Winter reminds us of warmth, hot chocolate, coziness, and endless conversations with our loved ones by the bonfire. However, there is a downside to the cold weather – its damage to your hair and scalp.

People living in colder regions suffer from a flaky and dry scalp that makes hair prone to breakage and split ends. This is one of the main reasons why you need a great hair-care routine for winters. Worried? Don’t be, because we have you covered with some expert tips to up your hair game this winter.

Hair Care Tips for Winter

Moisturise! Moisturise! Moisturise!

The dry weather makes the scalp super itchy. This is because the air is devoid of moisture. A hot oil massage works wonders for keeping your hair shiny and strong through winter. Use nourishing hair oils such as coconut oil and olive oil for that extra lustre.  These oils penetrate deep into the scalp and moisturise the hair from the roots, thus stimulating hair growth.

Washing your hair too frequently in the winter months with shampoo strips off the natural oils found on the scalp. This can irritate the scalp further. Washing your hair once a week is recommended. It is also advisable to use a mild shampoo that maintains the moisture balance of the scalp.

Shampoo without conditioner will dry out your scalp and lead to frizz. Choose a thick, creamy conditioner that softens the hair and leaves it shiny. Conditioners with jojoba oil, shea butter, and olive oil work wonders to keep the scalp and hair hydrated and nourished. Here is the perfect way to use a conditioner:

•         Massage your scalp with shampoo and rinse your hair thoroughly.
•         Apply the conditioner well from the mid-length of the hair till its ends.
•         Focus more on the ends as they tend to dry out.
•         Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes before washing it off with warm water.
  

Avoid Styling Your Hair

Styling your hair is not a good idea in the winter. Hot ironing and straightening tools strip the hair of moisture, causing it to become brittle, leading to hair breakage. Try to stick to your natural style as much as possible. The use of chemicals such as those found in hair color is also not recommended.

Hair Masks Are A Must

Many hair masks deeply condition the hair and leave it feeling smooth and lustrous. They are also a good way of ensuring the overall good health of your hair. Hair masks with egg and honey are easily found in the home and can be used regularly. They boost hair growth, add shine, and soften the hair. Egg yolk, in particular, has water-soluble peptides that nourish the hair from deep within. You can follow this up with a weekly hot oil massage treatment.

Cover Your Hair

Cold and windy days can play havoc on your hair. It’s always good to wear a woollen cap and scarf that covers the head well. It will prevent you from catching a cold and protect your hair from damage caused by harsh weather. Use a gentle hair oil spray to fight static from wool or silk and tame wild hair.

Avoid Very Hot Showers

Hot showers are the worst thing for the hair. Hot water strips the hair of moisture and leaves it dry and unmanageable. Instead, use lukewarm water and spray the hair ends with jets of cold water to keep them soft and smooth.

Use A Leave-in Hair Conditioner

Hair can go haywire with static in the winter. The lack of moisture and the friction caused by fabric can leave the hair frizzy with static. To tame hair, use a vented hairbrush and put some leave-in hair conditioner before stepping out.

Choose Microfiber Towels

Switch to microfibre towels in the winter as these are much gentler on the hair and have a high water-absorbing capacity. They also dry the hair quickly. Cotton towels, on the other hand, can leave the hair wet, frizzy, and tangled.

Get Regular Haircuts

The cold winter air can leave the hair full of split ends. Split ends damage the hair. Getting regular trims helps to remove these split ends and reduces further hair damage.

A Healthy Diet Keeps the Hair Nourished

Foods that are rich in protein are supremely beneficial for hair health.  Ensure you eat a diet abundant in vitamin-rich foods such as pumpkin, carrots, eggs, and berries. Eat plenty of nuts and seeds as they keep the hair nourished and healthy. Hydrating the body and hair through regular intake of water is also a must.

A Humidifier Makes All The Difference

Cold weather decreases humidity inside the house, and your hair will lose some moisture no matter how much you stay in. Keeping a humidifier in the house can restore moisture in the air and prevent hair from drying out completely.

Hair Serum Can De-Tangle Hair

Liberally use a hair serum, especially when going out as it helps de-tangle the hair and leave it smooth and silky. Comb out the hair with a gentle brush. Do not tug the hair or try to pull out the knots as this will lead to further stress on the hair and damage to the roots.

Use The Hair Dryer In Cold Mode

The weather is cold, and sometimes you just need to use a hairdryer to dry out your hair. It is better to use the hairdryer in cold mode in such cases. Your hair will thank you for it and will do a better job in retaining the moisture.


Don’t Leave The House With Wet Hair

It is advisable to not leave the house with wet hair. A wet head can cause the hair to freeze up and break. Blow-dry in cold mode before stepping out, and don’t forget to wear a cap.

Fight The Flake

Dandruff is a common problem in the cold winter months due to the build-up of flaky skin and a dry scalp. These flakes then fall off on the shoulders. If not checked, it can lead to a severely itchy scalp and hair loss. Consider doing some hot oil massages and using an anti-dandruff shampoo.