Sam McKnight on Fixing ‘Central Heating Hair’ This Winter

When UK temperatures drop, we retreat indoors and turn the heating up — and many of us notice the same knock-on effect in the mirror: hair that suddenly feels drier, looks duller, frizzes at the crown and clings with static. It’s what some stylists have dubbed “central heating hair”: a winter-specific combination of low indoor humidity, frequent temperature changes and extra styling that leaves lengths thirsty and flyaways stubborn.

A recent piece featuring celebrity hairdresser Sam McKnight spotlights this seasonal issue, and the advice aligns with what many salon professionals recommend: focus on replenishing moisture, reducing friction, and dialling down anything that over-strips hair (especially if you’re also blow-drying more often during cold, wet weather). The good news is you don’t need to overhaul your entire routine — small adjustments can make a noticeable difference within a week.

Why central heating can make hair feel worse (even if your routine hasn’t changed)

Central heating warms the air but typically lowers indoor humidity. Hair fibre naturally contains water; when the air around you is dry, moisture can be pulled from the hair’s outer layers, leaving the cuticle less smooth. A rougher cuticle tends to reflect less light (hello, dullness) and catches more easily on clothing and brushes (hello, frizz).

Static is another tell-tale sign. In winter we wear more knits, scarves and coats; that extra contact combined with dry air makes it easier for charge to build up. Fine hair can be especially prone, but any texture can experience flyaways when the hair surface is dehydrated or roughened.

Temperature swings also matter. Moving from cold outdoor air to warm indoor air repeatedly can make hair feel inconsistent: it behaves one way on your commute, then behaves completely differently in the office or at home. If you’re styling more often to “fix” it, heat and over-washing can compound the problem.

Salon-proven tweaks that help: moisture in, friction down, heat smarter

McKnight’s winter guidance, echoed by many UK stylists, centres on a simple principle: treat winter like a “protective season” for hair. That means prioritising hydration and minimising the everyday wear-and-tear that leads to dryness and breakage.

• Condition with intent: Apply conditioner thoroughly through mid-lengths and ends, then detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb before rinsing. This reduces knotting, which is a major cause of snap-prone ends.
• Add a weekly mask: A richer treatment once a week can help counter lower humidity. Many stylists suggest leaving it on for 5–15 minutes — long enough to properly coat the fibre — then rinsing well so hair doesn’t feel limp.
• Use a leave-in on damp hair: A lightweight leave-in conditioner or smoothing cream can reduce static and give the cuticle a little more “slip” under scarves and collars.
• Treat heat as a tool, not a default: If you blow-dry, aim for controlled drying rather than high heat. Focus on getting hair 80–90% dry, then finish with a cooler setting to help smooth the surface.
• Reduce friction at night: If you wake up to a halo of frizz, your pillowcase could be part of the story. Lower-friction fabrics can help hair stay smoother and reduce tangling overnight.

Real-world practical next step: tonight, swap your usual quick conditioner rinse for a proper two-minute “conditioning pause”, then add a pea-sized amount of leave-in to damp mid-lengths and ends. It’s one of the fastest ways to improve winter texture without a salon visit.

How to calm static and flyaways without weighing hair down

Static tends to tempt us into overloading product. The trick is to target where the charge shows up (often crown and around the hairline) while keeping roots clean-looking. If your hair is fine, start with the lightest option and build gradually.

• Apply product to hands first: Warm a tiny amount of smoothing product between palms, then skim over flyaways. This offers more control than applying directly to hair.
• Use a brush strategically: A gentle brush can help distribute natural oils from roots towards mid-lengths. Avoid aggressive brushing when hair is very dry, as that can increase friction.
• Mind your knitwear: Scarves and high-neck jumpers can create constant rubbing at the nape. If you notice tangling there, consider looser styles or tucking hair inside a coat less often.
• Don’t “over-clarify” in winter: If you use a strong cleansing shampoo too frequently, hair can feel squeaky but then become harder to manage. Many hairdressers suggest reserving deep cleans for when you genuinely need them (heavy styling, oiliness, or build-up).

If flyaways are worst after taking a jumper on and off, it’s often a signal to increase moisture slightly rather than add more hairspray. A little hydration can reduce the conditions that allow static to build in the first place.

Winter-proofing different hair types: what changes (and what doesn’t)

Central heating doesn’t discriminate, but hair type changes how symptoms show up — and how you should respond.

• Fine hair: You’re more likely to see static and “floaty” frizz at the crown. Choose light leave-ins and focus heavy conditioning from ears down. Lightweight oils can work, but dosage matters.
• Thick or coarse hair: You may notice roughness, tangling, and a dull finish. Layering hydration (rinse-out conditioner + leave-in) can improve manageability, especially if you wear hair down under coats.
• Curly and textured hair: Dry air can disrupt curl formation and increase frizz. Many curl specialists recommend maintaining moisture with leave-ins and styling creams, and refreshing with water-based mists rather than repeatedly brushing dry hair.
• Colour-treated or bleached hair: Lightened sections can feel more porous and react strongly to dry environments. Gentle cleansing and regular conditioning become even more important to keep lengths soft and less prone to snapping.

Whatever your hair type, the fundamentals stay consistent: cleanse without stripping, condition properly, and protect hair from unnecessary friction and heat.

Key Takeaways

• “Central heating hair” is often driven by low indoor humidity, temperature changes and extra friction from winter clothing.
• Prioritise hydration: a thorough conditioner routine plus a weekly mask can noticeably improve softness and manageability.
• Static and flyaways respond best to small amounts of targeted leave-in, applied via hands rather than straight from the bottle.
• Heat styling can worsen winter dryness; use moderate settings and finish with a cooler blast to smooth the cuticle.
• Try one practical change today: add a two-minute conditioning pause and a light leave-in on damp mid-lengths and ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “central heating hair” actually mean?
It’s a casual term used to describe hair that becomes drier, frizzier or more static during winter, especially when spending lots of time in centrally heated indoor spaces.

Why is my hair so static in winter?
Static is more common when the air is dry and there’s more friction from clothing and brushing. A slightly rough, dehydrated hair surface can also make flyaways more noticeable.

Should I wash my hair less in winter?
Many stylists suggest avoiding over-washing if hair feels dry. However, scalp needs vary. If you’re oily or exercise frequently, focus on gentle cleansing and conditioning rather than simply skipping washes.

Do hair oils help with winter dryness?
Oils can help reduce roughness and improve the look of shine by coating the hair fibre. They won’t “add water” to hair, so combining them with conditioning or a leave-in is often more effective.

Is it better to air-dry or blow-dry during cold weather?
It depends on your hair and schedule. Prolonged damp hair can feel uncomfortable and may tangle more. If you blow-dry, use sensible heat settings and keep airflow moving to reduce stress on the hair.

What’s the quickest fix if my hair is frizzy at the crown?
Lightly smooth a tiny amount of leave-in or styling cream over flyaways using your hands. If needed, use a brush gently to guide the surface hair into place without overloading product.