When the chilly winter weather finally rolls around, it’s time to switch things up. Swapping out your summer outfits for warmer winter fits, updating your skincare for added moisture and protection, and changing your home decor to reflect the new season. But another regime worth reassessing at this time of year is your hair care routine.
From hydrating shampoos and hair serums to restoring hair treatments and an overnight boosting peptide, your hair care routine may take slightly longer to complete during the cold winter season, but healthy hair and luscious locks will make the extra energy worth it.
Moisture is Key
One of the most common solutions to winter hair issues is more moisture. The cold weather is notorious for causing hair and skin to become unusually dry, which can lead to damage, breakage, and an overall dull appearance.
A light hydrating shampoo is a good solution for most people wanting to keep their hair moisturized and healthy, especially when combined with a nourishing conditioner. However, for those with excessively damaged or dry hair, stronger products may be necessary to support and protect the strands.
Regular Treatments
Due to the colder temperatures and lack of moisture in the air, your hair will need all the hydration it can get from other avenues. It may be worthwhile including a weekly deep conditioner or hair repair mask treatment into your routine for the winter season. The frequency of these treatments depends on factors like hair texture, density, and whether it is normally greasy or dry. Start with once a week and adjust the regularity of the treatments as necessary.
Alternatively, for hair that needs more moisture and protection, using an overnight anti-breakage hair mask to lock in much-needed moisture and shine is a must. When using overnight treatments, it is best to wear a shower cap and hair bonnet to protect your bed linen and prevent your pillow from absorbing too much product.
Fight Dandruff
When the weather starts to plummet, the condition of our scalps deteriorates alongside it. Constantly switching between frigid outdoor temperatures and warm indoor heat causes scalps to become dry and flaky. If you are naturally prone to dandruff, the winter season will only exacerbate the issue.
To keep the flakes at bay, consider switching to a shampoo containing salicylic acid. This key ingredient works wonders in exfoliating the scalp, removing dead skin cells, and breaking down product build-up. Only use this exfoliating shampoo as needed to keep dandruff away without agitating or irritating the skin.
Avoid Wet Hair
Regardless of where you were raised, you have likely been reprimanded at least once in life for going out into the cold weather with wet hair. The old adage goes beyond the risk of catching a cold: when your hair is wet, it becomes more delicate and susceptible to damage. Because water expands when it freezes, the water in your hair strands will expand, lifting the cuticle and exposing the hair to damaging factors.
Factor in the time and energy to blow dry your hair before leaving the house. This extra effort will ensure your hair is better protected against the elements and will help lower your chances of getting sick. Be sure to use a good-quality heat protectant before you begin.
Hair Oil is a Must
A multi-benefit hair oil is a year-round haircare essential that becomes even more crucial during winter. In winter, hair strands can become incredibly dehydrated. The best way to mitigate this dryness is by including a smoothing and hydrating hair serum or oil in your daily routine.
Apart from being a fantastic way to seal in much-needed moisture, they can also help combat unwanted frizz, keep flyaways at bay, and speed up styling times. Opt for products that contain argan, lavender, or peppermint oil for the best results.
The Right Hair Dryer
Avid hair dryer users will be quick to tell you that not all machines are made the same. To help fight the winter frizz and speed up your drying time, it may be time to upgrade your tool to an ionic blow dryer. Unlike their traditional counterparts, ionic dryers emit negative ions.
These small particles help to separate and evaporate water molecules much faster. This will not only help your hair dry much quicker, but it will also spend less time in direct heat, reducing unwanted damage and wild frizz. As an added bonus, they also prevent static hair.
Heat Can Hurt
There is nothing more soothing and comforting than a hot shower or steamy bath when temperatures begin to drop. But the excess heat is not doing your hair any favors, as hot water can strip your strands of essential oils, leaving them looking and feeling rough and dull. On hairwashing days, switch to lukewarm water when rinsing your hair to retain the moisture and natural oils it needs.
Furthermore, excessive styling using hot tools can lead to irreversible damage regardless of the season, but this damage is amplified during the cold winter weather. Instead, experiment with heatless hairstyles or styling tools that use cold air. Alternatively, invest in a high-quality, well-reviewed heat protectant to protect your locks.
