Hair Breakage in Fall and Winter

Woman with long hair, during winter
Photo: Kinga/Shutterstock
Q: What makes hair break more in the fall and winter? I have naturally wavy hair, but I always straighten it with a flat iron. I've noticed much more breakage during the colder months. Am I doing something wrong?
 
A: Your question is a very common one. Seasonal changes in our environment affect our hair far more than we realize. Because hair is constantly exposed to the elements - both indoors and out - it is highly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
 
During the fall and winter, the air becomes much drier. Cold outdoor air holds very little moisture, and indoor heating strips away what little humidity is left. Because hair naturally seeks balance with its environment, it loses its own moisture to the dry air. This leaves it dry, brittle, and lacking elasticity. Instead of bending when brushed, styled, or tied back, the hair fibers simply snap.
 
In your case, a few specific factors are coming together to create “a perfect situation" for breakage:
 
• Your Natural Hair Type: Naturally wavy hair has a slightly flatter, more oval shape in cross-section compared to straight hair. This structural shape, along with the physical twists of the wave pattern, makes it harder for your scalp’s natural protective oils to travel down the hair shaft. Because of this, wavy hair is inherently more prone to dryness even before you factor in the weather.
 
• The Flat Iron Impact: Regular heat styling weakens the hair’s protective outer layer, known as the cuticle. High heat lifts and damages these cuticle scales, allowing vital internal moisture to escape. When you combine heat damage with dry winter air, the hair loses its structural integrity rapidly.
 
The good news is that you aren’t necessarily doing anything "wrong." You are simply dealing with a combination of environmental stress, natural hair structure, and styling habits that become much more noticeable in the colder seasons.
 

How to Adjust Your Routine for Fall & Winter:

To minimize breakage and restore your hair's strength, focus on deeply moisturizing your hair and adjusting your heat-styling habits:
 
• Prioritize Moisture: Use a rich, hydrating conditioner every time you wash, and incorporate a deep conditioning mask once a week. Applying a lightweight hair oil (such as argan or jojoba) or a leave-in conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends will help seal the cuticle, trapping moisture inside.
 
• Always Use Heat Protectant: Always apply a high-quality heat protectant before flat ironing. These products coat the hair fiber to slow down heat transfer, preventing the hair from reaching damaging temperatures too quickly.
 
• Never Flat Iron Damp Hair: This is incredibly important. Ensure your hair is 100% dry before using a flat iron. Straightening even slightly damp hair causes the trapped water inside the hair shaft to instantly boil and turn to steam. This leads to immediate, severe breakage.
 
• Lower the Heat and Limit Passes: Keep your flat iron at the lowest effective temperature (ideally below 350°F / 180°C). Avoid passing the iron over the same section of hair multiple times; one slow, smooth pass is much safer than several quick ones.
 
• Give Hair a Break: Try to embrace your natural waves or use heat-free styling methods a few days a week to give your hair time to recover.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Winter hair care
 
Weather and your hair
 
Will freezing temperatures cause hair breakage and split ends?
 
What products are good for a flaky dry scalp in the winter?