Winter Hair Care

It’s nice to make our hair look and feel fabulous during the chilly months. Winter hair can be prone to flyaways, brittleness, and flatness, but with these natural care tips and a little extra TLC, cold weather issues can be avoided. Ready to take your winter hair from flat to fabulous?

Fight static electricity

Static electricity is unavoidable in winter due to cold air and low humidity. Static occurs when two unlike substances are rubbed together, causing electrons to move from one surface to the other. When a material that doesn’t conduct electricity very well (such as dull, dry hair) receives electrons, the electrons make themselves at home and repel each other—causing unruly hair that stands on end.

To reduce flyaway hair caused by static, try not to over-brush your hair, and use a brush made of a natural material such as wood. This helps reduce the friction that causes static. Also, make sure to use a moisturizing hair serum after drying your hair to help it repel static charge. Look for ingredients like bamboo extract and argan oil.

Combat dry, frizzy hair

Dry hair and winter are an inseparable pair. Switching to a rich, moisturizing wash-out conditioner can be a lock saver during the cold months. Look for products containing essential fatty acids and humectants, which help attract and hold moisture to your hair.

Know your hair type when choosing a hair conditioner for winter: ultra-thick or curly haired ladies can use a deep conditioning treatment (that you leave in for half an hour or more), whereas fine or thin-haired women should use a lighter leave-in spray in addition to their regular conditioner.

Repair split ends

Split ends are a result of damage to your hair from heat, over-combing, washing, or even having it up in a tight ponytail or bun. While the only permanent way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off, you can temporarily repair them. Try coating your ends lightly in oil (coconut oil is a good option) to keep them strong until your next shampoo.

Prevent split ends from happening in the first place by taking good care of your hair (again, conditioning it well will help) and be extra gentle when styling it. Visit your stylist regularly for trims—especially in the winter, when your hair is more prone to breakage and dryness.

Say bye-bye to dandruff

Nothing’s more embarrassing than discovering flakes of white dandruff on your lovely chocolate brown winter sweater. Dry skin can be the culprit, but so can skin maladies such as psoriasis or eczema. If you experience an overabundance of dandruff, consider purchasing a dandruff shampoo. Look for one containing natural dandruff fighting ingredients such as rosemary or tea tree oil, which have antifungal properties.

It’s also wise to use a humidifier in your home during the dry winter months to keep the air from sapping moisture from your skin. Make sure the humidifier is cleaned often.

Reducing the amount of hair styling products you use can also help prevent flake-forming buildup on your scalp.

Beat breakage

Lack of moisture in the air during winter can cause your hair to become brittle and break easily. Try a daily oil treatment on your locks, particularly the ends, which are the oldest parts of your hair and the most prone to breakage. Use products containing oils such as olive oil or argan oil. Simple shea butter or coconut oil can also be an easy, natural leave-in moisturizing treatment for hair—apply once a week or as often as needed.

Finally, make sure that your hair is completely dry before you leave your house to brave the cold outdoors. Frozen hair is much more prone to breaking. Let your hair dry naturally as much as possible, since heat styling tools take a greater toll on hair in the winter.

Cut out chemicals

Many commercial hair products contain harmful chemicals that are harsh on your hair and on the environment. When choosing your styling sidekicks, make sure to study the ingredient list and avoid these frequently used toxic substances, which can be both drying and dangerous.

• diazolidinyl urea
• DMDM hydantoin
• imidazolidinyl urea
• quaternium 15
• isopropyl alcohol
• propylene glycol
• sodium laurel sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate
• parabens

Winter supplements for healthy hair

Along with a healthy diet full of nutrients and good fats, you can add supplements to help keep your hair looking lavish in the chilly winter season.

• Vitamin D is a wonderful supplement for promoting hair growth, particularly during the sun-starved winter.
• Iron promotes hair growth by carrying oxygen to it. Many women are deficient in iron; discuss with your doctor if an iron supplement would be good for you.
• B-complex vitamins help make hair shiny and thick—niacin, biotin, and cobalamin are among the most popular.
• Zinc supports hair growth and can be taken as a supplement.

It is important to always consult a health care practitioner before taking any new supplements.

Avoid hat hair

Yes, you can wear a warm hat in winter without the stuck-to-your-scalp, hat-head feeling! Consider your hat’s material: look for natural fibres and avoid synthetics. Natural fabrics such as cashmere, wool, and cotton will help reduce frizz. Look for hat styles that are roomy and don’t cling to the head, in order to avoid sticky and matted locks.

After taking your hat off, you can give your hair a quick boost by adding in some volumizing hair powder and giving it a little tousle at the roots. Also, consider styling long hair into a high ponytail or combing short hair toward the back before putting on a hat. Both these styles push your hair against the way it naturally falls so that when the hat is removed, your hair will spring out with volume.