Winter Hair SOS: How to Protect Colored Hair from Cold Weather Damage

Winter in Minneapolis isn’t just about embracing frigid temperatures and snowy streets—it’s also a crucial season to rethink your hair care routine, especially if you color your hair. Between dry air, chilly winds, and heated interiors, colored hair faces unique challenges in maintaining vibrancy and health. At MN NAF! Salon, we know how much our Minneapolis clients love their balayage blondes, rich brunettes, and vivid fashion shades. That’s why we’re sharing our expert advice on how to protect colored hair from cold weather damage and keep your look fresh all winter long.

Understanding Minneapolis Winters: The Risks for Colored Hair



Cold weather in Minnesota means more than snow boots and cozy scarves. Winters here come with low humidity, harsh winds, and endless days of indoor heating—each of which can sap moisture from the hair and scalp, making colored hair especially vulnerable. Left unprotected, winter conditions can lead to:

- Color fade and brassiness

- Dryness, breakage, and split ends

- Frizz and static

- Scalp irritation and flakiness

For those who frequently book color services at MN NAF!, safeguarding your investment is essential if you want your color to look salon-fresh for longer.

Top Tips to Protect Colored Hair From Winter Damage

Here are expert-approved practices that help you defend your gorgeous color against Minneapolis’s tough winters:

Switch to Moisture-Rich, Color-Safe Products

Hydration is the name of the game. Upgrade your shampoo and conditioner to sulfate-free, color-safe formulas, which gently cleanse without stripping pigment. At MN NAF!, we recommend professional-grade brands known for color protection and moisture retention.

Limit Washing—and Wash with Lukewarm Water

Washing too frequently and using hot water can accelerate color fading and further dry out your locks. Instead:

- Wash colored hair only 2–3 times a week when possible

- Use cool to lukewarm water to help seal the cuticle and lock in shine

Deep Condition Weekly

Weekly masks or deep-conditioning treatments provide intense hydration and nourishment. They also help smooth the cuticle, reduce frizz, and revive lackluster color. Ask your MN NAF! stylist for mask recommendations based on your specific color treatment.

Protect Hair from Frigid Air

Don’t let your color be exposed to icy winds. Whenever you’re outside:

- Wear a loose hat, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to minimize static and friction

- Tuck ends into your coat to keep them protected

Heat Style with Caution

Winter often calls for more heat styling, but it can zap moisture and dull your color. Always apply a quality thermal protectant before blow-drying, curling, or straightening.

Refresh and Gloss It Up

Consider booking a glossing or toning treatment at MN NAF! every 4–6 weeks through winter. These services revive color brilliance, correct brassiness, and add a high-gloss finish that makes hair look healthy and radiant.

Scalp Care: Don’t Forget Your Roots

Dry winter air can cause scalp flakiness and itching, which in turn affects hair health and color longevity. Use scalp-friendly oils or MN NAF!’s recommended scalp treatments to restore balance and soothe irritation.

The MN NAF! Advantage: Salon Treatments to Safeguard Colored Hair

At MN NAF!, we offer a range of services designed for Minneapolis winters:

- Custom hair masks and moisture-boosting treatments

- In-salon glossing and toner applications tailored to your color

- Professional-grade color-safe products for home care

- Expert cut and trim services to remove dry, split ends and keep your hair strong

If you’re noticing excessive dryness, breakage, or color fading, booking an in-person hair health consultation with one of our stylists is the best way forward. We’ll tailor a winter-proof hair care action plan that’s just right for your unique hair type and lifestyle.

Local Inspiration: Minneapolis’s Winter Hair Trends

Winter is also a time to try deeper, warmer tones or low-maintenance highlights that can grow out gracefully while keeping stress on your hair to a minimum. Rich chocolate browns, golden coppers, and even bold midnight hues are all trending locally and look stunning against a wintery Minneapolis backdrop.

At-Home Winter Hair Care Routine

Make these habits your go-to throughout the winter:

- Use color-safe, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner

- Limit hair washing and use lukewarm water

- Deep condition weekly

- Protect from cold, wind, and static

- Apply heat-protectant before styling

- Book regular trims and toners at MN NAF!

Love Your Color All Season Long with MN NAF!

Don’t let Minnesota’s winter take the sparkle from your hair color. With the right care, you can enjoy vibrant, healthy hair throughout the coldest months. The MN NAF! team is here to support your style journey and provide professional solutions that work. Ready to rescue your color from winter’s wrath? Book your personalized winter hair treatment or color consultation today. Visit us in the heart of Minneapolis—where your best hair days are always ahead.