Winter hair care secrets

There’s no doubt that the onset of cooler temperatures and the fewer hours of sunlight bring with them a new set of hair demands. Blustery winds snarl hair. Snow, rain, and icy cold make hair brittle and dry. Did you know indoor heating can be as damaging as spending the afternoon under a hair dryer? From split ends to dry frizz, static electricity to hat hair, when it hits, a bad winter hair day can last for months.

Somehow girls who know they have to use conditioner in the summer months because of the heat and the sun, forget that from December to February, indoor heating can totally dehydrate your winter hair. Not to worry. No matter what’s causing your hair woes, you can take the protective, replenishing steps to insure your hair does not get damaged. Here are top ten winter hair care secrets.

Winter Hair Tip 1

If you’ve ever tried to pull socks out of the clothes dryer, you know that static electricity can be a powerful force. When cold conditions cause static to play havoc with your hair, use the same remedy you would on your laundry: a fabric-softening dryer sheet like Bounce. Rub it lightly on your hair and it will remove the static. Or mix two tablespoons of fabric softener with one tablespoon of water and use as a rinse.

Winter Hair Tip 2

Wear a scarf, hat or cap to protect your hair from the cold and wind, but make sure it’s not so tight it interferes with the circulation in your scalp.

Winter Hair Tip 3

Avoid taking hot showers or washing your hair in hot water. Use warm or cool water instead. That way the heat won’t dry out and/or damage your hair and skin.

Winter Hair Tip 4

Shampoo less frequently and condition after each time. Lock in the moisture by running your hair through cold water. This has the added benefit of giving your hair added shine. Don’t rinse out your conditioner completely. Leave in about 25 percent of it. If your hair is too fine, thin, or soft for that, leave the conditioner just in the ends.

Winter Hair Tip 5

Limit the use of blow dryers and curling irons. If you must use them, try using a leave-in conditioner first. Diffuse it on low heat, concentrating on the roots. The less you deal with styling tools, the better off you’ll be.

Winter Hair Tip 6

Don’t go outside with a wet head. Aside from the fact that your mother will yell, you risk breakage. If your hair freezes, it may break.

Winter Hair Tip 7

Check out your hair spray to make sure it doesn’t have a high alcohol content. Likewise avoid spraying perfume in your hair. Both tend to make hair feel dry and brittle.

Winter Hair Tip 8

A humidifier can help by adding moisture to the air, which cuts down on static. Also drinking a lot of water will keep you hydrated on the inside.

Winter Hair Tip 9

Regular trims every 8–10 weeks are important to get rid of parched ends and give curls more bounce.

Winter Hair Tip 10

If you want to supplement your store-bought products with an all-natural treatment, put a few drops of warm, natural oil—olive, safflower, avocado, or jojoba—in the palm of your hand, rub ’til the skin glistens, then starting at the ends, work upwards to the roots. Leave on overnight.