Help Your Hair to Survive Cold Days: Homemade Hair Masks for Winter

Last Updated on January 8, 2023 by Gaga

Countless hours go into our hair, but far too few go into its very foundation—the scalp. The critically important sebaceous glands produce sebum, a waxy substance that prevents over-drying, from it. Throughout a lifetime, however, our scalp endures chemicals, heat tools, overwashing, hormonal fluctuations, and changing weather. Alone, any one of these is enough to impair the natural oils the scalp’s hair follicles produce. But all together, they can strip away even the most basic protections.

Wintertime especially takes a major toll. Cold air, wind, rain, and snow drain the moisture from hair, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. Hiding inside is no safe bet either, as the dry air from indoor heating can strip the moisture from your locks just as thoroughly. Consequently, it’s important to educate yourself on how to prevent drying, especially during the harsh winter months. 

How to Provide Your Hair with Extra Hydration in the Winter

Once the cold rolls in, you’ll need extra protection. But you don’t have to invest in expensive hair products to achieve desirable moisturizing results. A homemade hair mask mixed with kitchen ingredients can be just the savior your hair needs on bitter-cold days

Natural ingredients such as honey, fruit, and nut oils are rich in vitamins and minerals, perfect for locking in moisture and providing additional nutrients. Better yet, you’re likely to have most of what you need already. And whatever you don’t is easily found in your local grocery store.

Just remember, you should adapt your hair care regimen as soon as the temperature drops. Deep conditioning keeps hair elastic and strong during the winter’s challenges. It is recommended that you do these treatments at least twice a month throughout the season. This will further protect your hair from tearing and drying out.

Now that you know what to do, you’ll want to start making your own moisturizing masks. Here are a few to get you started and keep your locks beautiful and healthy!

Homemade Hair Mask for Winter

1. Egg Yolk and Olive Oil Hair Mask

You will need:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Directions (1–2 times a week):

1. Put the ingredients in a bowl and mix until frothy
2. Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp.
3. Cover with a shower cap and leave for 20 minutes
4. Rinse the mask from hair with lukewarm water

2. Homemade Hair Mask with Avocado and Olive Oil

You will need:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon argan or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ⅛ cup coconut milk

Directions (1–2 times a week):

1. Smash up the avocado and add all ingredients together in a bowl
2. Apply the mixture to your hair, starting with the roots
3. Wait 30 minutes before rinsing off

3. Homemade Moisturizing Hair Mask with Pumpkin Puree and Coconut Oil:

You will need:

• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ½ tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon yogurt

Directions (1–2 times a week):

1. Mix all ingredients together
2. Apply to damp hair
3. Let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing

How to Combat Common Winter Hair Problems

1. Avoid Washing Your Hair too Often

Shampooing over frequently worsens dryness and weakens resistance to external factors. Washing twice a week strikes a near-optimal frequency. If you have problems with excess sebum, use a dry shampoo between washes to refresh your hair and give it volume and a pleasant scent.

Also, make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo that is gentle on your hair, and use conditioner after each wash. Your rinse-out conditioner should replenish moisture and add slip to minimize damage from combing and styling.

Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water (no cold water near the roots!) for smoother and shinier locks.

2. Eliminate Static Electricity

Dry air and sudden changes in temperature may cause static charge in your hair. Staticky hair is impossible to style and is prone to tangling and breakage.

To prevent the appearance of static, use an ionic hair dryer, detangle hair with static-free brushes, and incorporate static tamers into your hair care regimen.

Your clothes can also cause flyaway hair. Wool, nylon, and polyester tend to build static electricity. Choose cotton, linen, and other natural materials that will keep your hair grounded.

3. Dandruff Can Get Worse During the Winter

Dandruff issues worsen during the winter, as the cold weather and lack of humidity create the perfect conditions for a dry, itchy scalp. Unless you want the embarrassing flakes on your clothes, you’ll need a dandruff shampoo. That said, some have an intense smell and can leave your hair feeling dry. Instead, use herbal shampoos formulated to relieve dandruff without stripping natural oils.

4. Protect your Hair from the Cold

Wearing a cap when outside protects against wind, rain, and snow, but no one likes ruined hair. Some materials can make your scalp sweat and create an unpleasant smell. Avoid this by wearing a soft cap with satin or silk underneath as a lining. Silk also prevents hair from developing static or damage due to friction with the cap.

For the cap itself, choose natural materials that allow your scalp to breathe and don’t negatively affect your hair. And don’t wear it for long. Put the cap on your head just before leaving the house and take it off as soon as you get back in.

5. Keep your House Pleasantly Warm, but not Hot

If the temperature inside your home is much higher than outside, you’ve identified one of the factors that can irritate your skin and scalp.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) states, quite rightly, that 68 °F is the optimal indoor temperature. They also recommend turning down your thermostat below 68 degrees when you go to sleep.

To keep your environment humid and to protect your hair from dry air, use room humidifiers. A humidifier helps retain moisture in the room, adds moisture to your tresses, and keeps your scalp itch-free.

6. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Hair Oils

The sharp wind outdoors and the heat indoors can strip your hair of its natural oils. When this happens, your hair will start to curl in search of moisture. No one wants that annoying frizzy look.

Hot oil treatment is mandatory in winter. Simply take a little olive oil, apply it to dry hair, wrap it in a warm towel, and leave for half an hour before washing.

Use lightweight hair oil and apply it to the ends after styling to smooth staticky strands and impart shine.