Protect your hair in any weather. Source Pinterest

The 374 guide to winter hair: how to tackle dryness, frizz and breakage

As the chill beckons, don’t let your strands suffer in silence. Meet the at-home glosses and smoothing salon treatments worth knowing about

27 OCTOBER 2026

Protect your hair in any weather. Source Pinterest

As winter sets in, our hair often starts to get a little spicy. Between central heating, damp weather and increased heat styling (hi, party season), dryness, frizz and breakage can become unwelcome fixtures.

As with most things, prevention is key. Here, London hair stylist Adam Cooke explains how to adjust your routine, from the miracle masks that deserve a place in your shower to the protein treatment to ask your hairdresser about.

For dry, dehydrated hair

If your hair feels rougher and looks duller than usual, central heating could be playing a part: warm indoor air has lower humidity, which can reduce the moisture content of your strands. “This results in hair that feels rougher and drier, while also drying the scalp out too,” Cooke explains.

“During winter, hair masks are essential for maintaining moisture within the hair,” says Cooke. “They help to inject moisture deep into the hair structure while also sealing down the cuticle to stop moisture from escaping. Look for rich butters and natural oils.”

“Consider adding a salon treatment during your regular hair appointment too,” he adds. “Salon-quality products usually have higher concentrations of key ingredients and will be more effective than at-home masks. The K18REPAIR treatment is a great option.”

374 Loves: Living Proof Restore Mask

A deeply nourishing mask containing amino acids and meadowfoam seed oil - and reportedly a favourite of Jennifer Aniston’s.

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For frizz that won't behave

Between damp mornings and unpredictable weather, keeping frizz under control can feel like a losing battle.

“Professional smoothing treatments are a great option here, especially if you’re having to use excessive heat to manage your hair,” says Cooke. “They add a keratin-rich layer to the hair which fills in porous gaps and locks out the elements to prevent frizzing.”

“I also suggest a Brazilian blow-dry for clients looking to reduce frizz, which typically last three to four months,” he adds. “Although it’s worth noting that these aren’t the best option for seriously damaged or compromised hair, as heat is still involved.”

374 Loves: Maria Nila Gloss Rinse; Olaplex Number 6 Cream

For the ultimate at-home combo, Cooke regularly recommends this power duo: “Use the Maria Nila Gloss Rinse on wet hair before drying with Olaplex Number 6 Cream.”

For heat damage and breakage

With air-drying losing its appeal in winter, it's tempting to reach for heated tools more often. Start with protection: use a heat protectant as directed and avoid repeatedly going over the same sections.

Already noticing rough-feeling lengths or split ends? “It will feel extremely dry and straw-like,” says Cooke of damaged hair. “Bond-building products like K18 and Olaplex, which work internally on a molecular level to build and reconnect broken internal structures, can help. If you’re getting your hair coloured in the salon, always make sure to add on one of these treatments to prevent damage.”

374 Loves: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask; Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate range

To maintain shine while protecting against heat damage, the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is a solid option, with reported celebrity fans including Dakota Johnson and Camila Cabello. Cooke also recommends the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate range as a professional-grade, at-home solution.

For heat damage and breakage

The scalp is easy to overlook until it starts making itself known. Tightness, itching and flakes can have different causes, so don’t assume they all call for the same approach. “I wouldn’t go straight to a salon treatment - a regular at-home routine should help target and relieve the effects of a dry scalp,” says Cooke.

374 Loves: Philip Kingsley Overnight Barrier Scalp Serum; The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
Cooke’s top picks? The Philip Kingsley Overnight Barrier Scalp Serum for a dry scalp, and The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment for an itchy scalp or where product build-up is the concern.

Follow the directions carefully; persistent itching, redness or flaking deserves advice from a pharmacist or GP.