Denver’s unique high-altitude, arid climate can take a toll on your hair, leaving it dry, frizzy, and prone to damage. To help locals navigate these challenges, we sat down with Denver hairstylist Emma Firestone, who shared her expert tips on hair care in dry climates, including favorite products and essential routines for keeping your locks healthy and hydrated all year long.
Firestone’s Biggest Tips For Healthy Hair In A Dry Climate
Though Denver’s climate is dry all year long, cold winter air can have serious effects on your hair. Your scalp can react to the dry climate by overcompensating with oils, which can impact the health of your hair.
“Denver’s dry climate affects the hair by causing the scalp to overproduce oils and dry out the ends of the hair,” Firestone explained.
To counteract these effects, she recommends two key steps for wash day. “Use a lightweight oil on your ends between wash days, and invest in a good clarifying shampoo to remove all oil and buildup on the scalp. These two things help replenish the scalp and hair as a whole,” Firestone shared.
For an extra boost of hydration, Firestone also suggests adding a moisturizing leave-in conditioner to your post-shower routine. Like any friendly hairstylist, Firestone shared her favorite products.
“My favorite products are the K18 Molecular Repair Oil, which can be used on both wet and dry hair and the IGK Antisocial Dry Conditioner, which is perfect for spraying on your ends between wash days,” she said. “These products help keep hair nice and moisturized for me and so many of my clients.”
The Importance of Deep Conditioning & Regular Maintenance
Deep conditioning is an essential step in any hair care routine, especially in Denver’s harsh climate. Deep conditioners are hair treatments designed to provide intense moisture, repair damage, and strengthen hair. Unlike regular conditioners, which offer surface-level hydration, deep conditioners penetrate the hair shaft to restore lost nutrients, smooth frizz and improve elasticity – benefits that are essential in an arid atmosphere.
Therefore, Firestone recommends adding a deep conditioner to your weekly routine to keep your hair hydrated without smothering it.
“I recommend using a hair mask or deep conditioner at least once a week during the winter months and once every other week during the summer months,” Firestone advised. “This gives a nice balance so that you’re not oversaturating the hair with too much product while still replenishing those dry ends.”
Moreover, regular maintenance is key to keeping your hair healthy. Depending on your hair type and needs, this maintenance can vary from person to person.
“Whether it is going to visit your stylist every 10-12 weeks for a haircut or a treatment, it is so important to consult with a professional to find out what works on your hair specifically,” Firestone emphasized. “Every hair type is different, so a personalized approach is best.”
Essential Tips for Winter Adventures (And Year-Round Protection)
Winter months bring unique challenges, like oily scalps, dandruff and static-prone ends. Based on her experience as a Colorado hairstylist, Firestone suggests a tailored wash-day routine: “Shampoo twice, condition from the mids to ends and apply a leave-in treatment and heat protectant after you get out of the shower.”
Her advice may be especially relevant for Colorado winter athletes. For outdoor enthusiasts heading to the mountains, she shared a pro tip: “Before skiing or hiking, especially in snowy or cold conditions, apply a leave-in conditioner to your dry hair and braid it to prevent tangles and keep it from freezing and becoming ‘crunchy.’”
While winter may be the more urgent time for extensive haircare, Firestone does not recommend neglecting your routine during the warmer months. After all, sun protection isn’t just for your skin: it’s essential for your hair and scalp too, particularly in Denver’s high-altitude environment.
As such, sunscreen can be an essential tool for protecting your scalp and hair. “I always recommend using a mineral-free sunscreen, as some sunscreens can mess with the color or tone of your hair, especially if you have extensions or color-treated hair,” she shared.
Professional Advice Matters
With all the different hair care products on the shelves and the individual needs of every hair type, finding what works for you can be confusing and overwhelming. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Firestone stresses the importance of consulting professionals when it comes to hair and scalp health.
“Always consult a professional, whether it is your hairstylist or dermatologist if you have scalp concerns,” she advised. “What may work for your friend may not work for you. Everyone is different, and some cases are more serious than others.”
Nevertheless, she does have some basic guidelines that can apply to pretty much any head of hair: “Ultimately, I recommend using products that are sulfate- and paraben-free to keep your scalp and hair free of too many chemicals and waxes.”
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When choosing hair care products for herself and her clients, Firestone swears by salon-grade brands for their quality and effectiveness. “Some of my favorite brands are Redken, K18, Kerastase and Oribe,” she shares. “Most hair types require a salon-grade detox shampoo, a leave-in conditioner, and an oil of your choice to keep your hair in its best condition.”
By following these tips and incorporating the right products into your routine, you can protect your hair from Denver’s dry climate while keeping it healthy, moisturized and beautiful! Whether you’re dealing with dryness, frizz, or seasonal challenges, Emma Firestone’s expert advice helps you keep your hair in top shape year-round.
