Eight Ways To Care For Your Hair This Winter
You might already know that your hair is just dead protein cells. Only the root of your hair that stays attached to the scalp can absorb nutrients, but the minute it surfaces from the depth of your scalp it loses the ability. Now you might wonder how is it possible for your hair to become susceptible to environmental conditions, as it is already dead. Well, just because you have a head full of dead cells, doesn’t mean you have nothing to take care of.
Just like your skin needs moisturizing in winter, your hair too needs nourishment. No matter what texture is your hair, curly, smooth, wavy, or natural, all are vulnerable to the winter air. The dry winter air sucks all the moisture out from your hair, making it unprotected against the harsh environment. Read on to know how to take care of your hair in winter.
Skip Hair Drying With a Blow dryer
We know how irritating it is to be left with wet hair after your shower in winter. Blow-drying your hair might sound like the fastest and easiest way to dry your hair. However, all the heat from the dryer can damage your hair and cause hair breakage. When your hair is wet, it is most susceptible to split and damage.
So instead of plugging in that blow-dryer after the shower, let your hair dry naturally. Towel dry all the excess water and let it dry itself; if you have short hair, it will dry in no time. Even if you have to use a hairdryer, use it at a medium heat high-speed setting; apply a heat protector before you blow-dry.
Don’t Go Out With Damp Hair
You might have already heard from your parents or even grandparents- going out with damp hair will make you sick. Now you can point out it’s not true, but little does it change the fact that going out in damp hair in winter does damage your hair.
When you go out with wet hair, the water in your hair shaft expands by the cold temperature, it exposes the cuticle and leaves your hair susceptible to damage. Besides, cold temperatures can make your hair stiff, making them prone to snapping and breaking off. To avoid going out in damp hair, try to wash your hair when you return home.
Wear a Hat Whenever You Go Out
A hat will provide a buffer against the harsh winter wind. The cold wind can rob off moisture from your hair, making them dry and frizzy. Even if you think a hat will make you look drab or spoil your looks, it is necessary for protecting your hair. However, make sure the material of your hat is smooth, wearing coarse material like wool or cotton can result in split hair. If you have naturally textured or curly hair, apply some hair moisturizer before you put on the hat. If you want to keep your blowout style intact underneath the hat, add a layer of silk scarf between the hat and your hair.
Use Deep Conditioning and Moisturizer
Conditioning is vital for keeping your hair smooth and healthy in winter. Apply leave-in conditioner at least once a week to regain some moisture in your hair. All the indoor heat, hot shower, blow-drying, and exposure to freezing air leave their mark on your hair. To avoid static hair in winter use a leave-in conditioner at least twice a month; more frequently if you have dry hair.
You can use a steam cap during conditioning, to ensure all the nutrients are absorbed well in your scalp. Oil-based moisturizers such as castor oil or shea butter can trap moisture far longer in winter, they don’t evaporate easily in dry air. Oiling your hair will also protect your hair from frizzing, just apply a few drops and see the change.
Also, if your hair is really dry and needs some help, you can try pomade. It doesn’t matter if you buy one that’s for “men” as all these products are universal for both genders. Most pomade is generally made for men and will be easier to find.
Shampoo Less
Your hair has a way of protecting and hydrating your scalp with the small secretion of sebum or natural oil. Frequent shampoo sucks out all the natural oils from your hair. When your hair is already dehydrated from the cold winter, depleting even more moisture by shampooing is not a good idea. Even if you have dry scalp or flaking scalp problems, try to use less shampoo in winter.
However, using less shampoo doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your cleanliness; just be a little strategic with hair washing. Wear a hat when you are out, so you have less reason to shampoo your hair; try using a mild shampoo if you have to. You can also use a cleansing conditioner instead of a shampoo.
Don’t Use Hot Water to Wash Your Hair
A hot shower might be the first thing on your mind to kick out the cold when you return home. But hot water opens up the pores on your scalp; the moisture in your hair gets leaked from there. Just like the sauna, it cleanses deeply but also robs all the natural oils. As a result, you end up with dry, frizzy hair.
Coldwater traps the moisture, closes the pore of your scalp and prevents the collection of any dirt. Wash your hair with lukewarm water; if possible give it a final cold rinse to seal off the pores.
Trim Your Hair Regularly
No matter how much care you take to maintain your hair they are bound to develop split ends with everyday wear and tear. To prevent split ends you need regular trimming of your hair. Take out time for self care and trim your hair every four to eight weeks.
Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
There are two ways of maintaining your appearance, one with external care using different products or moisturizer and the other one with healthy eating that will heal your cells from the inside. Getting healthy winter hair also requires you to maintain a healthy diet. Add vitamins and minerals to your diet necessary for your health. Stay hydrated for better scalp health.
The Bottom Line
Ensuring proper winter hair care might feel like too much if you have a busy schedule. However, if you want healthy hair during summer, there is no other way around it. So squeeze out a little time every day for some hair care. Besides, if you invest in hair care it can improve the quality of your lifestyle. Maintain proper hair care and get through this winter like a champ!
xoxo
