People ask me about my hair almost as much as my outfits, so this one is for you. My hair is long, dark and on the thicker side, and winter is when it needs the most love. Between dry air, cold mornings and a whole month of holiday blowouts, here’s the routine that keeps it soft and shiny. — Cami Del Toro
Why winter is hard on hair
Even in Los Angeles, the air gets much drier in winter. Add the heater running at home and a few more blowouts for holiday parties, and my ends start to feel rough fast. Dark hair also shows dullness more than lighter shades, so I switch to a richer, more hydrating routine every November.
How often I wash
I wash two or three times a week, never every day. Washing too often strips the natural oils that keep my hair shiny. On the days in between, I use a little dry shampoo at the roots after the gym, then brush it through. You can see how much I sweat in my workout routine, so this step is a must for me.
My wash day, step by step
- Pre-oil the ends. Twenty minutes before I shower, I smooth a little oil over the bottom half of my hair so the shampoo doesn’t dry it out.
- Shampoo the scalp only. I use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and focus on my roots. The suds rinse through the ends on their own.
- Condition the lengths. I squeeze out the water first so the conditioner actually sinks in, then comb it through with my fingers.
- Weekly mask. Once a week, I swap my conditioner for a deep mask and leave it on while I do my face.
- Cool rinse. I finish with cool water. It helps the hair lie flat and look glossier.
Drying without damage
I never rub my hair with a regular towel. I blot it with a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt, which cuts down on frizz. Then I spray heat protectant all over, every single time, no exceptions. If I’m not going anywhere, I let it air dry most of the way and only rough-dry the roots.
My holiday blowout
December is party season, so I get good at doing a bouncy blowout at home:
- Rough-dry to about 80 percent with my fingers.
- Section my hair into four parts with clips.
- Use a round brush on each section, pointing the dryer down the hair shaft for shine.
- Wrap the front pieces in big velcro rollers while I do my makeup.
- Take them out, flip my head and finish with a light shine spray.
That blowout goes with everything in my holiday party outfits, and I pair it with the glam from my holiday makeup look.
Products I keep on my shelf
- A hydrating shampoo and conditioner made for dry hair.
- A deep conditioning mask for once a week.
- Heat protectant spray. I restock this one every Black Friday.
- A lightweight hair oil for the ends, just two or three drops.
- Dry shampoo for gym days.
- A wide-tooth comb and a boar bristle brush.
Most of these are on my Black Friday wishlist, since sales are the best time to stock up.
Night habits that make a difference
A lot of hair damage happens while you sleep. I switched to a silk pillowcase a few years ago and noticed less frizz and fewer tangles almost right away. On nights before a big event, I put my hair in a loose braid or a soft scrunchie so I wake up with a little wave. I also keep a small humidifier in my bedroom during winter. It helps my skin too, which I talk about in my skincare routine.
Keeping it healthy all season
- Trim every 8 to 10 weeks. I get a small dusting before the holidays so my ends look fresh in photos.
- A gloss treatment in early December. It boosts shine on dark hair and lasts through New Year’s.
- Eat well and drink water. Healthy hair starts on the inside, and I notice the difference.
- Wear it up sometimes. A sleek bun or claw clip gives my hair a break from heat.
That’s my whole winter routine. It’s nothing fancy, just consistent. Follow me on Instagram @Camiibby3 to see the hair looks I wear to every party this season.
FAQ
How does Cami Del Toro take care of her hair in winter?
I wash two or three times a week with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, do a weekly mask, always use heat protectant and sleep on a silk pillowcase.
How does Cami Del Toro keep her dark hair shiny?
I rinse with cool water, use a lightweight oil on my ends, get regular trims and do a gloss treatment before the holidays.