Ahhh, winter hair. I forget that it’s actually a “thing” all year long. And then I’m quickly reminded with hat hair, static, and that annoying rats’ nest that happens when I wear a scarf. Winter hair is, let’s be honest – annoying. Either you fight all the knots, static and mess with every strand of your hair or you just go with the flow. I used to fight it, but learned to change the way I treat and do my hair when it’s cold out – and it’s like a smudge less annoying. Here are a few hair styles that work best for the winter. They are great for wearing a hat or for keeping (semi) untangled.

THE LOW KNOT – I talked about this one in fall hairstyles for mom. It’s a great fall/winter alternative to the top knot, mostly because it keeps the nape of your neck a little covered and it’s great under a hat. image

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PULLED BACK HALF BRAID – it looks like a summer do, but it’s really great for all seasons. You get to keep your hair down, but it also helps hold down some static. Also it could work pretty great underneath a beanie or hood. image

TOPSY TAIL – Basically a low ponytail, flipped through and down – I’m sure you remember this one from when you were younger? A great style for when you have no time (probably everyday). It looks chic and takes just a second. And when you take your hat off, you are left with this chic messy tousled look. image

TOUSLED LOW PONY – Start your ponytail out looking messy to begin with. A little hat hair will only add to the effect. image

SIDE BRAID – Probably one of my favorite go tos for a day when I know I’ll be wearing my beanie. I like to rough up my braid so it matches some of the loose peices that come out when I take off my hat. image

DEEP SIDE PART PONY – Again, keeping the nape of your neck a little warmer. Also bonus if you can cover one ear with your swoop of hair. image

CHIGNON ROLL – It’s super chic but super easy to do. There is a little tutorial on Treasures & Travels. A great chic style to wear with a thick warm scarf. image & tutorial

LOW WRAPPED PONY – A great way to protect your ends from the cold, and still cover your ears. image

So the hairstyles are great, especially since you can always just wear your hair down and call it a day. But here are a few tips on how to beat a bit of that wear and tear winter puts on your hair.

  1. Wash your hair in tepid water, rather than having that hot shower (I know a hot shower in the winter is the bee’s knees). Or at the very least rinse your hair with cool water to seal the hair cuticle and promote shine. Hot water can cause frizz by washing away natural oils, and it also dries your skin right out so you can kill two birds with one stone with this one.
  2. Really don’t want to mess your hair up? Instead of a hat, just pull your hood on or pull your circle scarf up over your head. It won’t smash down your hair as much, but it won’t prevent static.
  3. Hydrate, just like you would with your skin. A hydrating conditioner and maybe a leave in conditioner on those days when you will be out in the cold longer will really help keep your hair looking and feeling great. This also helps fight some of that winter static.
  4.  Don’t use a plastic comb. It’ll just make that static even worse. Also use a frizz control spray — even if your hair isn’t frizzy, it’ll help tame future static the day might bring. Or if you are in a pinch, try spraying some hair spray in your brush before brushing.
  5. Last but not least, wear your coat over your hair. Instead of pulling your hair out of your coat when you put it on, tuck your hair in. This will help protect your hair from the elements and help prevent that huge knot that happens when you wear a scarf (especially when you wear a scarf and a hat).

Which is your favorite winter do? Do you have any winter hair styling tricks?