W
e’ve all been there — stepping out into the cold winter air only to return home to a head full of dry, lackluster locs. Split ends seem to multiply overnight, and suddenly you channel your inner mad hair stylist as your hair defies gravity. To make matters worse, no amount of conditioner seems enough to combat the moisture-sucking indoor heaters. Now before you get tempted to grab the kitchen scissors for an impromptu trim, there are some simple winter hair care methods to nourish your strands and keep your shine all season long.
These winter hair care tips will protect your tresses this season…
#1. Never step out with wet hair
Before heading out into subzero temps, ensure your hair is completely dry. Wet hair freezes faster than that kid licking a lamp post in A Christmas Story. Ensure to air dry your hair indoors before you step out. Air-dried hair protects locs from biting winds and whipping snow. Plus, it prevents breakage and also limits the need for intense heat styling later to de-frizzle the ‘do.
#2. Cover up dry locs
Dry hair isn’t fully immune to winter’s harshness. Allowing unprotected hair to whip freely in the bitter cold and dry winds will cause more damage and moisture loss. So, wrap strands in a protective layer before heading outdoors. Consider hats as they not only shield hair from the elements but also seal in the body’s natural heat to condition strands. In addition, silk and satin scarves wrap hair in a gentle, protective cocoon to maintain moisture levels and prevent ends from splitting.
#3. Scale back on hairwashing
Daily shampooing strips essential moisture and oil from already parched hair in wintertime. Therefore, limit cleansing to 1-2 times per week, and rely on dry shampoo to soak up oil between washes.
#4. Avoid hot showers
It’s tempting to stand under a steaming shower for ages during cold winter months, but hot water further aggravates the moisture deficiency of hair. Hot showers strip the hair and scalp of natural oils, causing extra dryness and brittleness. Also, heat opens the hair cuticles too wide, allowing more moisture to escape than normal in an already parched environment. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and limit shower time to 5-10 minutes max. Follow with a nourishing conditioner from mid-length to ends while strands are still damp.
#5. Consider deep conditioning treatments
Combat seasonal dryness with intensive weekly conditioning treatments to add back to what the elements take out. Opt for ultra-hydrating masks with nourishing oils and butter that penetrate deeper to repair, protect, and soften every strand from cuticle to core. Cover hair in a shower cap post-application, and let the moisturizing ingredients work their magic for a while. Rinse and repeat as needed for your hair type.
#6. Put down hot styling tools
Continually blasting hair with heat only exacerbates seasonal dryness and causes further damage to previously compromised strands. Whenever possible, ditch the blow dryer, straightening iron, and curling wand in favor of air drying for a bouncier, more touchable texture with shine. If heat is inevitable, ensure to prep strands with a thermal protectant spray first to shield them from styling tool damage.
#7. Involve oil treatments
Add regular oil treatments to your hair care regimen a few times per month for instant hydration and nourishment. Focus application only from mid-length down to ends to avoid an oil-slicked scalp. Cover hair and allow the oils to penetrate for at least 30 minutes before washing out. Pro tip: Apply oil treatments before shampooing for deeper conditioning. The oils help seal in shampoo ingredients and water during the cleansing process so essential moisture and proteins don’t simply rinse down the drain.
#8. Trim regularly
Schedule a trim every 8-12 weeks to snip away at ragged split ends before they travel too far up the hair shaft. Even a mini snip can make a drastic difference in the appearance, feel, and manageability of hair. Not ready to part with length? Request special micro-trimming techniques that remove less while still getting rid of troublesome splits.
#9. Protect with scalp massages
A flaky, itchy scalp occurs when dead skin and product buildup clogs follicles, preventing them from functioning properly. This leads to compromised hair quality and styling challenges. Provide relief with regular scalp massages using moisturizing oils to slough away grime, along with dry, cracked skin for happy, healthy hair growth.
#10. Consider protective styling methods
When all else fails, embrace protective hairstyles like braids, twists, buns, and ponytails to shelter strands from harsh weather conditions in style. Less manipulation also prevents excessive dryness, breakage, and maintenance, while allowing deeper conditioning treatments time to revive lackluster locs. Come spring, unravel to reveal remarkably renewed, vibrant hair.
Featured image: Jon Lee via @sonia_barbie_tucker/Instagram
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcasted, cached, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STYLE RAVE. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
—Read also
