Winter not only brings on dry skin with its chilling temperatures and stale air circulating in the house, but it can also bring on dry hair, itchy scalps and a whole lot of frizz.
Luckily, there are countless treatments that can help relieve some discomfort and restore our locks to the luscious, shiny life it once boasted in the summer.
From the best shampoos we’ve tested for months (including options for a dry scalp) and hair masks, there are options for every hair type and concern.
Don’t forget to try one of our expert-backed heat protectants to prevent further hair damage. Perhaps you want to read our reviews of the waitlist-inducing Revlon One-Step Blow-Dryer Brush and the T3 Interchangeable Airebrush Duo for some styling recommendations, too.
Ahead, see our top recommendations to help combat dry, in-need-of-a-revival hair. With these picks, you can finally let down your top knot and embrace your healthy hair again.
1. Function of Beauty Custom Hair Mask, $19.99
If you really want to get to the root of your hair issues, consider trying out Function of Beauty’s custom hair mask that allows you to capitalize on all of your haircare goals. All you need to do is take a quick quiz! When doing so, you’ll be able to choose the scent, color and ingredients.
2. Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum, $32 (originally $38)
The GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum is great for anyone with a dry or itchy scalp, to be used as a weekly clarifying treatment to get rid of dry skin and scalp buildup. Like all of Vegamour’s products, this is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and safe for color-treated hair.
3. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, $28
Olaplex is changing the game when it comes to bringing damaged hair back to life.
The brand’s No. 3 Hair Perfector is paraben-free, vegan, sulfate-free and phthalate-free, so the only thing you have to worry about is stocking up on the whole system as soon as possible (it’s just that good).
4. Hairstory New Wash (Rich), $40
Rewrite your hair’s story, or at least add a new moisturized chapter.
Hairstory has released a new, richer formula, designed to give both a deep clean and lock in moisture to damaged and dry strands. The best part is that the bottle — or rather the bag — uses 63% less plastic than ordinary shampoo bottles and is refillable on the Hairstory site.
5. Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream, $34
You don’t need to take a trip to Morocco to indulge in the best oil for your hair and scalp. Simply pop over to Sephora’s site and indulge in Moroccanoil’s exceptional line of products.
The brand’s Hydrating Styling Cream is perfect for all hair types, giving you the ability to sculpt, scrunch and style without drying hair or feeling crunchy. Plus, the formula is made with argan oil to lock in moisture and behentrimonium chloride, which works as an anti-static to settle frizz and condition your hair.
6. Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil, $35
After a good shampoo and condition, take the final step in achieving soft, moisturized hair with a drop of Aveda’s dry remedy oil.
To be used as part of your daily routine, simply add two to four drops of the hair oil to your hands and evenly distribute through your hair, starting at the midsection and working your way down to the tips. With any leftover product, smooth lightly over your scalp to push back frizz and flyaways without leaving your scalp looking greasy or weighed down.
7. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask, $38
Listen to this product and don’t cry over split ends. Repair them instead.
Briogeo’s hair mask works to deeply condition hair, restoring moisture and shine to damaged and dry manes. Designed to be used weekly, this is an easy step to add to your haircare routine for soft hair all winter long. The formula is made with rosehip oil, algae extract, and B vitamins, each giving a natural boost to your bouncy hair.
8. Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-in Treatment, $11.49
Leave in this treatment and lock in the moisture with the power of coconut oil.
From Shea Moisture, this leave-in conditioning treatment is made from 100% virgin coconut oil, to detangle hair and then maintain moisture throughout the day while battling frizz at the same time. The formula also only uses fair trade ingredients, leaving you and your hair feeling good after every shower.
9. The Body Shop Spa of the World Polynesian Monoi Radiance Oil, $20
Get yourself an oil that can do both. Hydrate both skin and hair that is.
From The Body Shop, this oil is perfect for hydrating both skin and hair, as it uses Monoi oil to soothe and rehydrate. Apply to your hair as an oil, massaging it through your hair from midsection to tip and lightly over roots. Then, use any excess on your body as an extra boost of moisture, a massage oil, or even add to the bathtub for a relaxing soak.
10. Verb Purple Mask, $18
Those who bleach their hair know all too well the struggles of dry strands and brassy tones. Tackle both with Verb and its purple hair mask.
The hair mask works to tone bleached hair, brighten the blonde and also hydrate at the same time. Plus, it’s formulated with açai extract and pro-vitamin B5 to hydrate and soften the hair, while also neutralizing brassy-looking, yellow hues.
11. OUAI Medium Hair Shampoo, $28
As one of the best shampoos we tested for dry scalps, OUAI’s Medium Hair Shampoo is nothing short of amazing. The brand also has a wealth of shampoos and other hair products that are specially designed for thin and thick hair, too, and its unique salon-fresh scent is unmatched.
Not only will your hair look cleaner than ever but your bouncy locks will last you for a good while (depending on your hair type and routine, of course) before you need another wash.
12. Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask, $28
After trying Amika’s Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask, we can attest it makes your hair hydrated and full of shine like no other. Containing jojoba seed oil — which is jam-packed with vitamins A, D and E — and sea buckthorn — which is rich in omega 7 — this superfood mask is just as effective as it is heavenly smelling.
Plus, the brand’s shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo we tried and loved.
13. Bumble and bumble Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer, $29
This Bumble and bumble’s spray is a two-in-one primer/conditioner and perfect if you want to save a few bucks on hair products.
Not to mention, it also helps defrizz and detangle — a miracle-worker, at its core.
14. Dae Cactus Flower Leave-In Conditioner, $26
A powerhouse when paired after Dae’s Daily Shampoo and Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment, the brand’s leave-in conditioner not only protects your now-damaged hair up to 450°F, but it also leaves your locks silky smooth to let air-dry or style with a blow-dryer.
If that doesn’t already sell you, the formula works on all hair types, helps reverse the effects of damaged hair and ultra hydrating.
15. Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Oil, $46
For a sweet splurge, Gisou’s Honey-Infused Hair Oil is a no-brainer. After snagging a sample (thanks Sephora points!) I love how rich and hydrating it feels — which you want in hair oil to combat dryness, per the experts we consulted.
What’s more, the brand has a miniature size for $25 if you want to give it a go before spending a bit more.
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