The Winter Hair Edit: How To Prep Your Clients’ Hair For The Colder Months

Winter is not too far ahead of us, meaning cold mornings, central heating, cosy knits and a little more time with the hairdryer. And as winter has its perks, our hair doesn’t always agree. As the temperature drops, our hair can start to feel drier and look a little duller, becoming more prone to tangles and breakage. So, as hairdressers, it's the perfect time to revisit your clients’ routines and help them make a few seasonal swaps. We caught up with our Shed artists, Darcey Clarke and Charlotte Singleton, for their go-to tips on keeping their clients’ hair hydrated, healthy and manageable all winter long. Let's jump in!

Just as we reach for richer moisturisers when the weather turns colder, our haircare routines could do with a seasonal refresh too. Cold weather outside and central heating indoors can leave hair feeling parched, making hydration the most important way to start. Shed artist Charlotte recommends swapping the colour-protection shampoo & conditioner for something more moisturising as winter approaches. Her pick? The Shed Thirst Quencher range, designed to help keep the hair feeling soft and hydrated without weighing it down. Charlotte also tells us, “The Shed Thirst Quencher range is also the perfect option for your clients’ winter haircare routine as it’s sulphate-free, meaning it’s a lot kinder to the hair.”

Shed artist top tip: Our artists believe it’s key to check in on how your client’s hair feels between washes. If it’s becoming dry and difficult to manage, it could be time to rethink their usual shampoo & conditioner.

If there is one extra step worth adding to a winter routine, it’s a weekly hair mask. Both Darcey and Charlotte recommend giving the hair an extra boost of hydration as the seasons change. Replacing their conditioner with a nourishing mask once a week can help improve softness, shine and manageability, particularly for hair that’s feeling dry from regular heating.  It’s also an easy recommendation for clients to maintain at home, without completely overhauling their routine.

Regular blowdries, bouncy curls and sleek finishes tend to become part of the winter uniform. But with more frequent heat styling comes a greater need for heat protection! Darcey stands by never skipping heat protection and will always reach for the Shed Force Field Heat Protection Spray before styling. It’s a simple step that helps protect hair from heat exposure and should be part of every client’s styling routine.

For Charlotte, she loves incorporating Shed’s X-in-1 Multi-treatment Spray before blow-drying, as it includes heat protection as well as nourishes and hydrates the hair. It ticks every box!

Winter hair can quickly become a little harder to manage, especially through the lengths and ends. A leave-in conditioner or nourishing hair oil can help keep things feeling smoother between washes, while helping to tame frizz and improve the appearance of dry ends.

Darcey swears by using hair oil, especially Shed’s Tropic Oil,  every morning and evening during the colder months to keep her ends feeling nourished and hydrated. She tells us, “It’s a small habit that can make a real difference to how your client's hair can look and feel from day to day.” Charlotte's finishing favourite is also Shed’s Tropic Oil, which she’ll work through the mid-lengths and ends after styling for that extra touch of shine.

Shed artist top tip: It’s key to remind clients that with Tropic Oil, a little goes a long way. Recommend a pea-sized amount when applying the oil, concentrating on the lengths and ends rather than applying it at the roots.

Scarves, chunky knits, high collars and woolly hats are all part of getting dressed for the colder weather. Unfortunately, they can also mean more friction against the hair, particularly around the neck.

Darcey tells us, “Friction from jumpers and scarves can cause knots and matting, which can build up at the back of the head.” Adding dry hair and aggressive brushing to the mix can make detangling knots that little more difficult. Her advice suggests, “Brush gently and regularly around the nape to stop tangles from building up. It’s also worth reminding clients to avoid aggressive towel drying, so definitely recommend a microfibre towel where possible and reach for a wide-tooth comb when detangling wet hair.”

Hydration is important, but healthy-looking hair also starts with looking after the ends. Split ends can make hair appear rough and contribute to further splitting along the hair shaft, so regular trims are a must when creating a winter haircare plan.

Use winter hair appointments to assess the condition of the ends and recommend a trim when needed, to ensure that any damaged hair is removed and to help maintain a neater finish for ultimate hair health through the season.

There’s no single winter routine that works for one single client. As Shed artist Charlotte puts it, the biggest tip is to listen to the hair and switch things up when needed. For some clients, that might mean swapping to a more hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and for others, introducing a weekly mask and staying more consistent with heat protection. With some amazing advice from both Darcey and Charlotte, you too can help clients build a routine that works for their hair, lifestyle and the season ahead. Don’t forget! Get your salon ready for winter by exploring the Shed range to find all the right products to help your clients keep their hair looking its best, whatever the weather.