Winter is upon us and, while you may have a handle on your skin care, protecting your hair in colder months can be a bit more complicated. As colder air draws moisture from the scalp and follicles, it can leave hair dry and more susceptible to damage like breakage, frizz, and split ends. You may also be washing your hair less often during the winter, which can lead to product buildup, irritation, and dandruff. Read on to tackle the more complex challenges for keeping hair healthy on chillier days.
Straight hair, more than any other hair takes quite the beating during the winter. Since its outer cuticle lies flat, it’s the most light-reflective hair type; hence it’s more noticeable when the winter air-dries it out. Straight hair is also the hardest hit by hat-head, aka when your hair falls flat underneath your knit cap. To combat that dry, dull appearance, use a shine spray like Rusk Thermal Shine Spray, which boasts pure argan oil to add body and shine. Another good option is It’s A 10 Hair Shine Spray that protects as well as provides a smoother finish. Spritz either spray on damp hair and blow dry to boost volume. If your straight locks end up super dry and damaged in the coming months, try Kiehl’s Silk Groom Serum in the shower to help seal in moisture and boost your hair’s finish.
Even though summer is long gone, your wavy hair doesn’t have to be pulled back and shoved in a hat until sunny days return. You can still rock those full, beachy waves in winter by switching out your summer care products for winter-friendly hydrating options, like Aveda Styling Foam. With ingredients like organic honey and marshmallow root, you can expect frizz-free waves after applying to damp hair. Or, try Ouai Air Dry Foam, enriched with kale and carrot proteins to soften strands and moisturize your locks to create non-crunchy texture.
Curly hair requires constant moisture as winter winds and wooly hats wreak their havoc. Tresemme’s Shea Butter and Hibiscus Oil shampoo is specifically made to keeps curls smooth and includes additional all-natural ingredients like aloe and coconut oil. Preserve your curls by extending the life and moisture of clean hair with a shower cap. Disposable shower caps can also be used for deep conditioning treatments and overnight hair masks.
For color-treated hair, which tends to be pretty dry already, protect your color without further damaging by using a shampoo that also conditions, like Redken Color Extend Shampoo. Of course, you’ll still want to condition, but hydrating shampoos that protect while strengthening hair will keep your scalp healthy and preserve color. And, since dyed hair is more prone to damage no matter the season, try adding a weekly repair treatment to your haircare routine. Aveda’s Damage Remedy Intensive Treatment uses plant oils and quinoa proteins to restore your hair’s health as well as its shine.
No matter your hair type, every woman can benefit from a silk pillowcase to avoid dehydrating friction overnight. The static cling from cotton or flannel pillowcases can lead to additional frizz and breakage. For a healthy scalp, check out SheaMoisture’s Charcoal Exfoliating Hair Mud. Yes, mud, for your hair. This treatment removes excess buildup and exfoliates your scalp, lifting out impurities for a healthier head all around.
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *