How Dry Conditioner Can Save Your Hair This Winter

Dry conditioner isn’t a new thing but it’s definitely something worth picking up just before the cold weather hits. All that wind and rain can really dry out your strands so it’s important to keep them as moisturized as possible. Dry conditioner can definitely do that and is also pretty amazing at adding shine and preventing damage too. So if you’re intrigued or just in need of something to sort out your super dry ends then here’s what you need to know.

I. About Dry Conditioner

1. What Is Dry Conditioner?

The dry conditioner works in exactly the same way as dry shampoo except that it gives your hair more moisture rather than taking it away. It also adds shine to your hair, de-tangles, and reduces frizz as well as helps to prevent breakage when you use heat tools. So if you’re trying to prolong the gap between washes but find that your ends are getting really frazzled then this will be perfect for you.

2. How Does Dry Conditioner Work?

You can use the dry conditioner between washes to freshen up your hair. A benefit to using a dry conditioner is that it conditions hair without making your hair look wet. If dry shampoo primarily works to absorb oils from the scalp, as well as add volume and texture to hair, dry conditioner is used in other ways, such as:

Detangling hair.
De-frizzing hair.
Reducing flyaways.
Reducing static buildup (such as during winter when the air is drier).

Reducing the need to heat style, which can lead to dryness and hair breakage.
Adding softness and shine.
Providing conditioning with oils and other moisture-rich ingredients like plant extract.

3. Can You Use A Dry Conditioner With Dry Shampoo?

Yes! You can definitely use dry shampoo along with a dry conditioner. Dry shampoo is made to suck up excess oil at your roots but if you have dry ends then using both products will help to even out your locks.

4. Where Do You Apply Dry Shampoo?

It’s best to keep the dry conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends as that’s normally the driest part of your hair. You also want to avoid your roots as they can weigh them down and make them look super greasy. Just spray a little bit at a time and make sure to brush it through so that you avoid leaving any residue or using too much product.

II. The Best Dry Conditioners To Invest In This Winter

There are loads of dry conditioners out there but these four are full of hair-healthy ingredients that will keep your locks looking good for longer.

1. Oribe Soft Dry Conditioner Spray

Described as a ‘fabric softener for your hair’ this dry conditioner is made with argan oil and vitamin E to deeply nourish and add lots of shine. It’s also paraben and sodium chloride free and has UV protection which makes it ideal for colored or damaged hair.

2. Batiste Instant Conditioner Repair and Restore

Batiste was the first brand to make dry shampoo so it figures that their conditioner would be just as amazing. The formula is infused with keratin which penetrates your hair shaft to strengthen and moisturize your locks from the inside out. It also promises to tame frizz and flyaways to give you a super sleek finish.

3. Aveda Shampure Dry Conditioner

This dry conditioner is a mix of jojoba and sunflower oil which help to condition and detangle your hair. If you love your straighteners also seal your cuticles when you apply them before using heat to leave your hair feeling really silky and frizz-free. The blend of 25 flower and plant essences also makes your locks smell pretty amazing.

4. Dry Bar Detox Dry Conditioner

The Dry Bar conditioner features argan oil and mango butter to deeply hydrate your hair and combat frizz. It also uses tiare flower oil to help soften, smooth and detangle your hair to leave it looking super shiny.

III. How to Winterize Your Haircare Routine

It’s not a figment of your imagination: you really do have more bad hair days during the winter. With the cold weather and dry indoor heating, static and dehydrated strands are all too common during this time of year, the latter of which can lead to breakage. However, the silver lining is that making a few tweaks to your haircare routine can help prevent these winter side effects along with healing any existing damage.

1. Don't Ignore Flakes

With the cooler temperatures causing dryness, you might start to experience flakes even if you don’t have dandruff during the rest of the year. Thankfully, switching to a scalp-balancing shampoo can help minimize the flakes.

2. Switch To A Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner

It’s true: your shampoo can be too good at cleaning your hair. While harsh cleansers like surfactants in shampoos make hair feel squeaky clean, they’re also causing further dryness.

Those who experience dry skin or a dry, flaky scalp may want to avoid shampoos and cleansers that contain sulfates because they can dry the scalp and skin. It’s also best to avoid taking long, hot showers to warm up because hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils.

We also suggest switching to a gentle, hydrating shampoo. The same goes for your conditioner. If you find your hair is feeling dry, you can switch to a more hydrating conditioner. If you have drier hair, leaving your conditioner in for a few minutes before rinsing [it out] can help maximize moisture. Also, squeeze out the water before applying the conditioner.

3. Shampoo Less Frequently

Along with using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, minimizing how often you wash your hair can help your strands retain moisture and essential natural oils.

For those with a dry scalp, washing your hair less frequently may be helpful to maintain the scalp’s natural oils (and their moisturizing benefits). However, in reality, washing less often isn’t always an option, especially for those with an oily scalp. That’s where the nourishing products come in.

IV. Conclusion

Dry conditioners can be used at any time to add hydration or as a finishing spray to your style. If you’re between washes and prefer not to get your hair wet, a dry conditioner may be a good option for keeping your hair well-nourished while preserving your style. Plus, with a dry conditioner, there’s no need to coat hair from the scalp downward. Use it from about mid-shaft down to your hair’s ends to revitalize your look.