The Golden Rules for Preventing Hair Issues During Winter

Winter is the time when you have to switch up a lot of things in your life – you swap the summer wardrobe for the winter one, add new products to your skincare, and even spruce up the home décor to make the interiors feel more festive. But there’s another routine you need to modify, and you might not have thought about it. Your hair care regimen should change with the season because the harsh weather will impact its health.

Cold affects your hair the same it does to your skin because the crisp winter air draws moisture out of it and increases dryness, which can end in damage and breakage. And unfortunately, the negative effects don’t stop once you get inside at warmer temperatures because the fluctuations between extreme temperatures cause further damage.

While you’re having a good time showering with hot water and sitting by the fire, your hair isn’t. So, it’s essential to learn how to care for it during the cold season to prevent damage.

Wash your hair less

During summer, you get used to washing your hair frequently and often let it dry freely. However, it would help if you changed your hair-washing routine during the cold season because using too much shampoo can strip it of its natural oils and leave it more vulnerable to cold temperatures. While there is no magic formula everyone can use to wash their hair to prevent damage and breakage, washing it less during winter is advisable. Suppose you have a dry scalp; washing it too often during winter can worsen your condition. Swapping the traditional products for gentler versions is recommended to ensure the ingredients aren’t too harsh on your scalp.

If you have greasy hair, try integrating dry shampoo into your hair care routine to keep your locks looking fresh for longer.

Review your hair care routine

The essential part of your winter hair routine is moisturizing it properly. When you buy new products, look for those that boost hydration and moisture in your hair. You use a hydrating shampoo that moisturizes your scalp and hair and complete the treatment with a nourishing mask or conditioner. In case you suffer from redness or flaking, it’s best to use products designed for a sensitive scalp. Additionally, if you have damaged or excessively dry hair, you can add damaged hair products to your routine. Moisture and hydration are paramount to keeping your hair healthy during winter. You can experiment with different products until you find your magic combination.

Don’t wash your hair with hot water

Everyone loves to get under hot water when getting home during winter. And while a hot shower can rejuvenate you after spending your entire day in the cold, your hair won’t feel too good because hot water will strip it of most natural oils and dry up the scalp.

Using lukewarm water to wash your hair during the cold season and shorten the shower sessions to prevent the water from depleting your locks from their natural oils. Your hair would even thank you if you switched to cool water for a couple of seconds at the end of the shower to lock in moisture and seal the hair follicles. As mentioned earlier, limiting the hair washes is advisable because using too much shampoo can alter your PH and make your hair more prone to damage and dryness.

Washing your hair less frequently allows it to replenish its oils and absorb the ingredients from your hair care products.

Use protective headwear

Another way to protect your hair during winter is to wear hair accessories that cover it. You can secure your locks with a headband; however, make sure you use high-quality materials like those from AfricanFabs. Otherwise, the headwear can damage the hair structure. You can try headwear made of silk, satin, or other smooth fabrics that glide against the hair’s surface. It’s best to opt for materials that reduce friction to prevent damage and breakage. It would help to opt for an ankara fabric instead of cotton because the last solution can strip your hair of moisture.

Everyone wants to show off their beautiful locks, but cold temperatures can wreak havoc on them, and it’s best to cover them with a scarf or hat to prevent them from getting into direct contact with the outside factors.

Avoid heat styling

The heat from styling tools damages your hair during all seasons, but in the winter, it can wreak havoc on your mane. To keep your locks looking healthy and strong, limit the use of hot tools and experiment with styles you can achieve using minimal heat or none at all. In case you have plenty of time to allow it to air dry after a shower, this is the best option during both summer and winter. If you are on the run and need to blow-dry your hair, set the blow dryer on medium heat.

Rollers are a great alternative to curling irons, but they require leaving them at night, so try to plan your hairstyles in advance.

Use a quality brush

All the above recommendations are useful during winter, but you should add another tip to your list to keep your hair healthy during all seasons. You should invest in a quality brush to maintain the health and appearance of your hair. Buy a gentle one that improves your tangles and prevents breakage. A great option is the brush made of boar bristle because it smooths your hair and distributes the natural oils evenly. Don’t use brushes with plastic brittles because they are harsh on your hair and can cause permanent damage.

Extra tip:

Before wrapping up this article, it’s crucial to tell you that your pillowcase also plays a major role in your hair’s state during winter. Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase is best to keep your hair healthy and smooth and prevent breakage and friction.