The months go by so fast. It’s that time of the year again when your hair dreads it the most. Fear not, for we have what your hair needs.
Whether you’re cosied up inside or celebrating out, here are the best hair care basics of the season. Let’s go through every hair care tip you need during winter right from our hair experts!
The 15 Key Hair Care Tips for the Winter Season
Shampoo Right, and Not as Often
Your hair will have scalp and hair breakage when you rub it while shampooing. Smooth out your hair and massage the shampoo in for the best results. You should also shampoo only when needed. Overwashing will remove your hair’s natural oils, leaving your curls dry and vulnerable to dandruff.
Shampoo oily hair every one to two (1-2) days, or three to four (3-4) days for dry hair. Use sulphate-free shampoo for the best results.
Lower Your Water Temperature
The colder months make you want to enjoy a good hot shower or bath. Sadly, your hair doesn’t like scalding water even during winter. It’ll sap the moisture right out of your locks, showing you how brittle your hair can end up.
You can still use hot water, but not for your hair. Shower as usual, but use lukewarm water when you shampoo and rinse. Seal down your hair cuticles with a quick cold water rinse.
Towel With the Correct Material
Terry cloth towels are too rough for fragile or damaged hair. The gentlest option is a microfibre towel. This towel is softer and has a high water absorption rate. It will reduce drying time and friction.
Another alternative is a 100% organic cotton towel. Like microfibre towels, organic cotton towels are thicker and softer than regular towels. At the same time, they are more cost-effective.
Condition Deeply and More Often
‘Tis the season for dry air. This weather is notorious for dehydrating your hair cuticles. Combat this by picking out a high-quality lightweight conditioner right after shampooing.
Consider a leave-in conditioner for long-term use. Leave the conditioner in your hair overnight to rejuvenate your dry hair fast. Otherwise, utilise a proper deep conditioning treatment to nourish your hair again.
Mask Every Once in a While
A good hair mask can be your new best friend right now. Hair masks can hydrate and protect your hair all year round. Put on a hair mask every week to see for yourself. There are also some great homemade hair mask recipes for some DIY fun.
Dry Out Your Hair Naturally
Much like how you don’t want to freeze, your hair shouldn’t too. Wet hair in this cold weather won’t make you sick, like that old wives’ tale. However, frozen hair can expand and break quite easily. You won’t escape those dreaded split ends.
Never scrunch or rub your hair with towels either. Dry your hair gently and naturally with a towel or a fan before bracing the cold outdoors. If you use a blow dryer, put it in the lowest setting possible before aiming it on your curls.
Brush When Dry, Not Wet
Improve blood circulation in your scalp by frequently brushing your hair. This practice can also boost the oils in your hair, helping it become healthy and strong. However, you shouldn’t brush your strands right out of the shower.
Brushing your hair when it’s dry is your best bet. This will keep your delicately straight strands from tearing and overstretching. However, brushing your hair while wet will still be okay if you have curly hair.
Style With No Heat
As you can tell by now, excessive heat on your locks is a definite no-no. Heat protectant serums can help, but not entirely. So, styling your hair should be done right. For the time being, avoid hot curlers and straighteners.
Heatless styling products are available for this reason. You can also try different ways to style your hair like overnight heatless curls and braids. Get creative and you might find your next best hairstyle for the season.
Treat With Oil Instead
Kick the hydration up a notch with an additional oil-based hair care treatment. Use the hair oil by warming it gently first. Work in the product from scalp to tip. It’s best to do this treatment one to two (1-2) times a week for maximum effect.
Find a lightweight and nutrition-rich leave-in oil like argan oil. Other oils that pack a punch are coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil, almond oil, and neem oil.
Humidify When You Can
Take your winter hair care further with something as simple as a humidifier. For colder climates, indoor heating dries out the air in your home. It can be too much for your already-delicate locks.
Infuse moisture back into your living spaces with a humidifier. Look for a quality one since you’ll be using it every winter season from now on. Even your skin will thank you for the extra hydration in the air.
Volumise With Dry Shampoo
Stretching your shampoo days should be your plan this winter. As time goes on, your hair might look a little limp and lifeless. The perfect solution is dry shampoo.
Dry shampoo gives your hair the volume it needs in a pinch. It cleans it enough to last a day or two more. It’s particularly beneficial for oily hair since this hair type can get streaky fast. Use this product when you need to for a quick refresh.
Cover Up With a Hat or Scarf
Protect your curls from the harsh elements with a hat or a scarf. Head coverings made solely of wool or cotton shouldn’t be an option. These fabrics might give you split ends and other breakage because of friction.
Find pieces made from silk or cotton like a lined hat or head scarf. These materials let your hair keep all its natural oils. They shouldn’t be too tight for better circulation. Bundle up with more layers like a hoodie made from cotton and wool to keep the cold out.
Trim Your Hair Regularly
Even when you’re all bundled up for the cold, the ends of your hair could still poke out. Due to exposure, they are more susceptible to cold-related damage. Keep your brittle curls healthy with regular trims.
Get half (½) an inch off of your hair whenever you go for your regular haircut. You should get a trim every four to eight (4-8) weeks.
Reign in the Bleach and Colour
The weather is already getting colder and drier. Bleaching and colouring will expose your hair to harsh chemicals. They only make your cuticles and ends weaker and more vulnerable to damage and dehydration.
Go with your natural hair colour during this season. Give your hair a much-needed break from those products for now.
Hydrate Yourself
One of the most natural ways to moisturise your locks is through proper hydration. When properly hydrated, each strand of your hair will be too. You’ll even notice that your hair will be less prone to dandruff and itchiness.
Drink enough water to replenish yourself during the season. It’s best to keep a water bottle ready when you’re out.
