Whilst we know that cold weather can have a negative impact on our skin (read my Hydrating Serums post here if you're looking to upgrade your Winter skincare routine), it can be all too easy to forget that our hair and scalp can also benefit from a helping hand (or two) during this time of the year.
My hair is naturally very dry and I've been dealing with a sensitive scalp since I was a teenager. Most of the time, I can slap on a good hair oil or mask once a week, and everything will fine and dandy as long as I avoid SLS in my haircare (I discovered a few years ago that this was the main ingredient that was causing my scalp to become drier than the Sahara desert - ditch it if you think it could be a problem for you too!). However, when Winter hits and especially when temperatures drop to freezing, I have to give my cold-battered tresses and dried out scalp some extra TLC.
So if your hair is feeling drier than usual or your scalp is starting to drive you insane, here are some products that I've been using recently which can definitely help. You can also use them at any time of the year if you have dry hair, a problematic scalp and/or have been hitting the curling/straightening irons too hard!
Specially formulated for problematic scalps and clinically developed to help treat dryness, dandruff, and inflammation/irritation, Tony Maleedy's naturally anti-mitotic Juniper Scalp Therapy Shampoo is one of those products that I wish I had known about sooner. It features six natural plant oils which are revered for their therapeutic and antibacterial properties; Niper Oil, Corn Mint Oil, Thyme Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Rosemary Oil and Eucalyptus Oil. They not only help with dryness but also improve the overall health of the scalp, that in turn can help to reduce hair loss and provide the right conditions for healthy hair growth as well. It smells strongly herbal as a result and you need to leave it on to do its magic for a good five minutes or so before rinsing, but I've found this shampoo so useful for getting rid of a dry and flaky scalp quickly and saw a noticeable difference after just one wash. Although it feels gentle, it is quite clarifying as these kinds of shampoos often are, so it's something that I would alternate with another shampoo if you wash your hair frequently. Highly recommended though!
Natura Siberica Alladale Repairing Natural Hair Mask* (120ml, £7.99, link)
This affordable hair mask is an excellent repairing treatment for anyone who has dry or damaged hair. The superstar ingredients in this mask are Scottish Wild Thistle and certified organic Siberian Cedar that help to deeply strengthen and moisturise damaged hair within just 5-7 minutes. It has a lovely texture and performance wise, it beats some of the higher-end haircare products that I have in my bathroom, making it a fantastic budget-friendly discovery. If you colour your hair a lot or are simply a little too heavy handed with heated styling tools, this hair mask is a must-try. 98% natural and created in collaboration with the Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the Scottish Highlands which you can find out more about here.
Organic Shop Organic Avocado & Honey Express Repair Hair Mask* (250ml, £2.49, link)
Another hair mask that my dry hair has been lapping up recently is from the Organic Shop. Their Organic Avocado & Honey Express Hair Mask is 99% natural, free from parabens, silicones, mineral oils and SLS, and features certified organic Avocado Oil and Honey to restore weather-beaten hair to its former glory. It has a reassuringly thick consistency that spreads onto the hair easily and can be used as a quick and easy 2-3 minute treatment as and when you feel your hair needs that extra shot of hydration. Amazingly, this hair mask is only £2.49!
Natura Siberica Professional Oblepikha Scalp Scrub* (200ml, £5, link)
Lastly, for this feature I wanted to give a special mention to this Oblepikha Scalp Scrub which is from the Natura Siberica range (you know something is Winter-friendly when it uses plant extracts from Siberia!). If you have a dry and flaky scalp, you'll want to include some kind of exfoliating product in your haircare routine to remove that build up of dead skin cells, and a scalp scrub does this job beautifully. This one utilises a range of wild-harvested Siberian Herbs and also includes Altai Sea Buckthorn, Argan Oil, Calendula, Amino Acids and Raspberry Seeds, to give a seriously deep exfoliation that stimulates the scalp, helping to boost blood flow to the hair follicles, balance sebum production and keep dandruff at bay. It's a little tricky to rinse out all of the scrubby bits (this isn't something that you can do in five minutes!), but the results are definitely worth the extra effort and I love how refreshed and clean my scalp feels afterwards.
What are your favourite hair products for Winter?
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