Winter hair care tips to follow
Winter is coming. And if that conjures up images of dry, frizzy, brittle hair with no foreseeable good hair days for months, we don’t blame you entirely. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, after all. With the right routine and products, it is possible to let your hair be your crowning glory even during the cold, gloomy winter. We’ve got a few hacks that are sure to do the trick.
1. Wash your hair not more than 2-3 times a week
Yes, you read that right. Excessive washing and use of shampoos can cause your scalp to become flaky and dry. This problem is usually aggravated during the winter months when there’s not enough moisture to go around. And if you must wash your hair, do so with a gentle sulphate-free shampoo or a co-wash to ensure your hair retains some moisture.
2. Stay away from heat styling
While it is a good idea to stay away from heat-induced styling in general, it’s best to minimize or avoid it completely during the winter. Exposing your tresses to heat from straighteners, tongs, hair dryers or curlers can make it brittle and dry, resulting in hair loss. Which is the last thing you want to deal with.
3. Drink water
Hydrate, hydrate and then hydrate some more. We tend to gulp down water during the summer but its imperative to drink as much water during winter too. This will help replenish your body, and will in turn nourish your hair, keeping dryness and itchiness at bay. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for good hair health.
4. Cover your hair
Make sure to cover your head when you’re stepping out. The cold wind can wreak havoc on your hair so shield it with a silk or satin scarf. Cotton and wool tend to cause breakage due to friction, so it’s a good idea to layer your silk scarf with a woolen one, for instance, if it gets too cold.
5. Dry your hair properly
Diffusing your hair is a better alternative than air drying your hair, especially during the winter season. Keeping your hair wet for a longer period of time can affect your scalp and furthermore cause split ends.
6. Deep condition
Your hair could seem wiry and dry in the winter even after a regular hair wash. That’s because the cold tends to zap away moisture from your hair. If you’ve been putting off deep conditioning for a while, perhaps now’s the time to go all guns blazing. A nourishing hair mask will go a long way towards helping your hair seal moisture.
7. Massage your scalp
Never underestimate the power of a good old fashioned champi. While your scalp naturally produces sebum, an oil to help moisturise your hair, massaging a few drops of pure coconut oil or any other cold-pressed oil can prevent flakiness. Wash it off with a gentle shampoo and use a leave-in conditioner.
8. Use a humidifier
This can be a game-changer, especially if your place gets cold and dry during winter. A humidifier in your living or bedroom helps regulate moisture in the air, keeping your skin and hair well-hydrated all day and night.
9. Get a haircut
Don’t forget to give your hair a quick trim every now and then. Winter can cause hair to dry out resulting in split ends. Regular trims at your favourite salon will get rid of split ends and keep your hair manageable and healthy.