Dry hair in autumn and winter: the routine against cold and heating

It's cold outside, the heaters are on inside, and your hair pays the price: it becomes dull, rough to the touch, tangles easily, and ends split. Dry hair is one of the most common problems between October and March, but with the right routine, you can keep it soft and shiny all season long. Here is how to do it.

Why hair gets dry when the cold arrives

Healthy hair has a cuticle, its outermost layer, which is closed and compact: it retains water inside and reflects light. In autumn and winter, various factors put it to the test:

• Cold air and wind outside, hot, dry air from heaters inside: hair loses water more easily.
• More blow-drying and straightening: with the cold, no one goes out with wet hair, and the daily heat takes its toll.
• Scarves, hats, and coat collars: continuous friction damages the lengths, especially at the nape of the neck.
• Hotter showers: boiling water feels good, but it strips away the natural lipids of the scalp and hair.

The sign is clear: hair that immediately absorbs any product, puffs up with frizz in humidity, and remains dull after styling.

The routine for dry hair, from start to finish

1. The right shampoo: nourishing and gentle

If your hair is dry, the shampoo shouldn't "strip" it but rather cleanse it gently. Look for nourishing or moisturizing formulas, preferably without harsh sulfates, and focus the shampoo on the scalp: for the lengths, the lather that runs down during rinsing is enough.

• Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin: for normal to dry hair, it leaves lengths soft without weighing them down.
• Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin Riche: the richer version, for very dry or thick hair.
• TIGI Bed Head Moisture Maniac Shampoo: sulfate-free and moisturizing, in a 400 ml size that lasts all season.

2. Conditioner, every time

After every shampoo, conditioner is mandatory: it reseals the cuticle, detangles, and protects. Apply it from mid-length to the ends, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse with lukewarm or cool water, which helps add shine.

A simple and very effective pairing is the TIGI Bed Head Moisture Maniac Conditioner, to be used along with the shampoo from the same line.

3. The mask: once or twice a week

This is the true intensive treatment. On towel-dried hair, distribute the mask lock by lock, comb through with a wide-tooth comb, and leave on for at least 5-10 minutes. If you have time, wrap your hair in a warm towel: the heat helps the active ingredients penetrate.

• Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense Riche: intense nourishment for thick and very dry hair.
• Alama Professional Hydra Mask: a professional moisturizing mask with excellent value for money.

You can find all the alternatives in our masks for dry hair section, or in the dry hair kits with shampoo, conditioner, and mask included.

4. Protect before applying heat

Blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons are the number one enemies of dry hair, but in winter it's hard to do without them. There is only one rule: never use heat without a thermal protector. Spray it on damp hair before drying and use the blow dryer at a medium temperature, keeping it at least 15 cm away.

The K18 HeatBounce protects against heat while conditioning the lengths, so your style stays soft and luminous.

5. The finishing touch: an oil on the ends

On dry hair, two or three drops of oil warmed between your palms and applied only to the ends will seal in moisture, eliminate the straw-like effect, and tame frizz. A little product goes a long way.

• Kérastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile Originale: a classic for shine and softness.
• Wella Oil Reflections Smoothing Oil: lightweight, perfect even for fine hair.

Small habits that make a difference

• Lower the shower temperature: lukewarm water on hair, always.
• Pat dry, don't rub: use a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt.
• Protect hair under scarves: gathering it into a loose braid reduces friction.
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase: less friction, fewer tangles, and less frizz in the morning.
• Trim the ends every 8-10 weeks: split ends cannot be repaired, they must be removed.
• Drink water and use a humidifier in the most heated rooms: your hair will thank you too.

In short

Dry hair in autumn and winter is not a life sentence: you need a gentle shampoo, conditioner with every wash, a nourishing mask once or twice a week, heat protection, and a veil of oil on the ends. With this routine, followed consistently, your hair will remain soft, shiny, and easy to comb until spring.

Not sure which product to start with? Write to us: we will recommend the routine best suited to your hair type.