Now that we are in the full winter season it is time to think how we can protect our hair from winter elements that cause damage.
Summer may have gone taking with it all the problems that you get from sun damage, but winter brings a new set of problems you need to be aware of.
Your hair starts to find it harder to retain moisture making it brittle and prone to breakages and damages not to mention the frizz and static. It also causes havoc with your skin, causing dryness and flaking. However, these problems can be avoided with the right routine.
Your Scalp
- Your scalp is a lot itchier and drier in the winter because of the lack of moisture in the air, also depending on where you live if you have the heating on most of the day.
- This can lead to issues like dandruff and scalp aggravation, causing hair loss. Using coconut oil and lemon juice can help keep the moisture in your hair and skin, after massaging into your scalp leave it in for 20.30 minutes then rinse, shampoo and condition.
- One of the most annoying thing that most people have during the winter is frizz, trying to control the static. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and not hot water as this will strip away the natural oils that protect and nourish your hair.
- The lack of moisture in winter not only dries out your scalp and makes your hair frizzy, but also leaves your hair dull and lifeless. After brushing out your hair apply raw honey to the length of your hair from the roots to the tips. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic and leave for about 30 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Honey is a humectant that seals in the moisture and helps restore shine and bounce.
- Warm up a few tablespoons of olive oil and massage into your scalp slowly, this slow massage helps the oil penetrate deep into the roots. This will help to keep your scalp moisturized and improve blood circulation, ensuring that the follicles of your hair get enough nourishment.
- Drying your hair completely can be a pain and time consuming especially if you have long thick hair. But you should never put your hair up whilst it is still damp. Damp hair and scalps attract a lot of problems like dandruff, breakages and split ends. You must never rub your hair dry with a towel as the friction will cause damages, try to pat your hair with a towel or let the towel naturally soak out the water. When using your drier on a hot temperature hold the drier about 15 cm away from the hair so there is no damage caused.
- Your hair needs all the moisture it can get during the winter, so conditioning is a vital part of your hair care routine. Using hair oils and deep conditioning treatments at least once a week becomes vital for maintaining the health of your hair. It is important that you finish each hair wash with a conditioner, not necessarily at the roots but half way down the hair shaft to the ends, concentrate on the ends as they are the oldest and most damaged parts of your hair. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes and then rinse with warm or cool water. It is better to do the final rinse with cool water as this will seal in the moisture and leave your hair feeling smooth and looking lustrous.
