5 Tips to protect your hair in winter
1. Avoid overheating: If you are travelling regularly, don't overdo it with styling. Over styling with heat-based tools such as flat irons and curling irons are common problems during winter. If you want to style, switch from using a flat iron to Velcro rollers to give hair smoothness and volume. Always remember, while styling, try to pick options that are less taxing on your hair. If you require a blow dryer or flat iron, try using it only once a week. It's the same with hairdryers, as the heat they generate to blow dry can damage hair. Use a cool air setting instead.
2. Don't raise the temperature: We know how tempting it is to indulge in a hot shower during winter, but it can be unfriendly to your locks! Washing hair in extremely hot water is damaging, so try moderate temperatures instead. If you really need to crank up the hot water dial, make sure you apply a deep conditioner in your hair and have a plastic cap on. Turn the dial back down when rinsing the conditioner out. If you wash your hair more often, try to use a non-sudsing shampoo to help protect hair against drying from frequent shampooing. If your hair is oily, using this type once a week will be good. If your hair is dry, then use a non-sudsing shampoo. Daily hair washing will dry out your locks, so wash it two to three times a week to leave in the natural oils.
3. Use a leave-in conditioner: Regular deep conditioning is a must this time of year, no matter what your hair type is. Coat hair with a deep conditioner, then fasten a shower cap or a plastic bag tightly over the hair, and sleep with it overnight. Rinse out in the morning. Putting hair in styles that keep it out of the way - like a ponytail or quick bun — while using a leave in conditioner for added protection will be helpful. And don't forget about your scalp, which can become irritated by winter. Avoid dry flaky scalp by getting hydrating and stimulating scalp treatments.
4. Safely secure your hair: A common way to secure hair when outside is with hair pieces. Secure your hair with bobby pins or elastic bands that do not contain metal components, as these pieces can cause breakage when they're removed because hair becomes tangled or wrapped around the metal. Opt for elastic bands wrapped only in fabric or small clear elastic bands which are perfect for the ends of a braid.
5. Protect your hair outside: Whenever you are stepping outside in the cold, keep your head/hair covered. If you're using a knit cap to cover your head, wrap a silk scarf on your hair first. This will provide a protective barrier from your hat and an extra layer against the elements. Use hats with a satin or silk lining wool, cotton and other fibers not only absorb moisture but also rub on the hair strands, which can be damaging. Hoods are also a great option.
