Winter is a time for chilly fun and cozy family time, but unfortunately, it’s also the time for harsh weather. Harsh cold weather can steal that fun and ruin family pictures when it damages your hair and leaves it dry and brittle. No hair type or texture is safe in cold weather. Keep reading to learn about three ways to take better care of your hair this winter.
Avoid Heat
Our first instinct during cold months is to try to get warm. While a warm home is something to be grateful for, don’t use hot water or hot tools on your hair during cold months. It’s already brittle from the cold outdoor weather, so washing it in boiling water or using hot styling tools can create even more breakage. Turn your shower to warm instead of hot, and if your bathroom is warm enough, rinse your hair in cool water at the end of your shower. Style your hair without heat by doing things like braiding it or making heatless curls.
You also want to avoid dry heat in your home. This will dry out your hair, which isn’t healthy. Place a humidifier in your home to help create moisture that’ll keep your hair and the rest of your body healthy.
Add More Hair Care
You need to fight back against the harsh winter weather damaging your hair with additional hair care. Start adding a conditioner when you wash your hair in the shower. Work it through your hair from the middle to the ends, avoiding your scalp to avoid grease buildup. Leave the conditioner for several minutes before rinsing with warm water and then cool water, as we mentioned above. You can use leave-in conditioner about once a week to help combat static and keep your hair healthy.
Another leave-in option for your hair care is to use oil treatments. There are various oils that help different hair types and textures, so research and experiment until you find the right one for you. You can apply this oil to the ends of your hair just like conditioner since your scalp already produces enough oil.
You can also do weekly hair masks. There are different hair masks, just like there are different face masks, so you can research and experiment with this hair care option too. While you can do them year-round to keep your hair healthy and beautiful, make sure to prioritize them during the winter.
Change Your Pillowcases
Most people don’t consider how their sleeping habits influence the condition of their hair. Even pillowcases can affect your hair and skin. Rough, absorbent pillowcase materials like cotton can contribute to frizz, especially during winter months. Furthermore, it can absorb products that will then clog your pores. Invest in softer, smoother pillowcases, such as silk or bamboo ones, as these will keep your hair and skin healthy all year long. If you don’t want to change your pillowcase, then wash it at least once a week to keep it soft and remove any product buildup.
Three ways to take better care of your hair this winter are to avoid heat, add additional steps to your hair care routine, and invest in better pillowcases. All hair is different and requires specialized care, so if you try these suggestions and are still struggling, speak with a hair care professional.
