Winter is characterized by cold air outdoors and dry heat indoors, which can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. Hair that becomes dry and brittle in the winter can break and shed easily. Limiting the use of heat when styling your hair and introducing some additional moisture to your locks can help keep your winter hair healthy and manageable in the coldest temperatures.
Step 1
Take care of your winter hair by starting with your body. Trichologist (hair and scalp doctor) Philip Kingsley explains that if you are not eating enough iron, your hair can become more prone to damage when the temperature dips below freezing. Increase your consumption of foods rich in iron such as red meat, spinach and raisins to protect your hair during the winter.
Step 2
Use shampoos that are described as hydrating. These formulas contain soy and wheat proteins that strengthen hair and provide it with moisture that can protect against breakage. Washing your hair a little less frequently, if possible, can also combat excessive drying of your hair, according to KidsHealth.org.
Step 3
Condition your hair often to help keep tangles at bay and to control static cling -- two situations that are common on a cold, windy day. Salon owner Justin German suggests applying a conditioning spray or a leave-in conditioner to reduce static cling and prevent your hair from drying out. Frequency of conditioning will depend on your hair type and how much damage it has sustained.
Step 4
Use heating elements -- hair dryers, irons, curlers -- sparingly during the winter. Heat, both from your home's heating system and from your hair appliances, can cause your winter hair to become fragile and more likely to break. Dry your hair on a cool setting before you leave the house on a cold day to avoid freezing your hair, which makes it more brittle.
Step 5
Take care of your hair by getting regular trims throughout the winter. Justin German explains that trimming the ends of your hair every couple of months can keep the ends healthy as you head into the warmer months.
Things You'll Need
- Hydrating shampoo
- Conditioner
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