Your scalp is itching to join your bodycare routine, and frankly, it deserves the VIP treatment. Winter has arrived, and while we’re layering on decadent face creams and body balms, the scalp is left battling harsh winds, dry indoor heat, and the relentless friction of your trusty wool beanie. The result? A parched, flaky scalp that’s begging for attention.
Is "glass hair" on your wish list? Healthy, shiny hair starts at the source. When the scalp barrier is compromised, hair follicles receive fewer nutrients, which can lead to slower growth, shedding, and more fragile strands. This season, indulge your scalp in three simple steps. Your hair will thank you.
STEP 1 - Reset with a Scalp Cleanse
Fancy holiday updos usually mean a lot of dry shampoo + styling products = more buildup. Exfoliating the scalp helps remove oils, product residue, and dead skin that can clog follicles and dull hair's natural movement. A clean scalp creates an optimal environment for healthy hair growth.
Recommended frequency:
- Normal scalp: once weekly
- Oily or heavy product user: 1-2 times weekly
- Dry or sensitive scalp: every 10-14 days
A pre-cleanse oil treatment, like OurX’s Pre-Cleanse Micro Oil, helps dissolve buildup while respecting the scalp’s natural barrier. Formulated with omega-rich oils, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, squalene, and clarifying tea tree oil, it detoxifies without stripping, leaving the scalp balanced and hydrated.
Rizos Curls Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp + Hair Rinse will leave your scalp nourished. It helps to clarify and remove excess buildup while balancing pH levels and enhancing softness and shine.
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Salt Scrub cleanses the scalp, removes impurities, and restores balance with a blend of exfoliating salts and nourishing mongongo, jojoba seed, grape seed and sweet almond oils.
STEP 2 - Upgrade Your Shampoo & Conditioner
Cold weather air pulls moisture from the scalp, leaving behind flaking, itching, and irritation. Your scalp is yearning for more hydration (and no, cocktails don't count). Switching to a more hydrating, purifying shampoo and conditioner helps reinforce the moisture barrier while keeping the scalp calm. When possible, choose sulfate-free formulas to prevent unnecessary dryness and avoid overwashing your hair to allow natural oils to rebalance.
Some of our winter picks:
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo: A replenishing, sulfate-free wash that strengthens while offering deep hydration.
Lolavie Restorative Shampoo: A restorative shampoo that gently cleanses and nourishes the hair and scalp and repairs the look of existing damage while protecting from future damage.
Rthvi Replenivate Hydrating Conditioner: Infused with botanicals such as peppermint, nettle, green tea, lavender, and rosemary to nourish and support hair health.
STEP 3 - Deep Condition Consistently
Use a weekly moisture mask for additional hair TLC and leave the treatment on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing and styling.
How often should you deep condition?
- Most hair: once weekly
- Very dry or textured hair: 1–2 times weekly
- Fine hair: every 10–14 days
Here are a few recommendations to add to your haircare repertoire:
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment: The rice protein complex protects hair from future damage, while deeply hydrating ingredients work to nourish dry, brittle hair and support healthy elasticity in your strands.
Lolavie Intensive Repair Treatment: Powered by chia seed and fruit extracts to help strengthen hair, this treatment reduces the appearance of breakage and provides ongoing protection.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector: A weekly at-home treatment that reduces breakage and visibly strengthens all types of damaged hair.
OurX Intensive Conditioning Compound: A humectant-rich mask designed to deliver long-lasting moisture and improved flexibility. Ideal for curls, coils, and textured hair.
Rthvi Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth: A hair oil that harnesses the scientifically proven power of three Rosemary forms for accelerated hair growth and scalp health.
BONUS STEP - Run a humidifier at night
A humidifier offsets the dry indoor air that wreaks havoc on your scalp (and skin) all winter long. The added moisture in the room can even help your hair look smoother by morning. Consider it your overnight secret weapon.
