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5 Canadian Hair Issues and What to do About Them

December 22, 2021

1 Min read

Canada has a unique weather profile—the northern two-thirds of the country is characterized as subarctic (think: Scandinavia), with frigid winters and low precipitation, while the central and southern areas of the country are more similar to that of the northern U.S., which is not exactly toasty either. The one exception? The Pacific Coast of Canada, which experiences more humidity than the rest of the country. In any case, it’s fair to say that Canadian hairstylists know a thing or two when it comes to dealing with winter hair. So, we asked freelance stylist Klodi Stavre, who is based in Toronto, how best to address a multitude of Canada’s worst hair woes.

Canadian hair woes and how to cope

1. Very dry hair

“I usually recommend a leave-in conditioner because both the hair and  scalp become very dry here in winter,” Stavre says. After her clients wash and condition their hair, she recommends they spray it with leave-in conditioner—being sure to mist the scalp, too. 

What to try: Prose Custom Leave-In Conditioner

2. Breakage

Interestingly, several municipalities across Canada have hard to extremely hard water, which means that it contains a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. This produces a film on the hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. As a result, hair that is already dry can become even drier and prone to breakage. When this issue is left unresolved, it could even lead to hair loss. One way to address hard water is to install a water softener in your home; a less costly alternative is to purchase a water softener shower head. Look for ingredients like apple cider vinegar that help protect against hard water. Read more about how to detect and combat hard water here

What to try: Prose Custom Shampoo

3. Flat curls

With decreased moisture comes deflated curls, says Stavre. But she has a technique to bring back the bounce: First, wash curls with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Don’t towel-dry your hair at all. Rather, put a towel around your shoulders to catch the drips while your hair air-dries. When the hair is just damp, spray in a leave-in conditioner, then distribute curl cream from the mid-shafts through ends. Once the hair is about 90% dry, use a diffuser on low to finish styling. 

What to try: Prose Custom Curl Cream

4. Limp locks

For people with straight or fine hair craving more volume in the dry Canadian winter air, Stavre recommends building lift in the shower with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Afterwards, blow dry the hair 90%of the way using a big, round brush.Then, allow it to air dry the rest of the way. Lastly, seal off ends from static with a bit of hair oil

What to try: Prose Custom Hair Oil

5. Lack of shine

“Usually in the winter, I advise my clients to shampoo three times a week,” Stavre says. “Although over-washing can exacerbate dryness, the buildup of product and debris can sap shine from hair.” If you cleanse with the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair, it will remove dirt without sacrificing hydration, Stavre says. 

What to try: Find your custom shampoo & conditioner formula here.

Wrap up

When thinking about Canadian weather, dry air is especially relevant. To retain moisture be sure to stock up on nourishing hair care products for in and out of the shower. For a perfectly personalized regimen, start here.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Didi Gluck is the Content Director at Manifest, a content marketing agency in New York City. In this role, she oversees several accounts and is editor of The Plum (theplumonline.com), a purely editorial site for women over 40. She has served as the beauty director of Marie ClaireShapeReal Simple, Redbook and MORE, and contributed freelance articles about beauty, health and lifestyle topics to InStyleAllureHarper’s Bazaar, Elle, Travel & LeisureBetter Homes and GardensSouthern Living and Popular Mechanics. She has also produced content and developed brand strategy for global beauty companies including Aveda, Clinique, Origins, Bobbi Brown, L’Oréal, NYX, and Shiseido. She lives in NYC with her husband (who is also an editor and writer) and two children—who will quite likely become writers someday.

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    1. Hi Bradley! Thanks for your interest in Prose. We are very excited to announce that starting today, we are officially available to order in Canada!

      -Keely, Prose Community Manager