Winter and hair simply don’t get along. You might start to notice that you struggle with a few common problems with your locks during the cold months. Let’s take a look at these issues and at the habits you can adopt to remedy them.
Dryness
Cold air dries the scalp, blocking the natural oils that condition your locks in warmer weather. If your scalp gets dry or flaky, a seasonal switch to dandruff shampoo can be great for protecting your hair. Your hairstylist can recommend top-of-the-line shampoos that contain zinc, sulfur, and other minerals that nourish and condition your roots.
Dullness
Your locks may lose their natural sheen as the temperature drops. This is common, because dry, windy weather roughs up your follicles and cuts off your scalp’s supply of natural conditioner. To combat this, cut down on the use of blow dryers and curling irons, as the heat from these devices will exacerbate dryness. Instead, find a shampoo containing vitamin B5 and panthenol to nourish and rejuvenate those follicles.
Tangling
Winter means heightened static electricity, and static can wreak havoc upon your mane. Hair tangles more easily under these conditions, especially since your locks stick to sweaters and other static-laden winter clothing. When it comes to protecting your hair from static, ask your hairstylist to recommend industry-trusted moisturizing sprays. Another solution is to sport a ponytail or bun during the cold months. Gathering your locks into a small bunch gives static a smaller target to attack.
Split Ends
Split ends spring up frequently when the weather outside is frightful. Once again, this problem is caused by dryness and exposure to cold winds. Hydration is the name of the game when protecting your hair from split ends. If the problem is persistent, you might consider putting a humidifier in your bedroom and running it each night to create a moist environment for your locks to enjoy. In addition, incorporate hair-healthy foods into your diet: eat an egg at breakfast, snack on almonds, and stock up on leafy greens. Also, be sure to get your mane trimmed every six to eight weeks.
Don’t dread Jack Frost. Protecting your hair is as easy as identifying the problem, then finding the nutrients needed to resolve it.
