10 Tips for Keeping Your Hair Healthy in the Cold

Winter can take a toll on your hair. The mix of cold air outside and dry, heated air inside can lead to dryness, static, and breakage, often making your usual hair routine not quite enough. At Peach Stories, we know that winter hair care is all about hydration, protection, and a little extra TLC. London’s cold weather can leave hair feeling brittle, dull, and more prone to split ends, so adjusting your routine is key. From switching up your shampoo to embracing heat-free styling, small changes can make a big difference. Here are our go-to tips for keeping your locks looking their best through the coldest months.

1. Hydration Is Key

Cold winter air can strip moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or argan oil to keep your hair nourished. Oway’s masks are a favorite here at Peach Stories as they work both as a rich conditioner or an intensive treatment for an extra boost of hydration.

2. Lower the Heat

When it’s freezing outside, a hot shower is so tempting, but it’s not the best for your hair. Hot water strips your scalp of natural oils, so keep the temperature warm (not scorching) and finish with a cool rinse to seal the cuticle.

3. Use a Weekly Hair Mask

Think of a hair mask as your winter essential, like a cozy coat. A deep conditioning treatment once a week helps replenish moisture and strengthen your strands against breakage. For best results, apply it to damp hair, wrap it in a warm towel, and let it soak in for an extra dose of hydration.

4. Protect Your Hair from the Elements

London’s winter can be harsh, with icy winds and constant drizzle. Keep your hair protected with a beanie, hood, or wrapping it in a cute scarf, to reduce exposure to cold, dry air.

5. Manage Static with a Leave-In Serum

Cold weather and heated indoor spaces can create static and flyaways. A lightweight leave-in conditioner or serum, like our Oway Silk'n' Glow Serum or Sublime Hair Milk, or even a hair oil helps to smooth things down while keeping your hair nourished.

6. Switch to a Microfiber Towel

Traditional towels can cause friction, leading to frizz and breakage—especially when hair is already dry from the winter air. A microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt is much gentler on your strands.

7. Trim Regularly

Winter can make split ends worse, so book in for regular trims to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh. A small trim every 8–10 weeks can help prevent damage from creeping up the strands, keeping your hair healthier in the long run. If your ends start feeling dry or brittle, it’s a sign they need a little extra attention!

8. Don’t Leave the House with Wet Hair

Not only will you feel the chill, but wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. Cold weather can cause the hair shaft to expand, making it more susceptible to snapping. If you’re short on time, use a heat protectant and a quick, low-heat blow-dry to keep your hair safe.

9. Use a Silk Pillowcase

Sleeping on a silk pillowcase reduces friction and helps prevent hair from getting tangled or frizzy overnight. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference—especially in winter. Plus, silk helps maintain moisture levels in your hair, unlike cotton, which can absorb natural oils and leave strands feeling drier.

10. Nourish Your Scalp

A dry, flaky scalp is common in winter, so treat it with a lightweight oil or scalp serum to keep it balanced. Massaging your scalp also boosts circulation, promoting healthy hair growth. Incorporate this into your routine a few times a week for a healthier, more hydrated scalp all season long.

Winter can be tough on your hair, but with the right care, yours can stay soft, healthy, and hydrated all season long. Cold air, central heating, and frequent temperature changes can leave strands feeling dry and brittle, but a few simple adjustments can make all the difference. If you’re curious about our hair philosophy at Peach Stories, check out our blog Everything You Need to Know About Organic Hair Colour for more insight into gentle, effective hair care. And if you're in London and need a fresh trim, a deep conditioning treatment, or just some expert advice, come see us at Peach Stories, we’ll get your hair winter-ready and looking its best in no time.