Harsh winter weather can take a major toll on your hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, dull, and frizzy. It’s not just the low humidity and frigid winds that can damage your lustrous locks, either. Winter-related lifestyle habits, hair care techniques and products, and even your favorite beanie can all contribute to seasonal hair problems.
The good news is that there are proactive steps you can take to keep your hair soft, supple, and shiny. Instead of hibernating for the winter, follow these hair care tips!
“Invest in your hair. It’s the crown you never take off.” – Anonymous
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1. Shampoo Less Frequently
It may seem counterintuitive, but shampooing too often can actually do more harm than good, stripping your hair of its natural oils. Shampooing 2-3 times a week should help to prevent dryness. Use dry shampoo between washes, if desired.
2. Use Hydrating Masks and Oils
Just because you’re washing less doesn’t mean you have to ignore your hair! Winter is the perfect time to dust off those fancy hair masks and oils for an extra boost of nourishing power.
As Laura Whitmore said in a Cosmopolitan interview, “If I do get a little bit of me time, I love to wash my hair and treat it with masks and oils during this time of year.”
Winter is also the perfect time for leave-in serums and other treatments. They can add an extra layer to your moisture barrier, tame those frizzy strays, and nourish the follicles with essential nutrients.
Laura Whitmore has a clever trick for when she doesn’t have time for a full treatment: “If I’m running short on time, I’ll stick a little bit of hair product in my hair, hide it in a topknot and go to bed.”
3. Turn the Water Temperature Down
Cranking the shower’s heat feels fantastic during wintertime, but if the water is too hot, it can damage the hair’s outer layers and pull away natural oils, leaving your hair looking and feeling lifeless.
Instead, wash with lukewarm water and rinse with cool water to close hair cuticles and lock in moisture and nourishing ingredients.
4. Use Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
When winter rolls around, you may want to switch to a shampoo and conditioner that contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and panthenol. Avoid hair products that contain sulfites, as they can strip natural oils and harm your hair’s moisture barrier.
5. Wear Winter Headwear (Cautiously)
Winter hats protect your hair from harsh winter elements like snow, rain, and wind, but too much of a good thing can work against you.
Excessive tightness and friction can damage your hair and even cause shedding in extreme cases. Some materials can cause status electricity that leads to frizziness.
And, when worn for too long, hats can trap sweat and heat, leading to bacterial accumulation and scalp irritation and inflammation.
So, don’t leave your favorite beanie at home, but be mindful. If nothing else, take it off from time to time to let your scalp breathe. And, if it’s not too cold out, you could always wear earmuffs or a headband.
6. Avoid Unhealthy Habits
When the weather outside is frightful, hunkering down with some comfort food and a good movie can be so delightful. While there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself from time to time, try not to make a habit out of consuming junk food and being sedentary.
Staying healthy leads to healthy hair. Hair follicles need to be nourished with nutrients and oxygen to do their job properly. If you’re not getting enough exercise and healthy food, your body won’t be able to fuel your follicles.
7. Take Steps to Manage Stress
It’s no secret that wintertime can be stressful. From holiday obligations and end-of-the-year deadlines to a lack of sunlight and warmth, it’s understandable that you may not always be in the best mood!
The problem is that chronic stress can lead to many health conditions, including hair loss. The mind-body connection is very real!! Whether you enroll in a yoga class, start meditating, or pick up a new hobby, managing stress supports happy hair and a healthier you.
8. Wait for Hair to Dry Before Venturing Outdoors
During winter, it’s especially important to plan your washing routine carefully. If you’re crunched for time and head outside with wet hair, you’re risking significant damage. The moisture inside your hair can freeze and expand, leading to hair breakage.
While it might be tempting to use a blow-dryer for rapid drying, excessive heat can also cause damage. If you must use it, choose a setting with low heat.
9. Run a Humidifier
It’s not just the dry air outside that harms your hair. Indoor heating systems are notorious for stripping moisture. Running a humidifier while you’re inside is a great way to replenish moisture in the air and in your hair.
10. Try At-Home Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a safe, non-invasive treatment that supports natural hair growth. Although LLLT is most commonly used by people who are experiencing hair loss, using an LLLT device at home can help to mitigate thinning hair, which is a surprisingly common problem during the winter season.
The basic idea is that exposing the hair follicles to gentle, low-intensity laser light stimulates cellular activity, boosts blood flow, alleviates inflammation, invigorates sleeping follicles, and prolongs the growth phase.
Even if you’re not worried about losing hair, incorporating LLLT sessions into your hair care routine may lead to a thicker, denser mane that’s better equipped to survive the winter season.
Be Proactive & Don’t Give Up
Most winter-related hair problems are temporary, so try not to become discouraged if your hair isn’t as bouncy and radiant and as usual. Everyone’s hair is different, so you may just need to find the right techniques, products, and habits.
Whether you’re trying a new shampoo, picking out a new hat, investing in a humidifier, or shopping for the best hair laser cap, you’re taking steps forward. With a little patience and experimentation, you should be able to overcome the winter hair blues. Best of luck!
Author’s Bio:
Michael Rabin, MD, MBA, is the founder and CEO of LaserCap Company. He is a physician, entrepreneur, and inventor of The Original LaserCap. Dr. Rabin received his MD and MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He has more than 30 years of experience creating and leading innovative biomedical companies.
