Winter is a season celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, but it’s also notorious for its cold, dry air, both outdoors and indoors due to constant furnace use. This dryness can wreak havoc on not only your skin but also your hair.
Dry hair during winter is a common issue, and many people experience winter hair damage. Rather than accepting it as part of the season, there are practical tips to help prevent dryness and damage.
First, reduce the frequency of hair washing in winter. Typically, you should wash your hair every two to three days. Over-washing strips your hair of its natural oils, which are essential for protection. Use dry shampoo between washes to freshen up your hair, and always follow up shampooing with a moisturizing conditioner to keep your scalp hydrated.
Winter is also a good opportunity to give your hot styling tools a break. Heat from hairdryers, curling irons, and straighteners can further dehydrate and damage your hair. Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible.
Collagen, found in your body’s connective tissues, plays a significant role in maintaining hair health. It helps keep your skin elastic and youthful, and it does the same for hair by preventing follicle damage, encouraging new growth, and preventing gray hair and split ends. As you age, collagen production slows down, which might contribute to dry hair. To combat this, consider taking hydrolyzed collagen powder for its numerous benefits.
Just like your skin, your hair and scalp need extra attention in winter. A weekly deep conditioning hair mask can significantly boost moisture levels. Using scalp or hair oil can keep your scalp healthy and, if your scalp isn’t dry or itchy, apply it to the ends of your hair to prevent split ends.
Lastly, never go out into the cold with wet or damp hair. Cold air causes the hair shaft to expand, leading to breakage.
Following these steps can help you prevent winter hair damage and keep your hair and scalp healthy throughout the year.