Your hair game’s been going strong then snap! Winter is here and suddenly it starts to become dull, dry and frizzy. During the cooler months, the heating is on and we’re more inclined to use the hairdryer to dry our hair. Outside the air is cool, and it can be wet and windy. Combine these blasts of heat, and icy climes, and winter can really play havoc with your hair.
There are, however, a few simple steps you can follow to avoid your hair becoming a causality of winter’s irregular temps. Follow these 9 simple steps for healthy hair this winter.
- Remember your mum telling you not to go outside with wet hair or you’ll catch a cold? Well there’s another reason why you shouldn’t go out with wet hair, it’s more prone to breakage. When things freeze, they expand, and your hair is no different. When you go outside with wet hair the cuticles swell, lift and become less flexible. Think of each strand like an icicle.
- Extend the time between washes. Shampoo strips the natural oils from your hair, these oils help keep your hair hydrated. If you wash every second day, try to extend to every third day and use a dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair looking fresh. And as satisfying as a hot shower is in winter, hot water can dry your skin, and a dry scalp can lead to flaking.
- A change in weather calls for a change to your shampoo and conditioner. In winter opt for a shampoo and conditioner designed to keep your hair hydrated. Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo and Detangling Solution are inspired by the aloe plant that never dries out.
- After washing gently squeeze excess water from hair, then blot dry hair with a towel rather than rubbing it and avoid twisting water out of your hair as this can also lead to breakage. Use a soft towel to dry hair, the softer the towel the gentler it is on your hair, keeping hair cuticles flat rather than roughing them up.
- Choose gentle, hydrating products that include oils such as argan or coconut and consider adding an organic range that are sulfate free. We love the new NAK styling products which are enriched with coconut oil, aloe vera and pear to protect and repair the hair and scalp. They also contain a blend of botanicals to heal and hydrate. They’re also vegan and sulphate free. #winning
- As tempting as it is to tame frizz with more regular blow dries or to flatten flyaways with the hair straightener, resist that urge! If your hair is already feeling a little fragile, heat styling will reduce moisture levels further and amplify dry damaged hair. Embrace your natural hair texture and air dry when possible. To tame flyaways add a few drops of hair oil instead. We can’t go past AG Hair Smooth The Oil with argan oil to keep hair smooth.
- When drying hair with a hairdryer don’t forget to use a thermal protectant to keep your hairs cuticles from becoming damaged. We love Davroe Thermaprotect Spray. Blow dry hair on the coolest temperature setting, hold at a reasonable distance from your scalp. Your hair and scalp will thank you for the extra gentle love.
- Embrace warm winter hair tones to limit moisture stripping bleaching and highlights. Instead tone up your hair and add shine with a hair glaze. Hair glazes are just like a deep conditioning treatment, except they also coat the hair with colour to bring back life. Or use a colour depositing shampoo to revitalise your colour without chemicals. We love certified organic and vegan De Lorenzo Novafusion, which works in synergy with hair colour to control colour fade and gives hair a brilliant shine. Or try a colour conditioner like NAK Colour Masque to help stretch out the time between services.
- Hydration starts from within, so be sure to drink plenty of water during winter to help keep your hair and scalp healthy, and to prevent dryness, itching and flakiness.
With these simple steps during the cooler months you can keep your hair smooth and hydrated. For more advice visit your local Price Attack store for expert advice.