Winter hair myths your stylist really wants you to stop believing

Winter can be really tough on your hair - dry air, cold winds, static, hats, and indoor heating all work against your smooth and shiny strands. But what really makes winter hair worse is the long list of myths people still believe. These misconceptions can actually lead to dryness, breakage, and frustration that’s totally avoidable.

Here are the most common winter hair myths your stylist wants you to let go of (and what you should be doing instead).

Myth 1: “I should use hotter water in winter to keep my hair healthy”

Hot showers feel amazing when it’s freezing outside, but your hair really doesn’t love them. Hot water strips your scalp and strands of natural oils, making dryness worse.

What to do: keep the temperature warm, not hot, and finish with a quick cool rinse to help smooth your cuticle and reduce frizz.

Myth 2: “I don’t need conditioning treatments during winter”

If there’s one season your hair needs extra hydration, it’s winter. Indoor heating, cold air, and constant friction from scarves and hats all cause dryness and breakage.

What to do: use a rich conditioner every wash, add a weekly mask, and consider an in-salon hydrating or strengthening treatment. These can make a huge difference in keeping your hair shiny and manageable!

Myth 3: “Wearing hats will ruin my hair”

Hats themselves aren’t the issue, it’s the friction that can cause static and breakage, but that doesn’t mean you should freeze for good hair days.

What to do: incorporate a hydrating leave-in conditioner into your routine and consider booking repair treatments. Want to take protection to the next level? Choose silk or satin lined hats, or place a silk scarf underneath your winter hat. It reduces friction, protects your hair, and keeps everything smooth.

Myth 4: “I should wash my hair less in winter to stop dryness”

Washing isn’t the enemy, it’s all about how you wash. Yes, overwashing can dry your hair, but letting oils and buildup pile up can irritate your scalp and make your hair look dull.

What to do: find your winter wash frequency (it may stay the same or decrease slightly from your other season frequency). Use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and always follow with conditioner. And if your scalp tends to get flaky in winter, a scalp treatment or exfoliating scrub can help.

Myth 5: “Hair doesn’t get sun-damaged in winter”

It does, especially colour-treated hair. UV exposure is still a factor, even on cold or cloudy days, and can lead to fading, dryness, and brassy tones.

What to do: use products with UV protection or a lightweight leave-in conditioner with built-in sunscreen. And if your colour looks dull mid-season, a gloss or toner can revive it instantly.

Canadian winter can be harsh on your hair, but that doesn’t mean you need to leave to warmer climates for 6 months! When you let go of the most common winter myths and start giving your hair a little seasonal care, you’ll notice a huge difference in shine, hydration, and overall health. Your hair will survive the cold winter season, and with the right routine, it might even thrive!

If your hair feels dry, tangled, or dull this time of year, we can help you choose the right treatments and products for a smooth, glossy winter season. Just book a consultation - we’re here to guide you through it and would love to see you soon!