Pro Tips For Winter Hair Care

While we’re stuck in these dry and cold Canadian winters, our hair is definitely in need of some extra nourishment and hydration to combat common winter hair issues like dryness, dullness and even dry scalp. It can be a challenging process to find the right products that fit your individual hair needs, which is why we’ve tapped celebrity hair stylist and Chatters brand ambassador Cindy Duplantis for her top winter hair tips and product picks! —Noa Nichol

Hi Cindy! Tell us about yourself to start.

I’ve been all over the world as a Redken artist and educator, instructing hair stylists on the latest techniques; now, I love to share my knowledge on Instagram! When I’m not working behind the scenes at Fashion Week,or appearing in guest spots on the Marilyn Denis Show, you can find me behind the chair at the Chatters Square One location in Mississauga, Ontario.

Winter’s still upon us. Is it true that the cold season means different challenges/needs for our hair? Why?

Yes this is absolutely true! In the Winter months we are dealing with extremely dry conditions and drastic changes in temperature. Just as you change your clothing for the Winter months for better protection against the elements, the same goes for your hair! In the winter, we should be changing up our routine starting with what we have in our shower. A great hydrating shampoo/conditioner like Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner is the best place to start to help maintain moisture and keep static at bay during these dry months. In addition, you should be adding these three items into your routine:

• Serums like the VERB Ghost Oil are great for adding in moisture and protection on days that are extra dry / harsh cold temperatures. This oil is for all hair types, is super light, and can be applied to wet and dry hair so you can take it on the go!
• Hair Masks like the Design.ME Gloss.ME Hydrating Treatment Mask are great to use every wash to add an extra boost of hydration and shine to dull, dry and brittle hair.
• Leave-In Treatments like the UNITE 7 Seconds Detangler are great to use before styling on wet hair, it will help to give more control and playability while also protecting your hair against harsh weather all day long. Another bonus of UNITE 7 Seconds Detangler is that it has UV and Thermal protection, making it a great multi-purpose product.

How can we best address some winter hair concerns, like dry scalp and dryness in general, via products/styling?

The biggest winter hair concern we see is dry scalp and scalp build up. Scalp health is super important all year round, but primarily in the winter as it becomes dryer and as we’re more likely to be covering up our heads. A few of my favourite products to maintain scalp health throughout the colder, dryer months are:

• Scalp Scrubs & Cleansers: COCO & EVE Like A Virgin Deep Clean Scalp Scrub, DRYBAR On The Rocks Charcoal Scalp Scrub and DEVACURL Buildup Buster Gentle Clarifying Cleanser
• Treatments & Masks: PAUL MITCHELL Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment and GOLDWELL Kerasilk Revitalize Rebalancing Scalp Foundation
• Exfoliants: VERB Ghost Exfoliating Scalp Nectar, VIRTUE Refresh Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, DEVACURL Scalp Puri(pH)y Easy-Rinse Exfoliating Spray
• Serums, Supplements & Oils: DEVACURL Scalp D(pH)ense Daily Nourishing & Protecting Serum, VIRTUE Refresh Topical Scalp Supplement

Working these items into your daily and weekly hair routine will ensure that your scalp is moisturized and protected all winter long!

Does a change of season (winter to spring; we’re sure it’s coming!) necessarily mean a total swap-out of products for new ones, or more of an adjustment?

If you’re in the position to purchase a new shampoo/conditioner, I highlighly recommend swapping out your entire routine! Like previously mentioned, we change our clothing in the colder months for better protection against the elements, and same goes for your hair. For the winter months, consider swapping in a shampoo/conditioner that helps provide some extra hydration. Increase your use of serums, leave-ins, masks, treatments and scrubs to help infuse moisture, prevent static and dryness, and to help maintain scalp health. If you had left over shampoo/conditioner from summer and fall that you’re not ready to part with, don’t sweat it! Save the remaining product for when you need to transition back to warmer months, or transfer it to a travel sized bottle and use for vacations!

What’s in your winter hair-care arsenal?

For myself, I definitely swap out my entire routine as the seasons change as hair and scalp health is really important to me (duh!). My current go-to items for keeping my locks luscious during harsh winter months include:

• Shampoo / Conditioner: COCO & EVE Like A Virgin Super Hydrating Shampoo & COCO & EVE Like A Virgin Super Hydrating Cream Conditioner
• Hair Mask/Treatment: PUREOLOGY Hydrate Superfood Treatment
• Leave-In: LOMA Leave In Conditioner
• Hair Oil (for my curly hair!): OUIDAD Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment

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