8 Winter Hair Care Tips You Might Not Know About

From enjoying the Christmas wonderland to having a cosy night at the cottage, winter offers almost everything including the chilly weather. It is unfortunate, however, that winter cold is harsh on the hair of all textures and types. To make sure your crown survives the cold, here are our top eight winter hair care tips that you might not know to keep it bright and silky.

1. Cover Your Hair

Despite the cold, most people enjoy going out on weekends. However, you may be surprised to learn that rain, snow, and cold are all significant stressors for hair. Wear a hat to protect your hair and keep it moisturised. If you don’t, your hair will dry out and become more prone to breakage. It’s a good thing there are many stylish hats available nowadays and all you have to do is choose a hat that complements your style.

Remember to use a silk or satin scarf first, then layering with textiles such as cotton or woollen because these types of fabrics can cause breakage. Other than that, use a dry oil spray before going out to reduce static electricity under your hat. Dry oils are light in weight and contain natural oils that help moisturise and restore shine to hair.

2. Avoid Heat Styling

If you haven’t heard, walking around with wet hair in the cold might cause it to freeze and break. It’s true that air drying is the best, but blow drying your hair is much more preferable. However, even when blow-drying, the heat from your hairdryer is unhealthy for your hair. It is because it removes moisture from your hair at a time when your hair is already sensitive in the cooler months. Styling tools such as straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers can damage your hair as well and cause split ends.

To solve this, apply a heat protection product and blow-dry with the diffuser set to a low heat setting, or you can just avoid straightening or curling your hair. Accept your hair’s current state and let it air dry naturally. Experiment with various hairstyles such as braids, twists, buns, and updos instead.

3. Avoid Frequent Hair Washing

Excessive shampooing can strip natural oils from the hair and, worse, cause the scalp to become dry and flaky. This isn’t ideal throughout the winter when those oils are especially important for keeping hair nourished and protected. If it’s unavoidable and you must wash your hair every day, limit your shampooing to twice a week. Use a shampoo with a gentle, sulphate-free formula. Avoid buying the ones that contain drying ingredients such as alcohol and dyes.

Alternatively, you can use dry shampoo in between washes to protect your hair from looking oily. Aside from smelling nice, dry shampoo instantly adds volume and can help you stay longer between washes. Dry shampoo detangles the hair shaft as well and revitalises your hairstyle.

4. Use A Hair Mask Regularly

Another tip to pamper your hair during the winter is to use a hair mask regularly. Hair masks are no longer a secret because they are widely available. This treatment is significant because a hair mask can replenish the moisture that the dry air removes. In fact, weekly hair mask treatments are ideal for maintaining the overall health of your hair. It not only reverses the effects of dryness, but it also protects your hair all year.

Other than that, hair masks are packed with hair benefits such as softening, moisturising, and adding shine. When shopping, aim for hair masks that contain moisturising ingredients like honey and eggs. These ingredients hydrate dry hair and stimulate hair growth. If you’re doing this routine at night, follow with hair oil or serum for a better result.

5. Always Condition Your Hair

If you want healthy hair, always apply conditioner after you get out of the shower. Use a moisture-restoring shampoo and conditioner, especially in the winter. Make time to condition your hair for at least 5 minutes to moisturise the hair and get rid of the frizziness. Hair conditioners can protect the outermost layer of your hair from indoor heating, cold winter winds, and styling tools.

If you’re just getting started, look for a thick and creamy conditioner that contains natural oils such as olive oil or jojoba oil for deep hydration and nourishment. You might not be able to eliminate dryness at once, but committing to a routine that involves conditioning your hair and a weekly hair mask can work wonders.

6. Watch What You Consume

Of course, all of the hair tips mentioned above are essential, but it’s also important to watch what you eat. After all, you are what you eat. Staying hydrated is crucial during the cold months. Drink plenty of water to restore your hair’s water content and relieve all of the dryness, irritation, and dandruff.

On the other hand, consume meals that are healthy for the health of your hair. Protein-rich foods, such as eggs, spinach, and sweet potatoes, are helpful to promote hair growth. Other than consuming multivitamins, fruits such as berries, papaya, and kiwi are also beneficial since they contain the vitamin needed to build collagen, which strengthen the capillaries that supply the hair shafts. Eat a well-balanced diet to keep your body and hair healthy.

7. Use A Hair Oil

Hair oil is a godsend for stressed-out winter locks. Since the cold weather can cause dry hair, using an oil-based hair treatment helps to repair dry hair and restore its freshness and gloss. Apply the golden oil to the ends of your damp hair regularly after rinsing out your shampoo or blow-drying your hair.

Alternatively, you can just massage the oils into your hair once or twice a week to improve blood circulation and promote healthy hair. Look for a lightweight leave-in formula loaded with castor oil, argan oil, and coconut oil when shopping. Hydrating nutrients such as aloe vera, green tea, and shea are also effective. Remember to use a silk or satin pillowcase to avoid hair breakage.

 8. Invest In A Humidifier

The final method for dealing with dry hair in the winter is to use a humidifier. The dramatic shift in temperature throughout the winter can suck moisture from your hair and it will further damage your hair if the temperature lowers due to the warmth provided by a room heater. A humidifier can help to moisten the air, keeping your hair looking healthy and silky at all times.

It maintains the moisture levels in the living space and prevents dryness. A humidifier can be expensive, but the good news is that there are many types of humidifiers available today, each with its unique set of features that meet your needs. Winter may be harsh on your hair, but a little additional care can go a long way toward keeping the hair healthy.