It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of year! 

While the holiday season presents feel-good opportunities to celebrate with loved ones, the chilly weather that comes with it can also bring its own set of challenges for hair.

“The colder temperatures often lead to dry air, which increases the need for moisture for your hair, skin, and scalp,” says Amber Thorne, K18’s Director of Education, Design, and Development. “Aggressors to hair health during winter can include prolonged exposure to cold air, wind, and even the sun. For those who relish the invigorating outdoor chill, it's easy to overlook that UV rays continue to wreak havoc on your tresses throughout the season.” 

Here, Thorne shares a few simple adjustments to help clients keep hair healthy inbetween salon visits. Keep reading for her expert-approved guide and must-try tricks:

Hair problems, solved

Problem: Tired, dry, thirsty hair

Solution: Recommend K18 DAMAGE SHIELD pH Protective Shampoo and K18 DAMAGE SHIELD Protective Conditioner. The shampoo helps reduce frizz, tangles, and promotes shine, while the conditioner protects hair from damage for up to 3 days–making it ideal for those who love experimenting with their hair during special occasions.

Problem: Heat styling due to back-to-back holiday parties

Solution: “High temperatures can weaken the hair structure, making it more susceptible to breakage and split ends over time,” says Thorne. She recommends encouraging clients to prep hair with K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask, which works on the molecular level to immediately reverse hair damage, leading to stronger, softer, smoother, bouncier hair in just 4 minutes.* 

Problem: Switching between hot and cold temperatures
Solution: “Cold air holds less moisture, which can lead to dry, brittle hair,” says Thorne. “Indoor heating further exacerbates this by stripping away moisture.” K18 Molecular Repair Oil, a weightless oil that strengthens hair and provides 24-hour frizz control*, is an excellent all temp solution.

Problem: Wearing too-tight hairstyles

Solution: Clients opting for high ponytails and top knots on a regular basis may make their hair more susceptible to breakage and split ends over time, says Thorne. To help avoid extreme damage, she recommends using the K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask as a pre-wash prep step and “for extra hydration and protection.”

Problem: Chemical treatments

Solution: New hair, new you! If clients are looking to switch up their look, help them maintain healthy hair with K18 REPAIR. This 2-step salon-exclusive damage repair service is perfect for protecting, strengthening, and preserving the integrity of hair–even through the most intensive treatments.