We at Salon Antoine in Fairfax, VA, advocate for healthy locks of hair, but to keep those attributes during the harsh weather of winter you’ll need the appropriate weapons. As a result, we’ve decided to compile this list of winter essentials to keep your hair shiny, smooth, and soft. It all begins with getting a hair trim, so give us a call at 703-691-8878 to schedule an appointment with one of our amazing stylists today!
1. Quality Shampoo and Conditioner
While we think that investing in quality shampoo and conditioner is a good idea all year round, it’s even more crucial during the coldest months of the year. Hair is whipped around and frozen from the elements, and it needs nourishment and strengthening. Take a look at sulfate-free options which will irritate your scalp much less than their counterparts including sulfate. Called sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, these two ingredients do little more than create foam while scrubbing, plus, there are gentler, safer, and natural alternatives that accomplish the job better! Check for ingredients like glycerin, nut and seed oils, and acidic ingredients, like citric, because those are ideal for shiny, healthy hair!

2. Heat Protectant
We at Salon Antoine in Fairfax, VA, are pretty attached to our straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers. We may need an intervention, because winter is harsh enough thanks to the bitter cold without adding the damage that can come from hot tools. Luckily, we’re desperate enough to keep using them that we found some great tips for keeping your hair well-styled and well-treated! After showering (using your quality shampoos!), allow your hair to dry naturally most of the way. Once it’s considered damp, spray it down generously with a heat protectant – this is the most vital step of the process. We cannot stress how important it is to use a heat protectant. For recommendations, speak with one of our amazing stylists. Then, whip out your blow dryer and use some low heat to finish the job. Top it off with spritz from the cool setting to seal it.

3. Weekly Treatments
So, hands down, we know it’s difficult to do major maintenance every day, or even every other day, of the week. When you get home from work, you’re tired and can’t be bothered to care anymore. We can empathize. That’s alright, because a lot of the winter maintenance for you hair can be done on the weekend! Essential oil masks and conditioning treatments are perfect for some pampering, so get yourself a large jug of coconut, avocado, or almond oil and slather it all throughout your hair. Put those slick locks up in a clip and go about your business for two and a half hours, and then rinse thoroughly. The hair that tumbles across your shoulders will be baby-skin soft and luxurious.
