Exactly What To Do To Winter-Proof Your Hair, According To 3 Experts

Not to get too Game of Thrones about it, but winter is coming, and preparation is required. Wardrobe swaps are easy, but the winter haircare playbook – whether you’re switching up your cut or colour or simply protecting it from the elements – is less clear.

British Vogue tapped trusted experts, including contributing beauty editor Charlotte Mensah, trichologist Anabel Kingsley, and session hairstylist Larry King, for their advice on how to keep hair cashmere-soft this winter – plus, the cuts and colours that will leave you feeling so hot you’ll be happy to forgo the scarf.

Signs winter is wreaking havoc on your hair health

Kingsley warns that moving between the cold, damp climate and dry indoor heating – and subsequent increase in heat styling – can add up to hair and scalp havoc. “All hair types can be affected by winter weather, but some may be more vulnerable to particular changes,” she adds. “Curly, coily and naturally drier hair types can be more prone to dryness and frizz, while colour-treated or chemically processed hair may be more porous and susceptible to damage. Fine hair can also be more vulnerable to breakage, particularly when it is already weakened.” Signs that your hair may need a little extra TLC this winter include hair with increased static, tangling, spit ends and breakage. When it comes to the scalp, keep an eye out for increased itching, tightness, redness, or flaking – it might be a sign of incoming dandruff.

How to switch up your haircare routine

Contrary to popular belief, cold weather does not automatically equal less wash days. “It is important to continue shampooing regularly enough to remove excess oil, product build-up and dead skin cells,” explains Kingsley. If a snowy scalp is what’s deterring you, Kingsley recommends switching over to an anti-dandruff shampoo and maintaining your regular wash schedule. Most importantly? Focus on packing moisturising products into your routine. “I recommend regular conditioning treatments and a consistent cleansing routine to help keep the hair soft, hydrated and manageable,” says Mensah. Opt for sulphate-free shampoos paired with deep-conditioning hair masks and nourishing styling products, like Kingsley’s Elasticizer mask and Mensah’s Manketti Oil Pomade and hair oil.

When it comes to styling, limit heat and keep on top of trims to help prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft. Take care with protective styles, too: Mensah adds that braids should never be uncomfortably tight – especially around the hairline. To achieve cashmere-soft hair, both experts recommend some lifestyle changes. Mensah suggests sleeping with a silk bonnet or pillowcase to increase moisture retention, while Kingsley advises that maintaining a balanced diet and managing stress levels are key to a happy and healthy scalp. (The festive season may cause additional stress and increased dairy and sugar intake, both of which can affect scalp health.)

The cold weather cuts to try

According to Mensah and King, this winter will be all about embracing natural textures. “When it comes to cuts, I’m particularly drawn to sculpted afros, beautifully shaped curls and shorter, more structured styles. A rounded afro or a curly bob with soft layers can look incredibly chic, especially when the cut works with the natural movement of the hair rather than against it,” says Mensah. “I’m also a huge advocate for braided and sculptural hairstyles. Think elegant braided updos, intricate cornrows and traditional African threading techniques reimagined in a contemporary way. These styles have such a wonderful history, and I love how they continue to evolve.”

King agrees. On his mood board? “For anyone wanting a shorter cut, I think there are two really strong directions for winter: the ’90s boyfriend bob and the French bob,” he says. “The boyfriend bob has that slightly androgynous, centre-parted shape that can be tucked behind the ears and doesn’t need to look too perfect. Naomi Campbell in the ’90s is an amazing reference. Then there’s the French bob, a sharper, one-length cut that sits around the jawline and feels incredibly chic without trying too hard. Taylor LaShae is the ultimate reference for that iconic Parisian simplicity.” For those looking to keep their length, King suggests adding in plenty of layers to achieve a look that nods to Cindy Crawford back in the day. For a more modern reference, look no further than Sabrina Carpenter’s big, bouncy hair, which has plenty of face-framing pieces.

Spice up your colour this season

Mensah and Larry King colour specialist Harriet Muldoon both note a shift towards multidimensional tones that maintain hair health. “We’re getting a lot of requests in the salon for cinnamon, which I really feel is the spiced shade of the season. Cinnamon spice leans towards a truer red, bringing a beautiful warmth and vibrancy to the hair. It’s a wonderful autumn/winter colour because it feels bright and optimistic during the duller months ahead. I’m also loving rich espresso browns, warm chocolate and chestnut shades, which add depth and dimension to the hair,” says Mensah.

Muldoon adds that these colours – including cowboy beige, mushroom blonde, and burnt copper – are often only a few shades lighter or darker than your natural hair colour. The subtle shift makes a statement without risking damage or harsh regrowth lines. But just because the change is softer doesn’t mean you can skip out on salon time, she points out. “Most of these looks are created using highlight or balayage technique, so make sure you book in for a longer appointment,” Muldoon explains.