Though we often think of dried-out tresses come summer from exposure to sun, sand and salt, winter air and low humidity levels don’t do our hair any favours either. 

In the colder months, dry air and especially indoor heating can cause hair to become brittle and dry. A nourishing mask can help repair – or even prevent – the damage. 

If you’re already dealing with this, or if you want to prevent it, there are many incredible treatments to turn to, some of which you can whip up in your own kitchen.

Pro tip: Don’t wash your hair as often as you do in the summer. Skipping the daily shampoo keeps the natural oils circulating, which prevents dandruff and keeps the hair hydrated and silky.

1. Avocado Hair Mask Treatment

As a natural moisturizer and nutrient, avocados contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (the “good” fats). While these oils can be beneficial to all hair types, avocados are especially beneficial for dry, dehydrated hair.

Here’s a recipe for a hair treatment good enough to eat:

1 small avocado (or 1/2 large)
3 tbsp olive oil, avocado oil, or avocado butter
1 tbsp honey (or agave nectar)
8 drops of your favourite essential oil(s)

2. Creamy Hair Butter

You can prevent breakage and dryness by protecting your hair with nourishing oils and butters. Most hair butters are a blend of butter (such as shea and cocoa butter) and oils (such as castor, coconut, and avocado oil). 

Google “hair butter recipe” to DIY one specifically meant for your hair type, or pick up one from Lush or The Body Shop.

3. Amla and Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Indian gooseberries, also known as amla, are tiny berries that grow on a tree of the same name. Often used in cooking, they are bright green and sour on their own but can add deep flavour to recipes. 

Amla has a high content of the 5-alpha reductase compound, which blocks DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and can reduce pattern hair loss in men and women.

Together with aloe vera and hemp oil, an alma hair mask balances the hair and scalp pH, moisturizes winter hair, repairs dead skin cells on the scalp, adds shine, and reduces dandruff.

Get the recipe:

4. HydraFacial Keravive

If your winter hair is in need of deeper help, HydraFacial Keravive is a unique, relaxing treatment designed to cleanse, nourish, and hydrate the scalp for fuller and healthier-looking hair.

It’s a three-step process performed by a trained professional – after cleansing and exfoliating, the scalp is then infused with growth factors and skin proteins.

See it in action, then find a spa or salon near you that offers Keravive.

5. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

No round-up of winter hair treatments would be complete without mention of cult favourite and Instagram sweetie Moroccanoil. Let this mask work its magic on wet hair for five minutes after washing and you’ll notice results immediately. 

The secret is argan oil, known for its antioxidant properties that help hydrate and condition hair back to its former glory.