As temperatures drop, your once lustrous locks now seem to take on a life of their own - a very dull one, that is! Gone are the shiny, bouncy tresses, replaced by frizzy and lifeless hair. Indoor heating and daily blow-drying also contributes to depriving the hair of much needed moisture. Winter hair needs special care.
Continue with regular trims: The weather outside may be frightful, but don’t let that keep you away from a date with your hairdresser. A regular trim, every 8-10 weeks, will ensure dry and brittle ends get cropped.
Use a weekly deep-conditioning mask: A therapy mask used once a week is an excellent way to revitalize dull looking hair. Leave it in for the recommended duration. If your mask needs warmth to activate it, ensure you protect your hair with a plastic wrap before switching on the heat.
Avoid heated styling tools: Keep the use of blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons to a minimum. If you must use them, coat your hair with heat-protecting cream, or liberally apply leave-in conditioner to your hair before you get started.
Cover up when outdoors: Use a cap, scarf or hat to protect your hair from the cold and wind. If possible, use a cotton cap as opposed to wool or synthetic caps as cotton generates less static. If you elect to use a wool cap, wrap your hair with a loose cotton bandana under it.
Dry up before stepping outside: Wet hair is more prone to breakage and in extreme conditions, wet hair can even freeze. Dry your hair before you head outdoors.
Avoid excessive use of chemicals: Whenever possible, limit the use of chemicals which will further dry out your hair. Add highlights or lowlights to your hair and touch up the roots regularly, instead of changing the entire hair colour. If you must use color, opt for a no or low peroxide color or check out henna hair treatment options.
Avoid clarifying products: While silicon is a great way to get shine into your hair, during winter, it’s best to avoid products with silicone in them. Silicone can be hard to remove completely and clarifying shampoos can strip the hair of its protective oils.
Keep your woollies conditioned too: if flyaway and static hair is your problem, check to see what garments you’re wearing. You may find your woollen sweaters and knit tops are contributing to the problem. Keeping them conditioned when washing them can help reduce the problem. Use an anti-static mist on your hair to keep it in place. If you are stuck for special sprays and conditioners, try rubbing an anti-static dryer sheet on top of your hair for a quick fix.
Eat a healthy diet: What you eat plays a part in how your skin, nails and hair appears. Eat a healthy, well balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Ensure you get plenty of omega 3 fatty acids via fish like tuna and mackerel, olive oil and canola oil and nuts.
Dress up your hair: Hair can always be made to look its best with the addition of clips, hair bands and barrettes. Add a selection of them to your hair-care kit so you can always style you hair with the right accessories.
