Experts reveal how cold weather affects hair and the products consumers will be looking to use

As weather warnings are issued across the UK, some areas are expected to see temperatures plunge as low as -10C. When it comes to beauty routines – it’s not just skin that suffers.

Hair has a lot to tolerate during the blustery cold spell – from brittle breakage to excess dandruff. So, celebrity hair experts share how low temperatures affect hair, their impact on scalp health and dandruff, and the products consumers may use when it's cold.

How low temperatures affect hair

A dramatic drop in temperature can wreak havoc on hair, as it’s forced to quickly acclimatise from the chilly outdoors to drying central heating.

"The problem in the winter is that the moisture in the atmosphere is forced out towards cold surfaces, which is why you get condensation on windows," says stylist and hair expert Michael Douglas. "This moisture, that is usually in the atmosphere at other times of the year, helps to keep hair in check."

"It plays a large part in keeping static electricity at bay, and also keeping hair feeling generally softer to the touch and more moisturised.

"Therefore in the winter, hair can often feel dry, brittle and not so well-behaved. So, products that moisturise the hair, such as a hair oil or a hair mask, will help make the hair feel and behave better," adds Douglas.

The cold weather’s impact on scalp health and dandruff

"Environmental fluctuations like cold weather are external aggravators for dry and flaky scalps," says Philip Kingsley’s trichologist, Anabel Kingsley.

"Our scalp is home to our hair follicles, so its overall condition is highly important to healthy hair growth," she explains. "Flaking of the scalp can cause hair loss and also impact the quality of hairs we’re producing.

"A dry scalp – unlike dandruff, which is an oily scalp condition – occurs when the top layer of skin (the epidermis) lacks moisture (water)."

To moisturise the scalp, Kingsley says consumers should opt for a water-based toner to cool and soothe the scalp and provide relief from itchiness, as well as a weekly exfoliating scalp mask and a nightly balancing serum.

Breakage, frizz and dullness

The cold and dry weather can also increase the likelihood of hair breaking, looking frizzy and dull. The key to healthy hair lies in protein-based products, which heal hair and improve its stability, says celebrity hairdresser Jon Hala, the brains behind Keira Knightley’s luscious locks in Black Doves.

"Moisturising masques keep all the goodness in hair and help heal the results of the cold, dry weather snaps. Supplements can help hair too, in particular Biotin. To prevent frizz, consumers may opt for lightweight serums and leave-in conditioners to base and coat the hair after the wash process. This will help smooth cuticles and add moisture and shine," explains Hala.

Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can also make a big difference, emphasise hair expert Nicole Petty. "These materials cause less friction than cotton, helping hair stay silky and reducing breakage during sleep," she says.