Winter in Orange County is mild, but it is still hard on hair. Dry Santa Ana winds, low humidity and indoor heating pull moisture out of your hair and scalp, so ends feel rough, color fades faster and the scalp can feel tight or flaky. These are the five changes our stylists at Kija Hair Salon in Irvine suggest every winter.
1. Match your shampoo to your scalp, and wash a little less
Washing every day strips the natural oils that protect your hair, and winter air makes that loss easier to feel. Most hair types do well with a wash every two to three days. Use lukewarm water rather than hot, and choose a shampoo for your scalp, not just your lengths:
- Oily scalp: Mudmasta Oily Scalp Shampoo ($36) cleanses deeply without stripping natural oils and is made for oily scalps.
- Color-treated hair: Amatora QUO Hair Bath ($58) is a silicone-free, paraben-free Japanese shampoo with keratin and amino acids, made for colored hair.
- Flat, fine hair: Dr. All Bio Scalp Shampoo ($50) is a Korean scalp shampoo with caffeine, pea peptide and biotin that leaves hair looking fuller.
2. Add a weekly mask
Conditioner smooths the surface, but in dry months your lengths need more. Once a week, swap your conditioner for a mask and give it a few minutes to work before rinsing.
- Margaret Josefin Deep Hair Mask ($40): marine collagen and plant-derived hyaluronic acid for dry, damaged hair. Use it once or twice a week, or daily if your hair is severely damaged.
- Amatora QUO KitomasQ ($50): keratin, fulvic acid and plant oils. Apply to the ends first and leave it on for 2 to 5 minutes.
- For an oily scalp, follow the Mudmasta shampoo with Mudmasta Oily Scalp Pack Plus ($36) to keep the scalp clean and comfortable.
3. Seal your ends before heat and wind
A leave-in treatment is the easiest winter habit to keep. It goes on damp hair in seconds and protects the ends before you blow-dry or head outside.
- Amatora OQ Leave-In Treatment Mousse ($52): a light foam with ceramides and keratin. Spread it through towel-dried hair, then style as usual.
- MUCOTA CS+DD Oil Treatment ($44): a Japanese seaweed leave-in oil for color-treated, straightened or chemically processed hair.
- Margaret Josefin Intensive Hair Care Essence ($64): a marine-collagen oil that turns dry, brittle ends smooth and shiny without a greasy feel.
4. Turn the heat down
Hot tools and dry air are a hard combination. Let your hair air-dry about halfway before you pick up the dryer, use medium heat instead of high, and finish with the cool setting to close the cuticle and add shine. If you flat iron, lower the temperature and make one slow pass instead of several fast ones. On days off, try heat-free styles such as a low bun, braids or overnight twists.
5. Protect your hair outside, and keep up with trims
Wind tangles hair and roughs up the ends. Tie long hair back on windy days, never go out with wet hair in the cold, and choose a hat with a satin or silk lining, because wool and cotton cause friction and frizz. Book a trim every 6 to 8 weeks: a half-inch removes split ends before they travel up the hair.
A simple winter routine
| Step | How often |
|---|---|
| Shampoo for your scalp, lukewarm water | Every 2–3 days |
| Hair mask | Once a week |
| Leave-in mousse or oil on the ends | Every wash |
| Trim | Every 6–8 weeks |
Winter hair FAQ
How often should I wash my hair in winter?
For most people, every two to three days is enough. If your scalp gets oily quickly, wash more often with a gentle shampoo and keep the water lukewarm.
Why is my scalp itchy in winter?
Low humidity, indoor heating and hot showers can all dry out the scalp. Lukewarm water, a shampoo matched to your scalp and fewer washes usually help. If flaking, redness or itching does not settle, see a dermatologist.
What is the best treatment for dry winter hair?
A weekly mask plus a leave-in after every wash. If your hair is colored or bleached, start with the Margaret Josefin Deep Hair Mask and the Amatora OQ mousse. Our guide to caring for chemically damaged hair goes further.
Need a trim or a treatment before the holidays? Book with one of our stylists at 13925 Yale Ave, Suite 150, Irvine, open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Or shop our hair treatments; U.S. orders over $40 ship free from our salon.