Winter isn’t all bad. Think about walking in crystal clear frosty mornings, cosy sofa evenings in your pyjamas binging on TV box sets, and sensationally stodgy stews and puddings. But while many of us love the colder months, our hair certainly doesn’t! Whatever your hair type or texture, when the temperature drops, so does the ability of your tresses to hold onto moisture. Harsh, freezing winds also add to the drying mix. Left alone, these conditions can lead to dry scalp, frizzy hair, split ends, seasonal dandruff and hair loss. But the cold season doesn’t need to lead to hair misery. By following these winter hair care tips, you can help winter-proof your locks.
Buy A Humidifier
While the cold weather on its own wreaks havoc on hair, rapidly shifting temperatures cause problems too! Hair does not adapt well to climate fluctuations. Stepping into a warm, dry house from a cold outdoors (or vice versa) can pull moisture from your locks. By investing in a humidifier, you can keep the air in the house warm while giving it an injection of rehydration. It’ll bring balance to moisture levels and your hair will feel the benefit. You should also lend a helping hand by keeping the temperature of your house warm, but not hot.
Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in wholesome foods is very important in keeping your hair and scalp in top condition. Incorporate protein-rich foods like fish, eggs, lean meat and beans into your diet. Seeds, nuts and leafy greens should also be included. And great supplements are a must.
We asked celebrity hairstylist Kristine Cimbule for her tips, and she sees this as a vital weapon in the hair health arsenal:
‘Winter or summer healthy hair is an “inside job” and I’ll never stop emphasising the importance of taking hair supplements, especially in wintertime when there is less light and having a balanced diet might be a little more challenging than in summer. Our hair needs the right nutrient and protein balance to help your hair first grow (producing lots of new hair growth) second grow healthy and shiny. Hair Gain Gummies are a great way to supplement your diet and support healthy hair growth.’
They taste great too!
Drink Plenty of Water
We can’t live without water. About 60% of our bodies are made up of it, and every system in our body relies on it. Drinking enough water is critical for hair health. Even if you’re eating all the right things, if you haven’t got adequate levels of water, those essential nutrients can’t be moved to where they need to be. Your hair structure itself is also made up of around 10-13% of water! As we’re not generally as active in the winter, you don’t feel as thirsty as in the summer. It’s easy to forget to take enough water on board. Make sure you drink 6-8 glasses a day to keep hydrated. A simple, but essential winter hair care tip.
The Power of Silk
In these cold months, silk is your ally! This all-natural substance is hypoallergenic, super-soft and non-abrasive. Silk is the perfect partner in protecting natural hair: people have been wearing silk bonnets for this very purpose for centuries. Wearing a hat is a great way of keeping out the elements, but tightly worn hats can pull on your locks, hinder circulation and stop air flow. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf under your hat and you’ll be helping to stop these issues. And silk’s your friend while you sleep too.
Star stylist Pete Burkill told us:
‘I recommend silk pillowcases and or sleeping in a silk hair wrap. It’s a great way to wake up to smoother, shinier hair and helps to maintain your hairstyle for longer so you don’t have to worry about over styling in the harsh cold weather. Plus, it preserves curls prevents tangles and means you don’t have to wash hair as often.’
Don’t Leave Home with Wet Hair
Our lives are hectic, and with most of us taking a shower or bath in the morning, it’s easy to leave home with our locks still wet. But doing this in winter is a bad idea. Wet hair is heavier and far more prone to damage in the cold months. Water expands when it freezes. So, if you go out with wet hair in frosty conditions, your hair structure is put under pressure, and breakage is often the result. Ideally, allow enough time for your hair to air-dry before leaving home, or wash your hair in the evening instead. You should avoid blow-drying your hair in a rush unless absolutely unavoidable.
Hair Masks
Avoiding winter dryness isn’t easy, but regular moisturising hair masks can make a big difference. Using them all year round can reverse the effects of dryness while softening and adding shine. But in winter, their hydrating powers come even more to the fore.
Kristine Cimbule is an avowed fan:
‘Taking a hair supplement goes hand in hand with using a nourishing & hydrating hair mask. The same as our skin needs more moisture in the winter so does our hair and to provide the best care for your hair it’s important to make sure that it’s moisturised from the outside as well as nourished from the inside.’
Our scientifically formulated Hair Mask is a perfect way to hydrate, repair and protect your locks while keeping your scalp health in top shape. So easy to use and you only need to use it for 10 minutes once or twice a week to reap the benefits.
Final Thoughts
Winter can be a challenging time for your hair. By following these winter hair care tips, you can help to keep your hair hydrated, shiny and healthy. And though it might not feel like it, summer will be here before we know it!
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