There’s something about winter… all of a sudden, ordinary hair turns into one giant “rats’ nest” the size of a small car. And I can testify, it is not fun to brush out. So here are some practical tips and products that you can use this winter to remedy the frizzy, knotty, dry disaster that is you and your kids’ hair. Rest assured: small habit changes + the right lightweight products can make mornings easier.
Why Winter Is So Hard on Kids’ Hair
Do you question why all of a sudden hair decides to be difficult come winter? It’s because the cold air outside + dry heat inside = moisture loss. Plus, hats, hoods, scarves, and car seats all can create friction. If your kids’ hair is fine or textured, you’ll notice faster. I feel like at some point along the way I was taught that frizz means the hair is damaged. However, good news! Frizz ≠ damage—it’s usually just dehydrated or a result of friction.
Tip 1: Start in the Shower — Gentle Cleansing Without Stripping
Winter goal: Clean hair without over-drying the scalp or strands.
Overwashing worsens frizz in the winter, especially if it’s a clarifying shampoo that rids your hair of product buildup, oil, and impurities. I’m all for being clean—but try not to dry out your scalp or your child’s in the process. Use gentle, strengthening formulas that don’t strip moisture. For example, the FAST Shampoo & Conditioner supports healthy hair growth and strength while keeping moisture balanced, making hair easier to manage post-wash.
Remember: scalp health matters just as much as styling. Heat damage is a real thing. Tell your teen! Try drying your hair less in the winter—it’s less likely to turn into a staticky disaster. One last tip: fewer (hair) wash days = less tangling… both for toddlers and for adults. (#DryShampoo, anyone?)
Tip 2: Detangle When Hair Is Protected (Not Bare)
Winter goal: Reduce breakage, tears, and frizz during detangling.
Detangling is. the. worst. I remember crying as a kid because I didn’t want my mom to brush my hair. Even in college, I still struggled with brushing out giant knots in the back of my hair from sweaters and coats. Then, a close friend surprised me with It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In, a leave-in conditioner that I’d spray on my hair post-shower before attempting to brush it out. Needless to say, I’ll never not use a leave-in conditioner or detangler before brushing. It’s multipurpose: instant slip, heat protection, and frizz control. If you’re looking for something for kids, T is for Tame also has multiple great products (hair taming creams and detanglers) for younger kids and sensitive scalps when you need easy comb-through.
Tips for Each Stage:
- Toddlers: Detangle their hair in sections with your fingers first.
- School-age kids: Try a body shower instead of full rewash.
- Teens: Use a protectant to help prep their hair for blow-drying or styling.
- Adults: Start from the ends and work up (after spraying the leave-in conditioner).
Tip 3: Seal Moisture to Fight Frizz and Static
Winter goal: Keep moisture in after washing or refreshing.
Did you know frizz and static both can be easily prevented? Lightweight serums, oils, or glosses like CLOUD Weightless Glossing Serum can help seal in your hair cuticles, which can prevent static without making your hair greasy. (Plus, it smooths flyaways and adds shine!)
Tip 4: Style Smarter — Winter Hair Needs Soft Hold, Not Crunch
Winter goal: Control without stiffness or buildup.
Let’s be real: Ain’t nobody like crunchy hair. (Cue the YMCA theme song… my hair was always straw in the summers from the chlorine pool.) In an attempt to fix the problem, it’s easy to get loaded up on heavy gels, which, when combined with dry air, leads to flakes and stiffness—and not the (snow)flakes we all wish would visit Birmingham. Consider using a styling product that prevents friction like the CLOUD Volumizing Styling Spray. It’ll add an extra bounce to your hair without build-up, all while keeping it soft. Use it on damp hair or dry hair as a finishing spray.
Tip 5: Protect Hair From Hats, Hoods & Bedhead
Winter goal: Minimize friction damage.
One of the biggest causes of friction is the way you sleep. Apparently, your hair experiences a lot of stress while you sleep. (Ha!) A few years ago, I switched to satin pillowcases, and I love them. If you have long hair, try sleeping in loose brains or low buns. Other factors include hats, rough pillowcases, and hoodies. While you can’t necessarily avoid them, just be aware (and maybe spray some product on your kid’s head before they walk out the door for the day).
Calm Hair = Calmer Mornings
Winter goal: Keep routines realistic and age-appropriate.
It’s cheesy, but true: Winter hair doesn’t need perfection—just protection. If you focus on moisture, gentle handling, and lightweight layering, you’ll be set up for success. The right routine makes brushing faster, styling easier, and hair healthier long-term. Winter is hard enough—your kids’ hair doesn’t need to be.
