With winter approaching, many of us will have begun taking precautions against the cold weather. This may mean extra moisturizing for the skin which can become dry and cracked or piling on the layers to keep warm on those bitterly cold mornings. But what precautions have you taken to protect your hair this winter? Many of us notice that our hair can become difficult to manage in the rain, fog and snow but just how much do you know about the actual damage that your hair comes under during the colder months? With stylists agreeing that winter is the harshest season on our hair, here are some tips to keep your locks looking luscious and healthy this year. Best Winter Care for Hair, we dish out tips you must not forget!!
Watch out for Hair Breakage
Most people think that hair breakage only occurs when hair becomes dry so logically this is more likely to happen in hot temperatures. However the cold can sap moisture from the hair in just the same way, sometimes even worse, leaving it brittle, rough and prone to breaking. You may also notice that your scalp becomes dry and chapped which can lead to dandruff. As well as looking unsightly dandruff will also make your hair dull as the flakes block the follicles at the root, meaning that moisture is unable to reach your hair. Using a deep, hydrating conditioner regularly is the best way to replenish moisture in the hair, whilst a zinc based shampoo will rid you of dandruff and unblock your hair follicles. Most importantly, never go outdoors with damp hair during winter. The cold temperature mixed with the wetness can literally cause the hair to freeze which will mean split ends and breakage galore.
Cover up
The best way to protect hair against the cold is to cover it up with a hair, scarf or hood. A hat with a soft, smooth lining such as silk or satin is ideal as it keeps the heat in and doesn’t rub so aggressively against the hair in the same way that wool does. The only problem with this is that heat is then trapped within the hat with nowhere to escape and this can lead to hair becoming sweaty and limp. To avoid this try wearing your hair in a messy bun so that a little ruffling will not spoil the effect.
Avoid heat
One of the main problems that your hair face during winter is the drastic changes in temperature. You will go from the chilly outdoors into a centrally heated home in seconds and these constant and extreme changes sap moisture from the hair. Those who choose to escape the cold for a few weeks on a winter holiday to somewhere sunny will also see similar problems when they return and their hair has gone from being frazzled by the sun to exposed to snow and ice. Add heat styling products such as curling tongs and straightening irons to the mix and you are positively aiding dryness and hair breakage. Experts advise that you shouldn’t even wash your hair in water that is too hot during the winter because the heat is just too much. Of course you will be exposed to heat at some point during the winter, but try to bear these things in mind and take precautions such as protective heat styling treatments if you really must use heat on your hair.
Condition
Along with your usual conditioner you should aim to carry out a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week. This will include coating the hair, sealing it with a shower cap and leaving it in overnight to really replenish moisture. Opt for conditioners that are rich in natural oils rather than those which are chemical based – particularly watch out for glycerine products which do not work well in cold temperatures. Think about other ways you can rebuild your hair such as through your diet – foods rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids such as cold water fish and walnuts are great for making the hair strong and thick.
Consider your styling
During winter your hair will become difficult to control, particularly if your hair type is naturally fine or flyaway. Damp weather conditions can often lead to your hair changing shape and becoming frizzy because the moisture in the air encourages hair to revert back to it’s natural state – so in other words, no matter how long you spend straightening your hair in the morning, the walk to work will set it right back to how is was before. This is why winter is a great time for up-do’s which may include pony tails or braids. Certain styles such as topknots and buns may even help protect the hair from the elements as it is less exposed than when it is down. We’ve already mentioned that you should go easy on the heat styling products, but also watch out for metal bobby pins which can drag fragile hair out and clip in extensions are also going to put a strain on brittle hair.
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