Don’t leave your hair out in the cold
9th October 2018
Whether we want to face it or not, winter is approaching rapidly, bringing plummeting temperatures and harsh weather conditions. Dry skin is common during the colder months, so many of us opt for a heavier moisturiser to keep our skin in good condition – but what about our hair? You may not realise it, but the combination of cold weather and central heating wreaks havoc on hair, causing split ends and breakage.
The effects of sun exposure on hair are often cited in summer, so it’s easy to forget that the equally extreme conditions in winter can do the same amount of damage – in fact, the impact it has on hair is very similar. From an itchy, flaking scalp to brittle ends, there are ways to protect your hair as the nights start drawing in.
Just as you’d focus more on moisturising your skin, in winter your hair requires additional moisture. Deep conditioning hair masks or oil masks containing fatty acids will help combat the impacts of indoor heating, winter winds and styling tools, revitalising your hair. A dry scalp is also a common issue – your scalp needs to be healthy in order for your hair to be healthy, so make sure that you’re washing your hair regularly with a good-quality shampoo, adding in a scalp massage to stimulate the follicles.
Some of us are reluctant to wear a hat in winter as there are myths that they cause hair loss. There is a small possibility that it could contribute to hair loss if you’re wearing a particularly tight hat that is cutting off circulation to the scalp, but it’s highly unlikely. The concern is usually triggered by spotting stray hairs left inside a hat when removing it, but as we can lose an average of 100 strands of hair every day, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Hats can minimise the amount of damage to the hair and scalp, so consider investing in one!
Hair can get knotted in winter winds, even hair that is quite short, and brushing these knots out can break the hairs and cause them to fall out. When trying to brush out knots, a detangling spray and a natural-bristle brush will reduce the amount of pulling on the scalp, lowering your risk of breaking the hair.
Just taking a few simple steps to protect your hair can keep it in good health during the colder months, so make sure you’re giving it the attention it deserves.
