Canadian winters are not kind to hair. Between freezing temperatures, constant hat wearing, and the dry heat blasting indoors, That’s why many people start noticing flakes, dullness, breakage, and hair that simply refuses to behave. If your hair feels more fragile than usual or your scalp suddenly seems irritated, you’re not imagining it. Winter creates a perfect storm of conditions that weaken hair and disrupt scalp health.
Scalp Health: The Foundation of Strong Hair
Most people focus on dry ends in winter, but the real problem often starts at the scalp. Cold air outside strips moisture, while heated indoor spaces dry the skin even further. The result can be tightness, itching, excess oil production, or flakes that look like dandruff but are often just dehydration.
A compromised scalp affects how hair grows. When the scalp is dry or irritated, hair is more prone to shedding and slower growth.
To keep your scalp balanced and healthy in winter, consider gentle cleansing and targeted treatments. The Davines Energizing Superactive serum helps support scalp circulation and invigorate fragile hair, while a shampoo like Davines OI Shampoo cleanses without stripping natural oils, preserving essential moisture that winter tends to steal. Regular use of these products helps maintain a resilient scalp, which in turn supports stronger hair growth.
Combating Breakage: Hydration and Strength
If you’re noticing more hair on your coat, scarf, or bathroom floor, winter friction and dehydration are usually the culprits. Hair becomes more brittle when it’s dry. Add in coats, clothes layering, and temperature changes, and strands snap more easily.
Breakage often shows up as shorter pieces around the crown or face, increased tangling, and ends that never seem to grow.
To reduce winter breakage, focus on moisture and strength. A weekly deep mask like Davines Nounou Hair Mask deeply nourishes stressed and fragile strands, helping restore softness and suppleness. For an added layer of shine and protection against dryness and split ends, the lightweight Davines OI Oil can be applied after washing to lock in hydration and smooth the hair cuticle. Heat styling should be limited in winter, or used with the lowest effective setting and a heat protectant, to prevent further weakening of strands.
Hat Hair, Static, and Winter Flatness
Hats and beanies are non-negotiable during the long winter months, but they bring their own frustrations. Flattened roots, bent sections, static electricity, and frizz are daily winter complaints.
Static happens because dry air allows hair to build up electrical charge. Hat hair happens because constant pressure reshapes hair as it cools, locking in unwanted bends and flatness.
To manage these issues, start with hydrated hair, because moisture reduces static and frizz. A light styling product like Davines This Is A Medium Hold Modeling Gel helps tame flyaways and keep hair in place without stiffness. When you remove your hat, change your part or gently fluff your roots with your fingers to instantly add volume. If hair tends to flatten easily, ask your stylist for a cut that maintains body even under winter layering.
Winter Hair Routine: What You Should Do
Canadian winters demand a different hair care routine. What worked in summer rarely works in January and February.
A strong winter routine includes:
- A moisture-focused shampoo and conditioner
- Weekly deep treatments
- Scalp care, not just hair care
- Heat protection every time
- Regular professional maintenance
Think of winter as repair season. It’s the best time to strengthen hair, improve scalp health, and prepare for healthy growth in spring.
When to See Your Hairstylist
If your scalp is persistently itchy, flakes don’t improve, or breakage seems excessive, a professional assessment makes a real difference. Our hairstylists at Pure Salon in downtown Montreal can recommend customized treatments and products, and help you adjust your routine to address specific winter concerns.
Montreal’s winter is harsh, but your hair doesn’t have to suffer through it. With the right care and products you can find in Canada, like Davines, that’s organic and sustainable, winter can become the time your hair starts feeling healthy again, not when it falls apart.