Caring for Hair Extensions in Winter: Tips to Prevent Dryness and Tangling

When the temperature drops and the air becomes dry, your hair isn't the only thing that can suffer – your hair extensions are just as vulnerable. Cold weather, indoor heating, and strong winds can leave your extensions looking lackluster, tangled, and brittle. But don't worry, with the right routine, you can keep your clip-in extensions and volume extensions looking flawless all season long. Here’s how to protect your strands and keep it feeling as healthy as it looks – even when the winter chill sets in. 

1. Limit Your Hair Wash Frequency

As tempting as it is to shampoo frequently, washing too often in winter can leave both your natural hair and extensions parched. Hot water strips away the natural oils that help keep strands moisturized, which is even more detrimental when the air around you is already dry. Try to wash your hair just two to three times a week, and use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo to keep things balanced. Between washes, freshen up with a dry shampoo like that from Batiste Dry Shampoo to keep your extensions looking and feeling clean. When you focus on your hair care in the winter,  you ensure your extensions and natural strands stay moisturized and healthy.

2. Invest in a Humidifier

Heating systems in the winter make our homes nice and toasty, but they can also create a dry environment that sucks moisture from the air—and your hair. Adding a humidifier to your bedroom or living room can restore moisture to the air and help keep your strands hydrated. A humidifier will reduce static and dryness, keeping both your natural hair and extensions soft and tangle-free. Try running it overnight to protect your hair as you sleep. Using a humidifier is a smart and ambient way to boost your winter hair care routine.

3. Schedule Regular Hair Trims

Winter is the perfect time to refresh your look, and regular trims help prevent your extensions from becoming unruly. Split ends can cause tangling and make extensions look ragged, so scheduling a trim every 6-8 weeks will keep everything looking neat and seamless. Plus, trimming your ends ensures it blends better with your extensions, giving you that fresh, polished finish you crave. To make sure your extensions stay in top shape, regular trims are an essential part of the best hair care for winter.

4. Reduce Shower Water Temperature

We all love a steamy shower on a cold winter day, but piping hot water isn’t your hairs or extensions’ best friend. Excessive heat opens up the hair cuticles, leaving your strands more vulnerable to damage, frizz, and tangling. Instead, shower with lukewarm water to help preserve the moisture and integrity of your strands. A cool rinse at the end of your shower can even help seal the cuticles, adding extra shine and smoothness to your hair. This simple step is one of the easiest haircare for winter methods you can do, keeping your extensions looking their best.

5. Steer Clear of Heat Styling Tools

Heat styling tools like curling irons and flat irons can be a lifesaver when you’re in a rush, but they can also dry out both your natural hair and extensions. In the winter, it’s especially important to give your strands a break from heated styling tools. Instead, let your hair air dry or opt for heat-free styling methods like braiding or using rollers. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant to your extensions to minimize potential damage. When styling, try to incorporate the best products for dry winter hair to protect your extensions from unnecessary harm, like a silicone based oil like BioSilk. 

6. Never Leave Home with Damp Hair

We get it—sometimes you just don’t have time to blow-dry your hair before heading out. But in the winter, leaving the house with damp hair can cause your hair to literally freeze, break, and tangle. Make sure your hair is completely dry before braving the cold, even if that means using a blow dryer or a quick styling tool like a hot dryer brush. This simple step will save your strands from unnecessary damage and keep them looking flawless. For optimal protection, apply one of the best hair products for winter to seal in moisture and maintain softness like Alterna’s Rapid Repair Spray.

7. Incorporate an Oil Treatment into Your Routine

If you’ve noticed your hair extensions starting to feel drier than usual, an oil treatment might be exactly what they need. A nourishing hair oil can moisturize, smoothen, and revive shine in both your natural hair and extensions. Focus on the ends where it tends to be driest, and apply a light oil treatment once a week to maintain the softness and shine of your extensions throughout the winter months. Regular oil treatments like that from MoroccanOil are the best natural hair products for winter, made from natural, high quality argan oil to keep your extensions stay healthy and manageable.

8. Stay Hydrated for Healthy Hair

Inner health is the foundation for maintaining hydrated, vibrant locks. During the winter, when the air is drier, it’s even more important to stay hydrated to ensure your hair gets the moisture it needs. Drink plenty of water to nourish your scalp, promote growth, and maintain the health of your strands. A well-hydrated body will help maintain your hair—and scalp—strong, lustrous, and more resistant to damage. Remember, the best treatment for dry winter hair comes from maintaining hydration, both externally and internally.

9. Commit to a Weekly Deep Conditioning Mask

The cold winter months can be tough on your strands, but regular deep conditioning can help immensely. A weekly deep conditioning mask will restore moisture and nourishment to your extensions, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. Look for a product that’s specifically designed for dry or damaged hair, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. The results will be silky, smooth, and manageable hair—both for your natural locks and your extensions. Adding this step to your routine ensures your dry hair in winter stays hydrated all season.

10. Top Off Your Look with a Stylish Hat

Besides keeping you warm, hats are a great way to defend your locks against the effects of the elements. A cozy beanie or stylish beret can shield your strands from wind and snow, preventing tangles and dryness. Just make sure the hat isn’t too tight, as that can cause stress on your hair. When you take it off, your strands will still look fresh, with minimal frizz and no tangled mess. A good hat can also complement the best hair care for winter, helping maintain your hair’s health despite the cold weather.

By following the best winter hair care tips, you can keep your Atelier Extensions looking shiny, healthy, and full of volume all season long. Winter weather doesn’t have to mean dull, lifeless hair—just a little extra attention and care will keep your clip-ins looking as luxurious as ever! For more detailed guidance, visit our hair extensions website to ensure your extensions stay flawless.