Struggling to comb your hair in one sweep? Snapping? Feeling droog? Not cute, but definitely us too.
Cold air, indoor heating and dry winter winds can strip strands of moisture. Research from dermatologists at Yonsei University also found that repeated heat exposure can increase hair dryness and surface damage. That’s especially relevant in winter, when many of us lean more heavily on blow-drying and heat styling (we see you). The result? Hair that feels dry, brittle and just… blah. Luckily, your strands aren’t beyond saving.
“My hair has never been happier on paper. It’s growing, breaking less and spending most of winter safely tucked inside a protective style. So why is it that every time I take my cornrows out, it feels like they’ve spent the winter in the Sahara? DRYYY! After unbraiding them, my hair always needs reviving because it feels dry, brittle and completely depleted. I’ll be honest, I’m a lazy natural, so once my hair is tucked away, I tend to neglect it. By the time I take it down again, it needs some serious TLC.” – Ifeoma Okobi, WH Intern
If your hair is sounding suspiciously familiar, don’t panic. With the right products and ingredients, you can replenish lost moisture, tame frizz and bring your strands back to life. Here are the winter hair heroes we’d add to our routine.
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Hair Mask Deep Moisturising Rinse-out Hair Mask
When your hair feels like straw, reach for this. Powered by argan oil, the rich formula delivers an intense hit of moisture to dry, brittle strands while smoothing the hair cuticle for a noticeably softer feel. Conditioning agents continue working even after you rinse, helping hair retain moisture for longer.
Cantu Shea Butter Cream Leave- in Conditioning Repair
Shea butter is the star ingredient here and for good reason. The rich leave-in softens strands, improves manageability and adds plenty of slip, making detangling far less of a battle. Less friction also means less breakage.
OGX Rescue Fusions Shampoo and Conditioner
Cleansing dry hair without stripping it is easier said than done. This shampoo and conditioner duo nourishes hair that’s been through heat styling, colouring and environmental stress, leaving it feeling healthier after every wash.
READ MORE: From R250 Curlers To High-Tech Splurges: The 13 Hair Tools The WH Team Swears By
Inoar Glycolic Force Super Ampoule
Cold weather can leave hair dehydrated and prone to frizz. The Inoar Glycolic Force Super Ampoule uses a glycolic acid-based formula to help smooth the hair fibre and improve the condition of the hair’s surface, leaving strands looking shinier and healthier. It also supports moisture retention, making it a worthwhile addition to your routine if your hair is feeling extra thirsty this winter.
Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum
A serum that’s lightweight but still locks in hydration? Sold! This formula coats the hair shaft with lightweight conditioning agents to help prevent dryness and roughness. It also helps control humidity-induced frizz and static, reducing that fluffy, flyaway look that colder weather often brings. Unlike some serums and oils that can leave hair feeling greasy or weighed down, this one keeps strands soft without the heaviness. Bonus points: it also offers heat protection.
Mizani Scalp Calming Scalp Lotion Leave-In Scalp Moisturizer Treatment
Cold weather can make your scalp feel dry, sensitive and itchy. Calming ingredients may help reduce irritation while supporting a healthier scalp environment throughout the colder months. A flaky scalp can also contribute to dull-looking hair, so giving it a little extra attention can make a noticeable difference. This leave-in treatment is a great addition to your routine, especially if you’re focusing on hydration and length retention, as it nourishes your scalp without coating your strands in heavy product.
READ MORE: These 9 Stylist-Approved Tricks Instantly Make Thin Hair Look Fuller
The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Serum
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and this serum helps create the perfect foundation. Infused with ginger, the lightweight formula is designed to comfort the scalp while maintaining its natural balance. It absorbs quickly, making it ideal for regular use between wash days. If you’re already using moisturising leave-ins and serums on your lengths, adding a scalp serum helps tackle dryness where it starts: at the roots.
Best Silk Scrunchies (Assorted set of 4)
Unlike traditional hair ties, silk scrunchies are gentler on your strands and create less friction, helping reduce frizz while preventing unnecessary stress on the hair shaft. They also don’t snag your hair, which is exactly what we’re after. Last but not least, they’re sooo comfortable and perfect for low-tension styles like loose buns, low ponytails and braids.
Country Road Silk Pillowcase
Out with traditional cotton pillowcases and in with silk. Does your bonnet or silk scarf also seem to find its way to the next bus stop by the time you wake up? Ours too! Luckily, a silk pillowcase has your back. Unlike cotton, which creates friction as you move in your sleep, silk allows your hair to glide more easily across the surface. Less friction means fewer tangles, less breakage and fewer split ends. It also helps your hair retain moisture instead of absorbing it, so you wake up with smoother, happier strands.
Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
A wash-and-go without the actual wash? Yes, please. Curl La La Defining Curl Custard moisturises while defining curls and coils, thanks to nourishing shea butter and olive oil. The formula helps tame frizz and delivers long-lasting hydration, making it ideal for refreshing your curls between wash days. It’s perfect for those chilly mornings when washing your hair just isn’t on the cards. Moisture-locking, curl-defining and designed to help minimise breakage and brittleness, it’s a lifesaver for anyone wanting soft, bouncy curls without the crunchy finish.
READ MORE: Nomzamo Mbatha’s Haircare Routine Is Here – And It’s Surprisingly Simple
Phillips 5000 series 2100W Hair Dryer
A good hair dryer can make a noticeable difference to winter hair. Look for features like ionic technology to reduce static, a concentrator nozzle to smooth the hair cuticle, adjustable heat settings to help prevent over-drying and a cool-shot button to set your style. The Philips 5000 Series ticks every box, thanks to its ThermoShield technology, ionic care, cool-shot setting and powerful airflow.
