02Winter has a special place in our lives. The warm sunlight pouring in through the windows after a night of cozy warmth is just what we need after the long stretches of heat throughout the year. However, not everything is merry about these cold days and nights.
One of the brutal inconveniences of winter is the problem of dry hair. No matter how healthy your hair is, it will lose quality and luster in winter. However, there are ways to help your hair retain its silky, lustrous volume even in winter.
As the temperature drops, so does the level of moisture in the air. The combination of low humidity and high winds strips hair off of its moisture and dries it up from within. To combat the rough winds, prepare a winter hair care routine according to your hair type and bid adieu to the suffering of dry winter hair.
The simplest way is the best way to go. Forget unsustainable, over-priced remedies, and opt for a deep conditioning coconut oil massage, followed by a gentle cleansing wash to add moisture and maintain the nourishment of your hair.
Most problems with winter hair are a result of dry scalp. Dandruff develops on a dry scalp and leads to itchiness. Regular oiling can prevent dryness by providing nourishment to the scalp and locking moisture in the hair strands. This revitalizes hair from within, and the result is reduced dandruff and breakage.
Nowadays many different oils are available in the market, but good old coconut oil still remains unbeatable. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that can penetrate the hair shaft to add moisture into the depths. Massage coconut oil onto your scalp to increase blood circulation and promote hair growth. Then generously apply the coconut oil over the length of your hair strands to add moisture, nutrition, and strength to your hair.
When it’s time to wash the oil away, use a mild shampoo to get the most satisfactory results. A strong, stripping shampoo might clean your hair but it will take away all the goodness from the oil. Also, refrain from overwashing your hair if you don’t want it to become dry again. Aim for 2-3 washes a week, just on the days when your hair looks greasy. Some natural oils should be allowed to build up in the scalp so that your scalp doesn’t dry up.
If you have excessive dandruff, you might be suffering from a fungal infection. If this is the case, get an anti-dandruff shampoo with active ingredients like salicylic acid, ketoconazole, and selenium sulfide. You can also try a natural remedy by adding a few drops of lemon juice to coconut oil, before massaging it onto your hair; this will work as a 2-in-1 solution for your hair and scalp.
After shampoo, apply conditioner on the lengths of your hair, let it sit for 3-5 minutes, then wash it off. The conditioner will help to keep the frizz away. Note that conditioner should only be applied on the hair length, and not on your scalp.
Here’s an extra tip – once a week, replace your conditioner with a deep conditioning hair treatment/mask. Apply it on your hair length just like conditioner, and keep it for 20 minutes before you wash it off. Your hair will become visibly softer, silkier, and healthier for it.
Another useful tip to improve the quality of your hair is to never use hot water on it. Hot water is very rough on your hair. It will suck out all the moisture, and increase breakage. Always use lukewarm to cold water instead.
Lastly, be extra kind to your hair and change your pillowcase. Regular cotton pillowcases are not good enough. Get a silk pillowcase, it will keep your flyaways tame, and give you a good night’s sleep as well.
Winter is much more enjoyable when you do not have dry, and brittle hair. So while you keep yourself cozily wrapped up against the cold, don’t forget to protect your hair too!