Every year around this time, I hear the same thing from clients in my chair. “James, I don’t know what’s going on with my hair. It’s like it has a mind of its own.” And honestly, I get it. Even here in sunny Vero Beach, our winter air can make hair feel stubborn and dry when it used to behave just fine.
After years behind the chair at James Geidner Hair Studio, I’ve learned how small seasonal shifts can throw off your usual routine. The good news is, you don’t need a total overhaul to get your style back on track. A few small changes make a big difference.
How Winter Affects Hair in Florida
We might not see snow here, but the air still turns drier in winter. That dry air pulls moisture from your hair, leaving it limp or frizzy. If you’re running the heat on your morning drive or sitting inside with the heater on, it can dry out strands even faster.
Here’s what I notice most often this time of year:
- Fine hair falls flat and won’t hold volume
- Thicker textures feel rougher and more frizz-prone
- Hair color looks dull faster because the cuticle gets dry
None of this means your hair is “bad.” It just needs a little extra care to adapt to the season.
Styling Steps I Use All Winter
When someone sits down in my chair feeling frustrated, I like to keep things simple. These are the same steps I use on myself and my clients this time of year:
- Hydrate well before styling. Softer, moisturized hair is easier to shape and holds the look longer.
- Blow dry in sections. Smaller sections give more control, more polish, and help fight frizz, especially when heading out around downtown after an appointment.
- Use steady, gentle heat. Slow and steady keeps hair smooth without cooking it. Rushing only causes more frizz later.
- Lock in the finish. Once your style is set, avoid touching it too much. The less you fuss, the longer it lasts.
These steps take a little more time than a quick rough dry, but they pay off when your style still looks fresh the next day.
Keeping Styles Intact in Our Humid Winters
Even when the air is cooler, Florida’s humidity still likes to sneak in. That’s why styles can fall apart the second you walk out of the salon. To help your look hold up, try this:
- Let curls or waves cool completely before brushing them out
- Pin sections in place while they cool to lock in shape
- Sleep with your hair loosely wrapped or braided to reduce friction
If your hair still refuses to behave, it might be time to reset your cut or shape. A fresh trim can make styling so much easier, especially if it’s been a while since your last visit.
Common Styling Mistakes I See
Honestly, the biggest winter mistake I notice is people over-styling. More heat does not mean better results. It just means more damage. I always remind my clients:
- Skip the extra flat ironing if your hair already looks smooth
- Don’t pile on heavy creams if your hair is fine, they weigh it down
- Give your hair a break between wash days so it can hold natural oils
Winter styling is all about balance. The right steps matter more than extra effort.
A Quick Story from the Chair
Last week, one of my regulars came in convinced her hair had “stopped working.” She said it felt dull, flat, and lifeless. We gave her a clean cut, a deep conditioning treatment, and styled it with these same steps. She left the studio grinning, saying her hair hadn’t felt this soft in months. That’s the power of using the right approach for the season.
Want Your Hair to Behave Again?
If your hair has been giving you a hard time lately, let’s get it back on track together. Book a styling appointment with me, James Geidner, at James Geidner Hair Studio. We’re right here at 541 Beachland Boulevard in Vero Beach, just steps from Curated Living. Call 772-492-8440 or book online and we’ll get your hair feeling healthy, smooth, and totally winter-ready again.