The temperatures finally dropped (well, crashed) and we were reminded that it is, in fact, winter.
Your tires are ready, your home is winterized, but let’s not forget that you need to take special care of your hair and skin in these colder months. Our hair and skin experts share how you can stay healthy and hydrated this season.
First and foremost from the MedSpa, keep using SP (and I cannot emphasize this enough ) F! Sun protection is important year round, but it may slip your mind when the weather gets cold because we’re not outside as much. However, the UVA and UVB rays are just as strong, maybe even stronger if you’re out and it is reflecting off the snow, and can still penetrate through windows in the car or if you’re near an office window. Your skin deserves protection 365 days a year.
As a recommendation, we love the Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen by Colorescience for daily use.
Another tip from our expert estheticians is to take a close look at the products in your morning and evening routines, and see if anything needs to be swapped for the season. Hydration is key in the dry Colorado winter, so a cream formula like Sanitas Antioxidant Moisturizer can provide excellent hydration and natural barrier protection. Perhaps you switch your evening moisturizer to a more occlusive balm like Topical C, that creates a protective layer at the surface to hydrate your skin at a deeper level.
Now that your products are properly picked, it can be a good idea to slow down on the exfoliants during harsher weather. If you’re a regular retinol-er, reducing the frequency of use during the winter can help prevent over-drying your skin. On the other hand, if you don’t currently have any exfoliation in your routine, adding a gentle retinol once a week can help remove any build up of dry, dead skin so your hydrating products can penetrate deeper.
If all else fails, or you just need a mid-season treat, a luxurious and relaxing hydrating facial with one of our skilled estheticians is the perfect remedy to dull winter skin. Our Radiance Renewal Facial is a gently exfoliating and brightening treatment for ultimate hydration and glow, safe for all skin types.Â
Now that your skin is dewy and hydrated, let’s talk about how the dry air can dry the hair. Between freezing temps, snow and ice, plus chilly wind, our strands can shrivel up in the winter. Our experienced stylists have compiled a list of 9 tips (and products!) that can help your tresses survive the cold.
1. Warm water in the shower, not hot.
Did you know hot water can dry out your hair and skin? It’s tempting to stand under a steaming shower, but try to keep the water temperature under control to preserve moisture (and your hair color!).
2. A Leave-In Conditioner is your friend.
Once out of the shower, use a leave-in conditioner like R+Co’s HIGH DIVE to lock in moisture and shine. Prefer a spray leave-in? We recommend Untangled by Kevin Murphy for an easy and even application. Need something with a little more power? A hair oil will up the ante when it comes to conditioning your strands. We love the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil for your ends to hydrate, fight frizz and protect from heat. You can also add a drop or two to the ends when your hair is dry.
3. Skip the heat styling when you can.
Let your hair air dry instead of blow drying, or try a heatless style, like the overnight curls shown by our stylist Mar. If you do style with heat (curling irons, flat irons, blow dry brushes, etc), a serious heat protectant is key. R+Co’s HOT SPELL is perfect for before the blow dry, with up to 450 degree heat protection. If you’re using an iron on dry hair, spray Hypersonic by R+Co Bleu on your hair first for protection and hold.
4. Brush roots through ends.
On days you are skipping the shampoo, be sure to brush your hair roots to ends to disperse your natural hair oils down the hair shaft.Â
5. Keep a deep conditioning mask handy.
Once a week, swap your regular conditioner in the shower for a deep conditioning mask. The Chronogoliste Masque Intense Regenerant Hair Mask from Kérastase will rejuvenate and revitalize your hair unlike anything else.Â
6. Give your scalp some love.
Dry flaky scalp? A scalp serum like the Nutri-Supplement Scalp Serum by Kérastase will nourish and soothe dryness at the source. Apply directly to the snap after a shower and watch your tightness and flakes disappear.
7. Know how to handle your hair in the outdoors.
If you’re in the elements (skiing, snowshoeing, scraping off your car, even checking the mail), cover your hair with a scarf or put it in a braid to keep it from getting wrecked by the wind and snow.Â
8. Silk or satin for sweet hair dreams.Â
For bedtime, grab yourself a silk or satin pillowcase or sleeping bonnet. The soft, slippery texture is ultra gentle on hair and avoids roughing up your hair cuticle (and helps your style last longer!) Check out our boutique at your next appointment; sometimes we keep satin pillowcases (and eyemasks!) ready to shop!
9. Get serious help from the pros.
Finally, add a deep conditioning treatment to your next hair appointment at Grand Salon & MedSpa. We offer Kerastase Fusio Doses and R+Co Pro Treatments, both $45 and the perfect remedy for lack-luster, dehydrated hair. Healing from the inside of the cuticle, these customizable treatment benefits last 6-8 weeks and keep your hair shiny and frizz free. Ask your stylist to add a treatment to your service at the shampoo bowl.
Whether the weather is cold and dry, or cold and wet, or weirdly warm like it was in December, we’ve got you covered to live your best, hydrated life this winter. Mention this blog and receive a FREE deep conditioning hair treatment or hydrating serum add-on to your next hair or MedSpa service.
Bekah is a Colorado native with a passion for helping others look and feel their best. She spent 8 years working behind the chair as a hairstylist in Boulder before she moved to Denver. She then worked in the bridal sphere before she came to Grand Salon & Medspa managing the front desk/guest relations and social media.
When Bekah’s  not helping guests have the best experience possible at Grand, you can find her exploring a new coffee shop or happy hour, or at home with her two cats Brad and Leo. Follow @bekahgalhair | @grandsalondenver
