It may be a new year, but we’re all still dealing with the same cold, winter air—and the harmful effects that it can have on our hair. This season’s harsh conditions can leave strands looking dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. That’s why it’s super important to make sure you’re giving your hair a little extra TLC during this time of year.
Whether you’re a stylist worried about your own strands or that of your clients, we’ve totally got you covered when it comes to proper haircare for the colder months ahead. To help get your routine in order, The Tease tapped LA-based celebrity stylist Cherilyn Farris—who counts Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Eiza Gonzalez, and Olivia Munn as clients—to share her expert-approved tips on caring for and preventing dry, dull hair, as well as her top winter hair product recommendations from UNITE Hair. Keep scrolling for her insights.
On the common causes of dull, dry hair in the winter:
“The most common causes of dull or dry hair in the winter are the dryness of the air, the fabrics and clothes we’re wearing and not switching to hair products that can better support our hair in colder months. These things tend to allow moisture to leave the hair quicker, the same way your skin might feel dry when it’s cold and not protected.”
On the best way to prevent dull hair:
“Hair products are going to be your best friend in preventing dull hair. First, start by swapping your conditioner for a deep conditioning mask like the UNITE 7SECONDS Masque ($49.50) to boost moisture starting in the shower. You can also add extra moisture by using the UNITE 7SECONDS Detangler ($38.00) before adding other styling products. I like to add a little UNITE U Oil ($49.50) throughout my hair as the last product on wet or dry hair to seal in moisture and add shine. It also works as a barrier between the dry cold air around me.”
On the hair types and textures that are most prone to dull, dry hair in the winter:
“Damaged or weakened hair, hair with waves, curls, or coils, and hair with low porosity can all be more prone to dullness in the colder months. Highlighted, colored hair can also be more susceptible, because the process of chemically changing the color of hair can have a drying effect. The more curl or texture your hair has, the easier it is for moisture to escape the hair strands due to the natural gaps in the cuticle layer where the strands bend and curl. Hair with low porosity does not absorb moisture well, which means it will also struggle to hold onto it.”
On whether using hot or cold water in the shower makes a difference:
“Most of the year, I don’t find cold vs. hot water to have much effect on the dryness of the hair, but using steaming hot water in the winter months can contribute to your hair feeling dry. If you enter a cold environment after getting out of the shower using steaming hot water, the moisture will evaporate into the hair more quickly. I suggest using UNITE 7SECONDS Detangler immediately when you get out of the shower, before even towel drying to lock in moisture and hydration.”
On how someone can achieve a salon-worthy gloss/shine at home:
“If you are air-drying or diffusing curly hair, I would apply a generous amount of UNITE BOING Defining Curl Cream ($33.00) on soaking wet hair before stepping out of the shower, then using a microfiber towel to block excess water before styling. This will help maintain shine and hydration. If you blowout your hair, apply UNITE 7SECONDS Detangler then follow it up with UNITE 7SECONDS BlowOut Creme ($32.50). This will help your style last and lock in moisture while you dry. If you like to air-dry straight or wavy hair, try using UNITE SMOOTH&SHINE Styling Cream ($31.50) to add shine and hydration. You can also use this on already dry hair for the same benefits, plus to tame any frizz.”
For more of Farris’ haircare tips and product recommendations, be sure to follow her @cherilynrachelle on Instagram.
