As the New Year begins, many of us resolve to look after ourselves better — exercising more, eating well, and investing in our wellbeing. Yet one area often overlooked is scalp and hair health, particularly during winter.
If you’ve noticed increased hair fall, dryness, or lacklustre growth over the colder months, you’re not alone. Winter creates the perfect storm for scalp imbalance, and certain everyday habits may be doing more harm than you realise.
This January, make scalp health part of your “New You” reset. Here are seven common winter habits that could be holding your hair back — and how to fix them.
Why Hair Fall Increases During Winter
Winter hair fall is rarely caused by one issue alone. Cold air, indoor heating, reduced circulation, nutritional gaps, and friction from winter clothing all contribute to scalp imbalance. Winter hair fall is rarely caused by a single issue. Instead, it is the result of several overlapping factors:
- Cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating reduce moisture levels
- Reduced blood circulation to the scalp in colder temperatures
- Lower vitamin D production due to limited sunlight
- Increased friction from winter clothing and accessories
- Changes in diet and hydration habits
When these factors combine with damaging daily routines, the scalp becomes dry, inflamed, or unbalanced — creating an environment where hair struggles to grow optimally.
The good news? Most winter hair concerns are preventable and reversible with the right adjustments.
1. Turning Up the Heat in the Shower
Hot showers may feel comforting during cold mornings, but they are one of the most common contributors to winter scalp dryness. High water temperatures strip away the scalp’s natural oils, weakening its protective barrier.
Once this barrier is compromised, the scalp becomes prone to irritation, flaking, and sensitivity — all of which can interfere with the hair growth cycle and increase breakage at the root.
New Year reset:
Wash your hair with lukewarm water and avoid prolonged exposure. A brief cooler rinse at the end can help smooth the hair cuticle and lock in moisture.
2. Ignoring Scalp Hydration
Many people focus on conditioning their hair lengths while ignoring the scalp entirely. In winter, low humidity from heating systems draws moisture away from the scalp, leaving it tight, itchy, and flaky.
A dehydrated scalp cannot properly support healthy follicles. Over time, dryness can trigger inflammation, disrupt oil production, and weaken hair anchoring.
New Year reset:
Treat your scalp like skincare. Choose scalp-focused formulations designed to support hydration, microbiome balance, and barrier repair. Avoid overwashing, which exacerbates dryness.
3. Winter Comfort Eating Without Balance
Winter diets often lean towards convenience and comfort, but hair follicles are highly metabolically active and require consistent nutritional support. Deficiencies in protein, iron, zinc, essential fatty acids, and key vitamins can slow growth and increase shedding.
Hair is non-essential tissue, meaning the body prioritises vital organs first. When nutrients are limited, hair growth is one of the first processes to suffer.
New Year reset:
Support scalp and hair health from within by prioritising balanced meals that include lean protein, leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and oily fish. Hydration is equally important, even when thirst signals are reduced in cold weather.
4. Low Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D plays a significant role in regulating the hair growth cycle. In the UK, reduced daylight hours during winter mean vitamin D deficiency is extremely common.
Low levels may push more hair follicles into the resting (shedding) phase, making hair fall appear sudden or excessive.
New Year reset:
Aim to spend time outdoors during daylight hours when possible. Vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial, but should always be considered with guidance from a healthcare professional.
5. Friction from Winter Accessories
Hats and scarves are winter essentials, but constant rubbing against hair shafts causes mechanical stress. Over time, this friction weakens the hair cuticle, leading to breakage, particularly around the hairline and crown.
Tight headwear can also trap sweat and disrupt the scalp’s natural balance.
New Year reset:
Opt for looser-fitting accessories and choose silk- or satin-lined hats to reduce friction. Remove headwear indoors to allow airflow and reduce moisture build-up on the scalp.
6. Letting Dandruff Go Untreated
Dry winter air can worsen dandruff and inflammatory scalp conditions. Flaking and itching are signs of imbalance — not just cosmetic issues.
An inflamed scalp disrupts follicle function and can compromise hair anchoring, contributing to increased shedding over time.
New Year reset:
Address dandruff early with targeted scalp treatments rather than masking symptoms. A calm, balanced scalp is essential for consistent, healthy growth.
7. Rough Styling and Daily Handling
Hair is more fragile in winter due to reduced moisture. Brushing aggressively, wearing tight hairstyles, heat styling frequently, or brushing hair when wet increases stress on weakened strands.
Repeated mechanical damage leads to breakage, thinning, and the illusion of hair loss.
New Year reset:
Adopt gentler styling habits. Use wide-tooth combs, minimise heat tools, and allow hair to dry naturally when possible. Protective styles should never pull at the scalp.
Why Scalp Health Should Be Your 2026 Priority
Hair health does not begin with products that promise instant results — it begins with the scalp. A well-balanced scalp supports:
- Stronger hair anchoring
- Improved growth cycles
- Reduced inflammation and shedding
- Healthier, more resilient hair over time
Winter is often when scalp imbalances become visible, making it the ideal time to reset routines and address underlying issues.
Make 2026 the Year You Invest in Your Scalp
At skalp.com, we believe healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. This New Year, move beyond quick fixes and commit to long-term scalp care that supports natural growth, strength, and resilience — no matter the season.
Small, consistent changes to your daily routine can make a visible difference by spring.
New year. New habits. New confidence — starting at the scalp.
A New Year Investment That Lasts All Year
At skalp.com, we believe meaningful hair results come from long-term scalp care, not quick fixes. By making small, consistent changes to daily habits, you can create an environment where hair is able to grow stronger, fuller, and healthier — regardless of the season.
This New Year, go beyond resolutions that fade by February. Invest in your scalp, and let healthier hair follow naturally.
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