains oil & sweat glands just like any other area on your body. It’s integral to your hair health, but cold weather & dry heat from radiators can strip moisture out. 

When that happens, it can cause problems like itching, irritation, flaking & sensitivity, so it’s essential you take the time to keep it healthy. The good news is there are lots of easy things you can do to soothe your scalp.

First things first, lay off the shampoo. 

Shampoo contains surfactants, which clean your hair but can dry the scalp. Try washing your hair a little less in winter & look for products free from sulphates, as they can strip it of its natural oils. 

One thing you can do more of is condition your hair. Look for a deeply moisturising conditioner & apply it regularly alongside a hair mask or hydrating oil once or twice weekly. Think of it as moisturising dry skin. You can apply it to the whole of your head or just to the scalp using a cotton tip. 

If your scalp feels irritated & itchy, look for a serum with anti-inflammatory properties like tea tree or lavender & leave it on overnight to let it really work some magic

4. Hat Hair, Knots, & Matting

One upside to winter is getting to wear cute beanies that not only keep us warm but save time spent on styling in the morning. But the truth is, hats encourage limp, shapeless hair. 

But before you whip your knit off, there are a few hair hacks you can try to combat the effects of flat hair syndrome so you can carry on looking cute all season long.

First things first. Don’t put your hat on until your hair is 100% dry and, if recently blow-dried, 100% cool. When it’s time to take your hat off, try flipping your hair upside down to revive it or wear it in a loose braid. 

If your style needs a little extra work, use the Air Style Brilliance or keep your space-saving Hydro Smooth Straight & Curl at hand to straighten, curl or wave your hair post-hat at work, in the gym or on your commute.

‘Tis also the season for scarves, jumpers & thick coats. Hats look great, but they can be tough on your hair. Not only are they a static nightmare, but your hair can get caught up & tangled in all the layers, leaving you with a matted mess. 

You can prevent this with some clever styling techniques (& it’s a good excuse to have some fun with your hair!). The best hairstyle to avoid knots at the nape of your neck is a high hair ‘do like a top knot or ponytail. Here’s an easy way to do it right:

1. Brush your hair into a high pony, then divide the ponytail into two strands. 
2. Take the strands & twist them before wrapping them around your hair tie. 
3. Use bobby pins to secure, then slightly pull the hair out to create volume. 

You can watch a great tutorial here. 

If you prefer a low style, you can also opt to braid your hair to the side or use the Frizz Defense Salon Straightener or Steam Straight Brilliance to create a poker-straight pony that’s right on-trend.

5. Split Ends

Split ends & flyaways are caused by damage & dehydration, & that can escalate in winter when your hair is more likely to dry out. 

Regular haircuts are crucial to combatting this damage, so don’t slack off from your winter salon appointments! A fresh cut will keep your hair looking & feeling healthy — & it’s the only way to remove split ends permanently. 

We recommend using & oils to strengthen your hair & seal cuticles to temporarily hide damaged ends between appointments.

If winter split ends are a problem for you, choose hair stylers engineered to protect your hair. The Hydro Smooth Fast Dry & Steam Straight Brilliance are great options to give split ends the split. 

6. Use Reverse Hydration to fight winter hair problems

Ready to turn your hair care routine on its head? Well, actually, let’s pop it in reverse. 

Reverse hydration is simple to do. You condition your hair first & then wash it with shampoo. Due to the natural oils from your scalp, it’s best to use the conditioner on the bottom 2/3's of your hair. 

Leave your conditioner in for the same time as you usually do. Rinse, ideally with cold water, but we know that’s brrrrr’eath taking in winter. Shampoo like you usually would. Rinse clear & style as usual.

Reverse washing allows the open pores of your hair to be filled with conditioner first, which locks in all the goodness. Any excess conditioner & oils are then washed away with shampoo.

More moisture = less split ends.

• Use your usual hair care products
• Perfect for thin, fine hair as it won’t be weighed down by excess conditioner or oils
• Naturally oily hair can also benefit from reverse hydration as any excess is washed away

7. The best products to style & protect your hair

Two winter hair woe warriors:

Are you ready to get serious about fighting that winter frizz & damage? Well, say hello to the latest & greatest in frizz-free winter hair care technology. Oh, & we’re all for the warm & fuzzy winter feels, but there ain’t no fuzzies here, we promise:

Why we love Steam Straight Brilliance for winter hair:

So why should you join the steam team? The Steam Straight Brilliance will be your friend with benefits:

• Moisture-infusing - the power of steam hydrates each hair cuticle, leaving your hair feeling softer, more polished & satiny to the touch
• Fights frizz faster - hydrated hair resists style ruining humidity
• Lasts longer - for perfectly smooth poker-straight results proven to last up to 24 hours*
  ^ VSS9900A has been tested by independent laboratories for clinical studies with 31 female users. Individual results may vary depending on environmental factors, hair texture and condition.
• Quick for more efficient styling
• Gentle – the combination of steam & smooth flexing titanium plates work in unison to achieve a gentle but sleek & long-lasting style

Why we love the Hydro Smooth Fast Dry for winter hair - a winter wonder that’s in season all year round:

• Plasma conditioning ions – bring back your hair’s balance with the hydrating & replenishing ions for healthier, shinier, all-around spectacular winter hair
• Ceramic technology – minimise heat damage with fast drying to lock in shine
• Powerful – you get complete control of the 2100W motor & high Torque DC Fan System.

8. Lack of inspo

You may find yourself in a styling rut with all these problems to battle. But it’s time to beat the boredom & get creative with one of these great styles perfect for cheering up cold winter days:

Double pony braid – One of our current favourites, check out the TikTok tutorial to get this one yourself. This one ticks so many boxes from the gym to work, then a special night out. Here’s how to do it:

1. Pull half your hair into a high pony & the other half into a low pony. 
2. Plait the top pony to a length just below the low pony & secure. 
3. Pull the low pony through the last section of the top plait, combine the hair, & continue plaiting till the end. 

Such a statement.

3 top hair trends - Not one, not two, but three stunning TikTok styles to inspire away those winter blues. But which will you choose? Braided pigtails, middle part slick with braided pony, or middle part low braided pony?

These are all so perfect, why not try all three?

Or try these other great styles for more hair inspo:

Half-up fishtail braid - We love a half-up, half-down ‘do, especially when it involves a cute braid! Get the look:

1. Part your hair, gather at the crown of your head & tie off. 
2. Gather a two-inch section from just above the crown on one side, then split it into two strands. 
3. Take a small piece from the outside of one strand & cross it over to join the other strand. 
4. Repeat on the front strand, joining a small piece of hair into the outside section. 
5. Keep repeating until half the hair has been braided in this way. 
6. Tie off & repeat on the other side of your head. 
7. Cross the two fishtail braids over one another at the back of your head & secure them with bobby pins. 

You can either leave it like this for a crown effect or braid the back ponytail section too. Watch a tutorial here for inspiration.

Dreamy Curls - For effortless curls & waves, look no further than VS Sassoon’s Curl Secret Optimum that curls anytime, anywhere in seconds! Simply choose your temperature based on the type of curl you desire, then place your hair in the curling chamber & let the styler do the rest for you. Here are a few easy hairstyles for inspiration (click on the link for a hot how-to):

1. Plaited Top Knot  
2. French Roll
3. Plaited Side Ponytail

Curtain Bangs - Why not try an on-trend curtain fringe this winter for a brand new look in minutes? They are so easy to style, too; use a round brush & quality dryer to blow out & down. Use your fingers to tease into place, & you’re done!

Ballerina Bun - A classic bun never fails to look sleek & is a great way to control winter frizz. Here’s how to get the look:

1. Simply pull your hair back into a ponytail using a brush, then secure it with an elastic. 
2. Twist your ponytail into a tight rope & wind it around the base of your ponytail. 
3. Fasten with another hair elastic or bobby pins & finish with hairspray to hold.

Love your style, from the VS Sassoon team xx