1. Lay off the lathering

While we all love the feeling of freshly washed hair, overwashing can do more harm than good. Daily shampooing strips your scalp of its natural oils, essential for keeping your hair hydrated, shiny, and strong. When you wash your hair too often, your scalp overcompensates by producing more oil, leading to an endless cycle of greasy roots and dry ends.

Instead, try spacing out your washes to two or three times a week. This gives your hair time to rebalance its natural oil production, resulting in healthier, more manageable locks. This transition may take a few weeks for those with naturally oily hair, but your patience will be rewarded with a less greasy scalp and softer, smoother hair.

To make the in-between days easier, invest in a high-quality dry shampoo. A quick spray can absorb excess oil at the roots, add volume, and refresh your style without the need for water. You can also experiment with different hairstyles, such as braids, buns, or ponytails, to keep your hair looking polished on non-wash days.

By washing your hair less often, you’ll save time and see long-term benefits in your hair’s overall health and appearance. It’s a simple resolution that can lead to softer, stronger strands with minimal effort.

2. Protect your hair from heat

While we all love our hairdryers, straighteners and curling wands, they aren’t always the best for the health of our hair.

Frequent exposure to high temperatures weakens the hair shaft, causing dryness, split ends, and breakage. For healthier hair in the new year, avoid using heat-styling tools and always apply a protective product, like our styling creams, before applying heat.

A standout option is the Windle London Fortifying Spray. This spray is a game-changer for heat protection, providing a shield against temperatures up to 220°C. It’s enriched with a blend of active ingredients designed not only to protect but also to strengthen and nourish your hair:

• Green Tea Extract: Known for its powerful antioxidant properties, it helps neutralise free radicals that can weaken and damage hair. It also contributes to overall scalp health, promoting stronger, shinier strands.
• Vitamins B5 and B3 (Panthenol and Niacinamide): These vitamins work together to hydrate the hair, improve elasticity, and reduce the risk of breakage during heat styling. They also help repair damaged hair, leaving it softer and more resilient.
• Vegetable Proteins: These proteins penetrate the hair shaft to fortify from within, providing extra strength and helping to prevent heat-induced damage.

When using heat tools, start with the lowest effective temperature to minimise damage. For example, fine hair can often be styled at a lower heat setting than thick or coarse hair. Additionally, aim to limit heat styling to a few times a week, and always ensure your hair is completely dry before using tools like straighteners or curling irons to avoid unnecessary stress on the strands.

For days when you’re skipping the heat, experiment with no-heat styling techniques. Try braiding damp hair overnight for soft waves or using foam rollers to create volume and shape without any heat exposure.

3. Treat your hair to deep conditioning

Deep conditioning is one of the best ways to nourish and repair your hair, especially if it’s prone to dryness, damage, or frizz. Over time, environmental stressors, heat styling, and chemical treatments can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dull and brittle. A regular deep conditioning treatment can restore hydration, improve texture, and leave your hair looking healthier.

A must-have for your deep conditioning routine is the Windle LAB Ultra Nourishing Masque. This luxurious masque is packed with ingredients that repair and revitalise your hair from the inside out:

• Monoi Oil: Extracted from Tahitian gardenias, this natural oil is renowned for its deep moisturising properties. It penetrates the hair shaft to restore lost hydration and protect against further damage, leaving hair soft and silky.
• Shea Butter: Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter is a powerhouse ingredient that conditions dry and damaged hair. It also creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and shields your hair from external aggressors.
• Meadowfoam Seed Oil: Known for its lightweight yet deeply hydrating properties, this oil helps to smooth and strengthen the hair while enhancing shine.
• Pro Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): This ingredient helps to improve elasticity, reduce breakage, and add a healthy sheen to your hair.

To get the most out of your deep conditioning treatment, apply the masque generously to clean, damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where damage is often most severe. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes (or longer for an intensive treatment), then rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture. For very dry or damaged hair, consider using the masque as an overnight treatment for maximum nourishment.

4. Look after your scalp

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Often overlooked in hair care routines, your scalp plays a critical role in the growth, strength, and overall health of your hair. A neglected scalp can lead to issues like dryness, flakiness, and even hindered hair growth. This year, commit to giving your scalp the attention it deserves.

One way to revitalise your scalp is through regular massages. Scalp massages stimulate blood circulation, which delivers vital nutrients to the hair follicles and encourages growth. Just a few minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in the health of your scalp and hair.

To take your scalp care routine to the next level, incorporate products that nourish and stimulate the scalp. The Make it Thicker regime from WindleLAB is an excellent choice. Its products are infused with scalp-loving ingredients, such as:

• Rooibos Tea Extract: Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, rooibos tea stimulates the scalp, helping to create the perfect environment for healthy hair growth.
• Wheat Proteins: These strengthen the hair at the root, improving resilience and reducing breakage.
• Essential Oils: Many of the products in this range include essential oils that provide hydration to the scalp, reducing dryness and flakiness.

By prioritising your scalp health, you’ll notice thicker, shinier hair that grows more consistently. This resolution is more than skin deep—it’s an investment in the foundation of healthy hair for the long term.

5. Eat more iron

What you eat significantly impacts your hair's health, and iron is one of the most crucial nutrients for strong, thick, and shiny locks. Iron supports the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp and hair follicles. Without enough iron, your hair may become weaker, thinner, and more prone to shedding—a condition known as telogen effluvium.

If you’ve noticed excessive hair loss or thinning, it could indicate low iron levels. This year, resolve to include more iron-rich foods in your diet to support both your hair and overall health. Excellent sources of iron include:

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with non-haem iron, which is plant-based and great for vegetarians and vegans.
• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are excellent sources of iron and are easy to incorporate into soups, salads, and stews.
• Lean Meats: Red meat, poultry, and liver are high in haem iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body.
• Fortified Foods: Cereals and bread fortified with iron are great options for boosting your intake.

To maximise iron absorption, pair these foods with vitamin C-rich options like oranges, peppers, or tomatoes, as vitamin C helps your body absorb iron more efficiently. Conversely, try to avoid consuming iron alongside calcium-rich foods or drinks, such as dairy or tea, as they can interfere with absorption.

If you’re struggling to get enough iron through your diet, consider taking a supplement, but consult with a healthcare professional first to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure you’re not exceeding your body’s needs.

 

Whatever your hair type, even small tweaks to your routine can lead to big improvements in the health and appearance of your hair.. So why not make 2025 the year your resolutions include giving your hair the care it truly deserves?