Summer is the best season for getting tan lines and sun-kissed skin, but it is also the time for your dry and frizzy hair’s wild appearance. However, you can also experience having dry hair when the weather is cold. In fact, the winter season is also another nemesis for your growing tresses. The combination of winter’s freezing temperature and indoor heat can deteriorate your hair’s quality and cause strand breakage. Even your hair growth shampoo may not be enough to protect your hair. Thus, it is also essential to boost your winter hair care routine like much as you’d care for your hair during summertime.
What must you then do to keep your tresses on point even during winter’s darkest and coldest days? Check out the following hair care tips that you can do for your winter hair.
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Effects of Winter on Your Hair
Before we dive into the best ways to care for your hair during winter, it’s essential to understand how the colder months can impact your tresses. Some of the most common effects of winter on your hair include:
- Dryness and Dehydration: The cold, dry air during winter can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Indoor heating can also contribute to dehydration, as it further reduces the humidity in the air.
- Static and Frizz: When your hair is dehydrated, it becomes more prone to static and frizz. This can make your hair appear dull, lifeless, and unmanageable.
- Scalp Irritation: The cold weather and dry air can also cause your scalp to become dry, itchy, and flaky. This can lead to dandruff and other scalp issues that can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
Protective Hairstyles for Winter
One of the best ways to protect your hair during winter is to opt for protective hairstyles that keep your tresses tucked away and shielded from the elements. Some great protective hairstyles for winter include:
Braids
Braids are a classic protective hairstyle that can keep your hair protected and tangle-free during the colder months. Whether you opt for cornrows, French braids, or box braids, these styles can help to lock in moisture and prevent breakage.
Twists
Twists are another great protective hairstyle for winter. They can be worn in various ways, from loose and casual to sleek and polished. Twists can also help to stretch your natural hair, reducing shrinkage and making it easier to style.
Buns and Updos
Buns and updos are a simple and stylish way to protect your hair during winter. Keeping your hair off your neck and shoulders can reduce friction and prevent tangles and knots. Plus, these styles are perfect when you don’t have time to fuss with your hair.
5 Simple Hair Care Tips for the Winter Season
1. Protect your tresses with hats whenever you go outside.
Your hair becomes hypersensitive to temperature fluctuations. It may probably be hot indoors, but it won’t be the case when you go outside. When your hair is suddenly exposed to snow or the frigid winter breeze, it can rob you of your hair’s moisture and ruin its quality. Therefore, always wear a hat or anything to keep your tresses warm amidst the cold season.
2. Avoid extending your hot shower sessions.
Most people would battle the winter season by having a nice warm bath every day. Yes, it can benefit your body, but not your hair. The steam from hot shower sessions can dry your locks, leaving your tresses frizzy and brittle. Decreasing the water’s temperature would be best, making it lukewarm enough to warm your body without dehydrating your hair strands.
3: Use a super moisturizing hair growth serum.
Your hair is in jeopardy of losing its moisture during winter. To keep your tresses well-protected against dehydration, boost your hair with a super moisturizing hair growth serum. Most serums are oil-based, so using one will guarantee your hair’s condition throughout the winter season. Serums will lock in moisture while providing the essential nutrients that your hair needs for healthy hair growth.
4: Don’t forget to dry your hair before going out.
Our hair becomes extra fragile when wet. So when your damp hair gets exposed to winter’s freezing weather, your hair strands expand, which causes strand breakage. Wearing a cap while your hair is wet is also not advisable, for it can attract bacterial and fungal growth, causing scalp problems. Thus, dry your hair first before wearing a hat to protect your tresses against the cold breeze and scalp infections.
5: Say no to overwashing.
If you have been used to washing your hair two to three times a day during hot summer days, you may need to cut off your washing habit this winter. You won’t sweat as often as you would back during summer, so there’s no need to wash your hair frequently. Overwashing your hair with shampoo may remove your hair’s natural oils, leaving your hair parched throughout the day. Instead, focus on moisturizing your hair with a hair growth conditioner.
Healthy Hair Habits for Winter
In addition to protective hairstyles and moisturizing treatments, there are several healthy hair habits you can adopt during the winter months to keep your tresses looking their best:
Limit Heat Styling
While reaching for your blow dryer or flat iron on cold winter days may be tempting, excessive heat styling can further dry out and damage your hair. Try to limit heat styling to once or twice a week, and always use a heat protectant spray before applying any hot tools.
Use a Humidifier
Indoor heating can sap the moisture from the air, which can, in turn, dry out your hair and skin. Using a humidifier in your home or office can help add moisture back into the air, which can help keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Protect Your Hair From the Elements
When venturing outside in cold or windy weather, be sure to protect your hair from the elements. Wear a hat or scarf to shield your tresses from the wind and cold, and consider using a leave-in conditioner or serum to add an extra layer of protection.
Avoid Harsh Hair Products
During the winter months, it’s best to avoid harsh hair products that can strip your hair of its natural oils. Look for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are formulated for dry or damaged hair. Avoid products that contain alcohol, which can further dry out your locks.
Brush Gently
When brushing your hair, be sure to use a gentle touch to avoid causing breakage or damage. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles, and start at the ends of your hair, working your way up to the roots. Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet, as this can cause stretching and breakage.
Nourishing Foods for Healthy Winter Hair
What you eat can also greatly impact your hair’s health during winter. Some nourishing foods to incorporate into your diet for healthy winter hair include:
| Food | Effects | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Fatty Fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) | – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids. – Reduces inflammation in the body. | – Nourishes hair from the inside out. – Contributes to healthier hair growth. |
| Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard) | – Packed with vitamins and minerals (iron, vitamin C, folate). | – Promotes healthy hair growth. – Prevents breakage. |
| Nuts and Seeds (almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds) | – Rich in vitamin E (antioxidant). – Good sources of healthy fats and protein. | – Protects hair from damage. – Strengthens hair from the inside out. |
| Eggs | – Excellent source of biotin (B-vitamin). | – Strengthens hair. – Prevents breakage. – Promotes healthy hair growth. |
| Water | – Keeps hair and body hydrated. | – Prevents dehydration, which can lead to dry, brittle hair |
| Sweet Potatoes | – High in beta-carotene (converted to vitamin A in the body). | – Promotes a healthy scalp. – Encourages hair growth. |
| Avocados | – Rich in healthy fats and vitamin E | – Moisturizes hair. – Prevents damage and breakage. |
| Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) | – High in antioxidants, especially vitamin C. | – Protects hair from oxidative stress. – Promotes collagen production for stronger hair. |
| Oysters | – High in zinc. | – Helps with keratin production (a protein that makes up hair). – Prevents hair loss and promotes growth. |
| Greek Yogurt | – Good source of protein. – Contains vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). | – Strengthens hair follicles. – Promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. |
Best Products for Healthy Winter Hair
| Product | Brand | Price | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moroccanoil Treatment Original | Moroccanoil | $44 (3.4 oz) | – Nourishes and hydrates hair – Reduces frizz and flyaways – Enhances shine and softness |
| Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask | Briogeo | $36 (8 oz) | – Intensely moisturizes and strengthens hair. – Reduces breakage and split ends. – Suitable for all hair types. |
| Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector | Olaplex | $28 (3.3 oz) | – Repairs damaged hair bonds. – Strengthens and protects hair. – Reduces breakage and improves hair texture. |
| Kiehl’s Damage Repairing & Rehydrating Leave-In Treatment | Kiehl’s | $25 (4.2 oz) | – Repairs and hydrates dry, damaged hair. – Protects hair from heat styling. – Improves manageability and shine. |
| Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair | Aveda | $31 (3.4 oz) | – Repairs and protects hair from damage. – Strengthens hair and prevents breakage. – Suitable for all hair types. |
| Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer | Bumble and Bumble | $28 (8.5 oz) | – Protects hair from heat and UV damage. – Nourishes and softens hair. – Reduces frizz and flyaways. |
| Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-In | Living Proof | $30 (8 oz) | – Repairs and strengthens damaged hair. – Hydrates and smoothes hair. – Protects hair from future damage. |
| Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner | Ouidad | $18 (8.5 oz) | – Deeply moisturizes and hydrates curly hair. – Enhances curl definition and reduces frizz. – Improves hair softness and manageability. |
| Davines OI All in One Milk | Davines | $35 (4.56 oz) | – Moisturizes and detangles hair. – Enhances shine and softness. – Protects hair from heat and environmental damage. |
| Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil | Christophe Robin | $71 (8.33 oz) | – Deeply nourishes and repairs damaged hair. – Improves hair elasticity and strength. – Enhances shine and softness. |
Treat Your Tresses with Extra Care This Winter Season.
Your hair is vulnerable, especially during winter. In fact, it needs extra love and care during this cold season to prevent the worst-case hair problems from happening. What your winter hair needs most is ultra-protection against moisture loss. Therefore, protect your tresses against dehydration during winter by keeping your hair well-moisturized. Don’t forget to upgrade your hair care regimen with hair masks, moisturizing serums, and hair conditioning treatments.
