Want to know how to nourish and protect your strands this winter?

Okay, it's officially freezing outside. Like so damn cold that we absolutely refuse to leave our snuggly beds. Alright, not quite, but if we could, we would. And honestly our hair and skin would probably be seriously thankful for the frigid reprieve. 

We're all over the winter body care routines, and we're totally aware that we need to change up our skin care routines (seasonal skin care is key), heck we even change our hair colour for the season. But what we haven't totally gotten behind is changing up our haircare routine. 

And boy our strands are suffering for it here people, which brought us to the realisation that we seriously need help, and professional help at that. 

Thankfully BEAUTYcrew have the brilliant Tracey Cunningham, Celebrity Stylist & Ambassador with the Olaplex Global Ambassador Board who chatted us through the changes we needed to make. So, let's see what we need to do...

Winter Haircare Routine

Look, is everyone's winter haircare routine going to look identical? Nope, but as long as you're following along with some of the hydrating steps (and not forgetting your scalp care) then you're bound to come out the other side (AKA spring), with your tresses still in tact. 

So, why is winter so impactful on your hair? 

Cunningham says, "it's important to adjust your hair care routine during the winter as the cold weather can take a toll, leaving your hair dry and brittle. During winter, combat hair dryness by switching to moisturising shampoos and conditioners with ingredients like shea butter or argan oil. By incorporating weekly deep conditioning treatments for extra hydration, you're guaranteed to rejuvenate your hair after a long winter of heaters and wind that can suck the moisture out of your roots to ends." 

Cunningham's hot tip? Wash your hair less frequently to "help preserve your natural hair oils" and of course, aim to use heat styling tools less frequently. 

Much like our skin, our hair suffers at the hands of the drastically changing temperature. And by no means are we suggesting not cranking the heater (it's the only thing getting us up in the morning TBH), but it's time to be mindful of your choices. And maybe turn the shower down from scalding to just a light searing when washing your hair (and cleansing your face). 

So, these are the steps to follow for hydrated, nourished strands...

Hydrating Winter Hair Masks

Hydrating hair masks and chilly winter evenings go hand in hand. Aside from being a seriously fantastic ritual, your strands need all the help they can get in the cooler months. And slathering your strands in a nourishing hair mask is just the thing to give them all the help they need. Most hair masks are designed to not only hydrate your hair but are also enriched with revitalising, frizz-fighting benefits. Now for our top three, because, of course we couldn't choose just one.

First up, Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Hair Mask ($53 at Adore Beauty); the luxe, omega-9 rich formula works to repair your strands from the inside out. Another of our faves? The shea butter-rich, argan oil-infused People Hair Treatment Mask ($16 at People Haircare); get ready for some deep conditioning.

And how could we miss Olaplex for their bond-building No8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask ($54 at Olaplex). Designed to turn back the clock on damage, you're going to want this in your routine year round.

Luscious Leave-In Treatments

What's the difference between a hair mask and a leave-in treatment? Honestly, everything. And when it comes to leave-in conditioners, the same rules apply. But let's talk about giving our tresses a little treat, shall we? Because, much like us, our manes deserve a little treat too. The first treat(ment) comes in form of Skelp! The Healer Serum ($23 at Skelp!), a re-balancing treatment formulated to support your scalp, ensuring it doesn't end up dried out. 

And as for Eleven's Miracle Hair Treatment ($28.95 at Adore Beauty), when they say miracle, they mean it. With a relaxing tropical scent (a must in our eyes), this leave-in conditioner-like cream keeps your strands hydrated, strengthened, protected and shiny.

Nourishing Hair Oils

If you're not using a nourishing hair oil, you're missing out (sorry). Why? Well, not only are they seriously hydrating, but many oils are now bolstered with extra treatments. Yep, it's pretty cutting edge. Case in point? The Grow Longer Stronger Nourishing Oil ($19 at Priceline), backed with not only nourishing hydrating oils but also lightweight strand-strengthening, reparative properties. 

And for all our blondies out there, Moroccan Oil's newest launch is one you're going to want in your bathroom cabinet. The Moroccanoil Purple Original Oil Treatmetn ($56.95 at Adore Beauty) has been designed to not only nourish your undoubtedly dry strands, but also tone and boost their radiance. We'll take several bottles please!

Tress Taming Hair Tools

Now, we bet you're thinking, how are hair tools going to totally transform my tresses? Well to start off, we'd be nowhere without our hair tools (um, hello birds nest) and two, they work perfectly in tandem with our haircare products to help boost the effects. First up, the handy scalp scrubber (the Straand exfoliating scalp brush, $20 at Straand, is the GOAT), working to boost your scalps circulation. Your strands will be thanking you for the extra nourishment, plus it feels like a luxe shower ritual. 

So, the handy Toni & Guy Wet/Dry Detangle Comb ($19.95 at Amazon Australia) might just look like a classic wide-toothed comb, but this handy little tool is what's going to spread your hair masks thoroughly through your strands. Yep, using it in the shower to help disperse the nourishing products while detangling is going to be a game-changer for your hair. 

But once you're out of the shower and looking to dry your strands, opt for lower heat (we all know we blast our strands). The Dyson Supersonic Nural works wonders at maintaining hair health if you're in the market for a new (luxury yet worth the splurge) hair dryer. 

Main Image Credit: @kendalljenner