During the summer, we all seem to understand that we need to care for our hair. We know we need to wear sun block, hats and sunglasses. We keep ourselves, and in turn our hair, moisturized. However, when it comes to winter, we tend to forget to care for our hair. We experience the frizz, the static and the dryness, but do we know we can do something about it? Let’s take a look at winter hair care.
What are the Issues?
Winds will blow hair into knots. Snow, rain and the icy-cold winter temperatures will dry out hair and make it brittle. The results of this winter weather can cause split ends, static, frizzy hair. Winter sun exposure can cause as much damage as the summer sun.
What to Do and Use
Wear a scarf or hat to protect your hair from both the cold and wind. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf before putting on a hat, this will avoid hat head and protect your hair.
Use conditioner to keep your hair hydrated. Condition during every shower, and unless you have very thin, limp hair, try not to rinse all of the conditioner out. If you do have hair, try to leave some conditioner on the ends of the hair. Deep conditioning treatments are good about once a week. Make sure your conditioner contain fatty acids and humectants. These hold moisture in the hair. Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner. As well, keep in mind if you don’t need to shower every day, don’t. Only shower when needed in the winter to help prevent drying out.
If you use products, try using hair cream rather than gel. The cream will add moisture. Use natural products as well, like shea butter, ginger, soya, lemongrass and especially olive oil.
Drink a lot of water. You need to keep your body just as moisturized in the winter, as in the summer. Your diet matters. Eat lots of leafy green vegetables, proteins and nuts.
Have regular hair appointments for trims. This will keep hair healthy and fresh. Go at least every eight to ten weeks at least.
You can even use a dryer sheet and rub it on your head. Use a vented brush with boar and plastic bristles to control static. You can also mix heated vegetable oil and lemon juice, and rub it into your hair and scalp. This soothes and deals with dry scalp and hair. The oil removes dandruff and adds shine and moisture.
What to Avoid
Try to limit your exposure to excessive indoor heating. Some people like it really warm, but it isn’t always good for your skin or your hair. Avoid daily use of blow-dryers and styling irons. If you must use them, try also using leave-in-conditioner.
Don’t go outside with wet hair! If you do, your hair can freeze, damaging the hair and making it very easy to freeze and break. Another thing to avoid is any product with alcohol. Alcohol dries the hair and makes it brittle, which means it becomes easily broken and damaged.
Try to avoid using really hot bath or shower water. Although it’s winter and it’s cold outside, hot showers aren’t very good for your hair. Use warm water, or even cool water so your hair won’t dry out or become damaged too quickly.
Prevent and replenish should be the motto of winter. Take care of your hair and you will look and feel great, letting you enjoy the colder months that much more.