Remedies For Dry Winter Hair

Dry winter hair is the result of extreme temperature changes usually occurring during the winter months. Hair is made up of three layers; the cuticle, cortex and medulla. There is a small amount of water between the cuticle and cortex. In winter, the dry air lifts the cuticle, which causes moisture loss and makes the hair dry, frizzy and brittle. Ways to prevent dry hair during the winter months range from cleaning your hair in a different way to making simple wardrobe changes.

Use a Mild Shampoo and Lather Less

Use a mild shampoo. Shampoo strips oils from the hair and scalp and can make dryness worse. You should also wash your hair less often. For example, rather than once a day, try every other day or even once a week. If you have an oily scalp, try washing only the scalp and roots rather than lathering the whole strand. Additionally, you can use a dry shampoo that only washes the scalp.

Condition Often

Condition your hair after every wash. You can even condition your hair between washes instead of washing your hair every day. For really dry hair, use a separate moisturizing conditioner, rather than a two-in-one shampoo, and use a leave-in treatment. Deep condition your hair at least once a week with a store-bought conditioner, or make your own with olive oil, avocado, egg yolk and honey. Rinse your hair with warm water, but switch to cool water for the final rinse, which will seal the cuticle.

Cut Down on Wardrobe Friction

The friction from heavy winter hats can lift the cuticle and leach moisture from your hair. Unfortunately, hats are a necessary evil in really cold weather. Additionally, the sudden changes from cold to hot are no better for maintaining your hair's moisture balance.

Wrap your head in a silk or satin scarf to protect your hair from abrupt temperature changes. Silk is smooth and generates very little friction. It is also thin enough that you can wear it beneath your normal winter hats for additional warmth.

Avoid the Hairdryer

Do not rub your hair dry, as rubbing can raise the cuticles and result in more moisture loss. Pat or gently squeeze the hair instead. Allow your hair to air dry. If you are pressed for time, use the lowest setting on your hair dryer. Extreme heat vaporizes the water beneath the cuticle, which will over-dry your hair. Apply a smoothing or anti-frizz product before using a hair dryer or other heated styling implements.