Winter Hair Care: Best Practices for Women Over 50
The combination of cold temperatures, dry indoor heating, and blustery winds can wreak havoc on the health and appearance of our hair this time of year. I know mine becomes even harder to style because the static electricity ramps way up. So to help, Iāve decided to dive into the best practices for winter hair care for women over 50.
In case you missed them, I’ve shared several other posts on my haircare routine, as well as some of my favorite products in these posts:
- Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer Black Friday Sale
- The Zuvi Infrared Hair Dryer Iām Trying For My Thinning Hair
- Haircare Products I Use For My Over 50 Thinning Hair
- Cruelty-Free Hair Products I Swear By
Winter Hair Care for Women Over 60
Hydration is Key
The cornerstone of any effective winter hair care routine is hydration. Just as our skin tends to become drier in colder weather, our hair requires extra moisture to combat the harsh conditions. Start from within by ensuring you stay adequately hydrated. Drinking enough water not only benefits your overall health but also reflects positively on the condition of your hair.
When it comes to external hydration, choose a nourishing shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for mature hair. Look for products that contain ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, as these can provide intense moisture without weighing your hair down.
Gentle Cleansing
Frequent washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it more susceptible to the drying effects of winter. Consider washing your hair less frequently, perhaps 2-3 times a week, to allow your scalp’s natural oils to nourish and protect your hair.
When you do shampoo, opt for a sulfate-free, moisturizing formula. Sulfates can be harsh on mature hair, contributing to dryness and frizz. Additionally, use lukewarm water instead of hot water to wash your hair, as hot water can strip away essential oils.
Iāve dabbled with lots of shampoos and conditioners but never found one I like as much as Olaplex. I use this Blonde Enhancing Shampoo every fourth time I wash it to keep it from yellowing. Every product in their line is paraben, sulfate, phthalate, gluten, and cruelty-free, so I feel as good about using them as they feel on my hair. Itās highly moisturizing and leaves my hair feeling healthier and looking shinier. The No.5 Maintenance conditioner helps hydrate my hair without weighing it down.
After washing, I now squeeze the water out of my hair with my towel rather than rubbing it vigorously. Then, I comb it with this wide-tooth comb before I add any products.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Treat your hair to a weekly deep conditioning treatment to replenish lost moisture and strengthen the hair shaft. Choose a product with ingredients like keratin, collagen, or biotin, which can help repair and fortify aging hair.
For an at-home deep conditioning treatment, consider using natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil. Warm the oil slightly and apply it from root to tip, leaving it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it out. This DIY treatment can work wonders in restoring shine and manageability to your winter-weary locks.
Protective Styling
Winter weather, with its combination of wind and cold, can lead to increased breakage and split ends. Protective styling is an excellent way to shield your hair from the elements. When using heat styling tools, be sure to apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage. Additionally, consider giving your hair a break from heat styling whenever possible, allowing it to air-dry naturally.
I’ve been using the Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer for almost 6 months, and it leaves my hair very shiny, silky, and feeling healthy. I pair it with a round brush to help add extra body, too.
Speaking of volume, I swear byĀ these velcro rollers. My ultra-fine, thinning hair needs all the help it can get, and a few moments in these rollers after I dry it or while I shower gives it a nice lift.
Scalp Care
A healthy scalp is the foundation of beautiful hair. Unfortunately, winter weather can lead to dryness and flakiness, causing discomfort and potentially contributing to hair loss. Combat these issues by incorporating a gentle exfoliating scalp treatment into your routine once a week.
Choose a product containing ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to gently remove dead skin cells and promote a healthy scalp environment. Follow up with a soothing, hydrating scalp oil to nourish and moisturize.
Trim Regularly
Regular trims are essential for maintaining the health and appearance of mature hair, especially in winter. Trimming every 8-12 weeks helps prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, reducing the risk of breakage. Additionally, a fresh trim can add bounce and vitality to your hair, combating the dullness that can accompany winter weather. I just got a major chop today, so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do with it tomorrow.
Nutrition Matters
A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is fundamental to healthy hair. Ensure you’re getting an adequate intake of nutrients like vitamin E, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, which all play crucial roles in promoting hair health. If necessary, consider taking supplements to fill any nutritional gaps. I take a ton of them, just as a precaution. Biotin is often touted as the miracle nutrient for hair growth. I’m not sure that’s true, but beware that it will affect the results of some blood tests, so be sure to tell your doctor if you take it.
Do you do anything differently with your hair in the winter? What are your favorite products?
Thank you for covering the hair subject again. You are brave to let us see exactly what your hair problems are about. Nothing like a picture! So many of us seem to have an ongoing problem with our hair. I really had a chuckle seeing you in rollers too. But this is a good solution as it doesn’t apply heat to hair or much stress either. I use rollers sometimes too. But the game changer for me is my shampoo and conditioner. We made the down size move to a lovely 55 plus golf community. The water here is very harsh and wreaked havoc with the texture of my grey hair. I have a lot of chin length grey hair, and I was getting a bushy, frizzy head. I tried so many products until I tried Beautycounter. I never expected it would totally take care of my problem, but It did. My hair is back to being smooth. I don’t have any weird feeling in my hair either like you get with silicon type products. Beautycounter uses natural ingredients. Anyway, this is just to let others know about it. I’m a believer! It is expensive compared to over the counter products, but you really do use about half as much. Be stingy with it, because you need less than a dime size. Anyway, I don’t have any financial interest in the company. I just think their hair shampoo and conditioner are a miracle.
Thanks for sharing with us, Lynne. I have not tried their products but I’ve heard good things about them.
Jennifer , what hairspray do you use?? I find h
Even a light hold tears out my hair when I brush out at night
I use this Kevin Murphy Flex. Itās not sticky at all.
Another thing that can lead to flaky scalp and scalp irritation are scented shampoos and conditioners. I’ve been using Paula’s Choice fragrance free shampoo and conditioner and have been very pleased with them. They aren’t cheap but they last a long time.
Hey Jennifer, I want to thank your brave dear spirit for sharing such timely and informative tips for helping me navigate this time in my life. The wardrobe previews that provide also give me some ideas of current fashions before I head out on my own to shop. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
Carolyn
Merry Christmas!
I am almost 76 and my hair is fine, but pretty thick. Based on your recommendation, I bought the Zuvi dryer. I love it! It actually dries my hair faster than my other dryer, and maybe it’s my imagination, but I do think my hair is shinier. Thanks for recommending a great product! (And thanks for the discount code!)
Iām glad you love it too. It makes my hair very shiny!
I use olaplex also andhave been for several years ! My hairdresser swears by it ! They now have a dry shampoo too! Smells great
Thnking about the hairdryer !
I didnāt know they make a dry shampoo. Iāll have to check it out.
Hi Jennifer,
Do your velcro rollers pull hair out when you remove them? I have Drybar ones & they pull hair out. Maybe I should try yours?
They do unless I remember to unroll them rather than pull out. Try that first.
My hair is oily year round. I find I have to wash at least every third day. I use EvolVh Ultrashine shampoo and conditioner. I use a fine mist of leave in Smart Start. I also style with Aussie max hold mousse. My hair has natural waves and curl that I wear in a chin length bob. I let it dry for half an hour then I use my electric curl brush to smooth and style. It is very dry here in southern Colorado and colder now so the furnace is running which dries out my hair a little but static is the problem. She I spray a little Smart start on my hands and rub them together then smooth over my hair. It makes my white and silver stripe hair shine.
I use all of these hair care products, thanks to following your posts. I am so grateful! I was planning to ask you which of the velcro rollers you use and how you place them, but you answered my question with this post. Thank you again. I cannot afford the Zuvi Halo dryer, but I’ve set my blow dryer to cool whenever I use it for styling. I am about to start using minoxidil too. Again, I am grateful for all you share!
Best of luck with the minoxidil. You have to keep using it but Iāve had great success.
I found that Velcro rollers pulled out my hair when I removed them. Does that ever happen to you? If so, do you have any strategies to avoid that problem? Thanks. Anne
Yes! Unroll them rather than pulling them out. Itās much easier on your hair. My hairdresser suggested it and it helps.
Your posts are the best! So real, so familiar feeling, and so informative. Thank you for showing me a face that I can relate to. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Thanks for being here! Merry Christmas
I use velcro rollers at times, but i love velcro clips I got on Amazon. I put them at my part and crown on dry hair for additional lift. I look like a Yorkie pup but they work.
Those sound interesting. Googling now…
Great post! I, too, have thin, fine hair. After trying different hair stylists I have finally found a replacement hair stylist. She really gets my hair.
I struggle with dryness also and have found a marvelous shampoo, AOB, actually itās from Canada, it smells awesome and leaves my hair feeling hydrated and shiny. It comes in a squeeze package that is convenient and different. I highly recommend it. Have a wonderful Holiday Season and please keep these posts coming. I look forward to them every day.
Canada do have some amazing things and people :). I’ll google that one. I love tubes for convenience.
I love my velcro rollers too! After I dry my hair I put them in then spray my hair with hairspray. I leave them in 10-15 min and then when I take them out…. just enough body and bend in my hair. The grand children think the rollers are hysterical but I don’t care.
They work miracles on my hair!
I think I do use more conditioner in the winter which can make my hair rather flat so regular haircuts really help for me. My hair is short so to get any body I need the right product for sure. Thanks for the great info. š²
The Zuvi Halo dryer is the best investment Iāve ever made for my fine, thinning hair. Thanks for this tip. Itās pricey, but what a difference it makes!
Iām glad youāre loving it too!
Love that first picture! You reminded me of Phyllis Diller. lol
lol!
Jennifer, thank you for this winter hair advice. My hair looks just like yours in the first photo but worse! It gets sooo dry. I’ve taken your advice and ordered the Olaplex deep conditioning and look forward to trying it. Stay warm and happy holidays!
Happy holidays too, Barbara!
Thanks for the info. I live in Florida and Victoria BC and Iām in Victoria for the holidays my thin straight fine hair is struggling. Iāll use your tips for sure!
A lot of timely information packed in your blog this morning!
Hydration is so important during these winter months. Iāve cut back on how many times I shampoo my hair weekly and try to let it dry a bit before applying any heat. This is pretty big deal for a girl who for years, shampooed her hair daily!
There are a ton of products available depending on your unique hair texture, style or length. Believe me, Iāve tried so many.
Thank you for so many useful options!
I can remember in high school when my hair was so oily I felt I could wash it twice a day. Big change now. I only wash it a few days a week now.
I āwashā my hair with conditioner between shampoos quite often. It refreshes my hair nicely. I also wash and rinse with as cool a water temperature as I can. My color lasts much much longer since I started doing so.
Love your posts.
Thatās a clever idea.
Happy Holidays Jennifer, wishing you and your family a beautiful and blessed Christmasš have loads of fun, laughter and love.
š„ to a new year!
Thank you so much Pat. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas too.
Like you I use several Olapex products, also a Bumble (Bb) shampoo which is a moisturizing shampoo too. I have it professionally done-blown out each week before the weekend too and itās pretty healthy for a 70-something. I have been blessed with good hair genes, if there is such! Lol. Total washingās per week are 2-3 (3 times more in summertime when itās hot and humid). Your hair has been looking pretty great I think, so whatever youāre doing, keep up!
Bumble and Bumble products get very good reviews. Thanks for reminding me about them.
Hi Jennifer,
You look terrific in that top photo! I realize you were being silly, but I think a short spiky hair style would be so flattering on you. You always look lovely, but that top photo really shows off your personality.
I’ve been reading your blog for many years, and always enjoy it. Thanks for the huge effort it takes!
Thanks Judy. I did wear my hair spiked up when I was younger, although not quite as wild.
Your “crazy hair” photo is fabulous! I don’t look that good after styling my hair! And windblown ? Forget it. I know you worry about your hair, but anyone who can look that good with messy hair must be doing something right.
lol, thanks Susan. I was having a little fun after taking out my Velcro rollers.
Much needed advice. Also, thanks for adopting my hairstyle today, lol!
lol! Xo