While chilly temps might give you hunkering down at home feels, it definitely doesn’t feel good for your hair. After all, it’s a wonder that winter doesn’t do you hair in, considering the harsh temperatures, storms, and heavy winds that can cause your. hair to lose its moisture and natural oils. And that’s not all — your hair is more susceptible to breakage, dandruff, and scalp dryness during the cold winter months. Although you could cover up your curls with a scarf or a hat, you might still want your lovely locks to flow freely, even if it’s totally freezing outdoors. In order to keep your hair looking amazing, try these winter hair hacks that will make you think it’s 78 degrees and sunny outside.
Dry Your Hair Before Leaving The House
Wet hair and cold weather definitely do not mix. Leaving the house with wet hair isn’t a good idea during the winter because the cold weather can cause your hair to be more prone to breakage. Even if you do decide to wash your hair, give yourself plenty of time during the morning madness to dry your hair. (Even better: wash your hair at night, and you won’t have to wait in the morning.) But if your hair is still wet (and you might miss the bus), just tuck it into your scarf or jacket to protect it from the elements.
Do Use Oil Treatments
The air of the winter season and the heat indoors can cause your hair and scalp to become dry and flaky. Applying oils to your scalp can drastically change the way your hair looks during the winter. Oil treatments help to prevent breakage, leaving you with silky and healthy hair. But before you grab any ‘ol oil treatment, be sure to search for one that contain argan and jojoba oils. If you tend to get dandruff, (or if you have thicker, more coarse hair), apply a heavier oil like coconut or castor oil before washing to help combat the dryness in your scalp.
Deep Conditioning Your Hair Once A Week
Treating your hair to a deep conditioner can help to restore its natural oils. During these winter months using a leave-in conditioner will keep your hair moisturized and protect against any future damage in the colder temperatures. In for the evening? Try a hair mask. Hair masks are like leave-in conditioners, but with a few more added bonuses. Both leave-in conditioners and hair masks give your hair benefits like hydration, hair growth, softening, and added shine.
Avoid Excessive Heat
Year-round heat can be the culprit of damaged hair, but during the winter season, it can be even worse. If your hair is already dry, applying heat can further strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. So even though you might like the look of your tresses tamed by being straightened, the best thing you can do is to love and embrace your natural hair whether it’s naturally straight or wild and curly.
Use Dry Shampoo
You might love the feeling of freshly-washed hair as you walk out the door. But all that beauty can get a beating when it’s bundled up in hats and scarves. Instead of looking like you have bedhead (even though you spent a ton of time on your hair), you can fix this by using dry shampoo. Dry shampoo keeps hair full and voluminous. Throw a small travel size bottle in your car or purse for a quick touch up throughout the day.
Avoid Frequent Washes
During the summertime, you washed your hair almost daily. But during the winter, cutting down the amount of times you wash your hair can be beneficial. When you over-wash hair, it gets stripped of its natural oils. Limiting your hair washes to about every three days can protect and keep your hair moisturized. Also, the temperature of your shower also matters. Even if you like a sauna-like experience in the shower, try lowering the temperature of the water when you’re sudsing up. Hot water can be damaging and drying to your already sensitive winter scalp.
Go For Regular Trims
Going to the salon can definitely be a time commitment, especially during the winter. However, the cold weather can cause your hair to become brittle and more prone to breakage. Regular trims, about a half an inch every four to eight weeks, can help to keep your hair healthy and less susceptible to split ends.
If you’ve noticed that the texture of your hair has changed during the winter, you’re probably right. It’s reacting to the environment and the change in temperature. But if you want your locks to be lovely, try these winter hair hacks, and your hair will be beautiful again, despite the season.