The winter months can be wearing on the hair and scalp, making it difficult to maintain shiny, soft, healthy-looking hair. The cold, brisk winds and dry environment make the hair brittle, dull and dehydrated. The scalp also becomes dried out, flaky, itchy and irritated. Using some of these methods will help your hair and scalp retain moisture to fight off the winter dry spell.
Reduce heat.
Hairdryers, flat irons, curling irons, and other forms of heat are strenuous on the hair, although they help us achieve the hairstyle we desire. While it may be hard to cut back on heat, the alternative to this is using lower settings (medium or low).
Ceramic irons are also better options when it comes to protecting the hair cuticle and preventing breakage.
Air drying in a braid or twist is also a good option, if you choose to.
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Dr. Ashley Curtis, a dermatologist, shares that, “Truly minimizing the amount of heat on your hair can make a big difference in the quality of your hair. Heat can break your hair and it can cause overall dryness. I recommend blow-drying your hair on medium to low settings, and try not to blow dry your hair every day, if possible.”
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Change your routine.
Oftentimes, the hair products you use in your summer routine need to be adjusted for the winter months.
Because of the drastic change in weather, implementing products that offer extra moisture and gentle cleansing is ideal. Incorporating conditioners is also helpful, and works well with hydrating hair masks. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
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Beware of styling products.
Most of the styling products that we use, such as gels, mousses and volumizers, have a high alcohol content. This is drying for the hair and can further your hair issues. Using styling products that are vitamin-infused, or leave-in conditioners are more effective options. Look for products that will lock in moisture and revitalize your hair and scalp.
Oil massages.
Massaging your scalp helps boost blood circulation and leads to hair growth. But, in the winter when you massage your scalp with oils, you are helping your hair and scalp restore hydration.
Shampooing your hair too often can strip the hair of its moisture.
Dr. Ashley Curtis says, “If you have dry hair, then I do not recommend washing every day. I’d say go maybe once every 2-3 days.
If you wash your hair every single day and your hair is dry, you can strip your hair of all the natural oils from the hair shaft.” Oil massages afterward can help counteract this dryness. You can use olive, coconut, or jojoba oils to do so.
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Use more accessories.
Hats and earmuffs can be risky when it comes to wear and tear on the hair if overused, however, they are beneficial when it comes to protection. These accessories help protect your scalp from the biting, cold winds, rain and snow.
Safer tools.
The tools that we use to comb, brush and part our hair can be rough on our scalp. Plastic tools tend to cause more scalp irritation and hair breakage. Switching to wooden or ceramic tools can reduce this issue. When using these tools, be sure you are gentle with your hair and not yanking it out.
Employing these adjustments in your hair care routine can help protect your hair and scalp from the cold, winter season. Save your hair, and yourself, from the hassle and frustration.
