Any long-time Charlotte resident knows full well how cold winter here can get. Powerful ice storms and freezing temperatures are common and mean that unless you really have to go outside, you’re likely staying indoors as much as possible. As much as we’d all like to get through the winter hibernating in our cozy homes, however, we all have to go outside at some point, and we’d like to make sure that our skin and hair is taken care of when we do.
Frizz, dryness, static and generally flat and lifeless hair are all the effects of living in a place with harsh winters. It’s not only our scalps that can suffer damage, but the hair strands too. Some women like to cut their hair short in winter or even opt for a darker shade and dye it black to match the season. However, even if you’re not willing to dramatically change your hair to get it winter-ready, you can still prevent hair damage in winter and have a great mane once spring comes around. Just follow these simple tips to keep your hair protected.
Keep your scalp hydrated
Although it’s important to wear a hat to prevent the cold winds and snow from damaging your hair, wearing something on our heads and being indoors with heating can leave our hair without moisture. This often leads to a flaky and dry scalp, which can be combated by using a leave-in conditioner or special hair oils that help hydrate your hair. By softly rubbing natural oils into your hair and scalp and leaving them to sit for about 20 minutes, you’re bringing back the moisture your hair is craving in winter. Once the time is up, simply wash and condition your hair as usual. The oils could be anything from argan oil and jojoba oil, to even coconut oil. There are lots to choose from and some products even have a combination of all these useful oils.
Ease up on washing your hair
Our scalps naturally produce oils that keep hair moisturized and shielded against the harsh elements, so washing your hair every day in winter can lead to a dryer scalp. The oils mentioned above will help, but it’s still good to reduce your shampooing to perhaps 2-3 times a week. While there are some people with naturally greasy scalps that prefer to wash their hair every day, doing so really isn’t necessary unless your scalp truly produces too much oil. Don’t forget the conditioner every time you use shampoo, and introduce a hair mask once a week to ensure your hair is moisturized.
Dry your hair properly before going outdoors
Many of us are in a rush in the mornings and end up stepping outside into the cold with hair that has barely dried. This is often okay in summer, but wet hair is a lot more prone to breakage and even color fading when it interacts with the harsh wind and freezing temperatures. Although air drying your hair is the healthiest for it, during busy mornings try to at least use a blow dryer on a low setting or towel try your hair by patting it softly.
Take dry shampoo with you
As much as we need to wear a hat to protect against the cold weather, it can leave hair looking flat and dull. Nevertheless, a great idea is to carry a bottle of dry shampoo with you and apply a small amount to keep your hair looking full and voluminous if it falls flat. And when it comes to dry shampoo, a little goes a long way.