If you’re like most women, shiny, healthy hair seems like a distant memory right about now. The dry air outside and the incessant heaters pumping inside often wreak havoc on otherwise healthy hair. While there are obvious things that you can do to help curb the dullness — like cutting down on heat styling tools and coloring hair less frequently — there are plenty of less obvious things that can have a significant impact.
“Feed your hair!” exclaims Allison Gandolfo, a colorist at the salon at Bergdorf Goodman. “I’m always telling my clients that your hair tells me how you’re eating. Lack of nutrients in the hair will make it more dry and dull, so load up on salmon, organic chicken, walnuts, blueberries, eggs, goji berries, chia seeds, leafy greens and, of course, water.”
Celebrity hairstylist Mark Garrison singles out the importance of having a humidifier. “It’s especially important to have one come winter when the heat is cranked up. I would even have one in your office, or anywhere else you spend your day,” says Garrison. “Humidifiers keep moisture in the air, which is crucial because dry air sucks the moisture out of hair!”
Another common mistake is over-shampooing, which strips hair of its natural oils. While a few of us can eliminate shampooing from our beauty regimen, Garrison says to at least cut down on daily shampooing and add in a weekly hydrating hair mask.
Another thing affecting your hair? Water quality. “Hard water, which is water that is high in minerals, isn’t good for hair,” says Gandolfo. “It can cause buildup and make your hair look and feel dry and dull. If you live in an area with hard water, I would recommend investing in a shower filter like this one.” It’s also helpful, she says, to use cold water when washing hair and a clarifying shampoo once per month to remove excess buildup of products. (We know, cold rinses aren’t fun in the winter … but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?)
As far as hair products, steer clear of those with a higher alcohol content such as mousses, strong volumizers and hairsprays, according to Frédéric Fekkai stylist Gwen von Hofen. Cold air, von Hofen notes, actually opens up the hair cuticle and draws moisture out, leaving hair prone to static and frizz. That’s why it’s a good time to load up on styling product that treat those nuisances.
Check out our slideshow above for product suggestions to help revive hair back to its hydrated glory days.
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Help! Here's How To Revive Dull, Dry Hair
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Kérastase
Elixir Ultime Bi-Phase Oil Spray, $50 at Sephora
Oil and fine hair have never gone hand in hand — until now. This mist is designed specifically for fine hair, so you can spritz without worrying about ending up with limp tresses. The oil hydrates, adds shine and actually helps create volume. For best results, spray on fingers and then apply.
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Briogeo
Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Cap System, $36 at Sephora
You'll feel instant results after using this. Simply apply one packet of the hair mask evenly on hair post-shampoo. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes and then wash off for silky strands.
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Oribe
Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, $55 at Oribe
This is a favorite of Oribe hairstylist Adam Livermore, who recommends running four or five pumps (depending on your hair length) through damp hair. He singles out ingredients like shea butter and argan oil as being key to helping repair dry, damaged and color-treated hair.
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Moroccanoil
Clarifying Shampoo, $26 at Moroccanoil
Allison Gandolfo suggests using a clarifying shampoo once a month like this one, which smells greats and works like a charm. It's designed to remove stubborn buildup from hair, which will keep it looking lustrous and revived.
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Phyto C
Hair Repair Tonic, $90 at Phyto-C
If you have thin hair, you'll want to rush out for this product designed to add moisture while building volume — and it tackles the problem from the roots (your scalp!). Some also claim that this product has helped their hair grow faster and thicker.
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Kristin Ess
Anytime Anywhere Scalp + Hair Milk Oil, $14 at Target
This unique product has an oil and milk component that both hydrates and softens. When you're ready to use, shake the bottle to blend the two and fill the dropper. The oil helps restore moisture, while the milk adds shine and helps with texture. Bonus: You can use the blend on wet or dry hair.
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The One by Frédéric Fekkai
The Tamed One Anti-Frizz Balm, $28 at Fekkai
Gwen von Hofen recommends this pre-styler to all clients who say they don't like leave-in conditioners. Use one or two pumps before drying to help protect it from the weather and control static and frizz.
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Bumble and bumble
Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer, $28 at Bumble and bumble
Billed as a winter savior, this primer works to condition dry, coarse hair.
