Every time when there is a change in season, our body takes some time to adjust with the new weather conditions. As a result, we may suffer from some allergies, cold or cough etc. Once we become accustomed to the new weather conditions, all these problems go away. Similarly, these changes are felt by our hair also. Whenever, our hair experiences a change in weather conditions, they also tend to fall, become dry or frizzy.
Winters are the coldest part of the year. It is the time of cool winds, dry air and chilled temperatures. The weather conditions in winters cause a lot of dryness. De-tangling our hair becomes difficult, which leads to hairfall and breakage. Dryness of the scalp is also very common which leads to dandruff.
In context of hair problems, there is a fact that we take more care of them in summers and protect them sunlight and just forget to take such precautions during winters. As a result of this, hair problems intensify. It would be no exaggeration to say that every part of our body needs care and attention all round the year, may it be eyes, ears, skin, stomach or hair.
As hair play a major role in the beautification of our personality, we will learn some of the 10 most useful practices for winter hair care-
1. Control the usage of Shampoo
One must shampoo the hair whenever they feel dirt or excessive oil in hair. But washing hair too frequently with chemical based shampoos, may permanently spoil the hair condition. It weakens the hair follicles, changes the hair texture and may even cause premature grey hairing. Hence, one must choose a chemical free shampoo and conditioner in consultation with a hair doctor and should control their usage.
2. Increase the usage of Conditioner
In winters, the scalp loses its natural oils leaving the hair dry and unmanageable. So, one must choose a right conditioner and apply it all over the hair tresses excluding the scalp to control frizz and dryness. In case, the conditioner does not suit your hair, you must try natural hair masks such as honey or aloe vera pulp for controlling the dryness.
3. Take Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated
The following are very important elements to be introduced in your daily diet for best hair conditions-
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids :- It is found in avocado, nuts, salmon etc. It keeps the hair shiny and stimulates their growth.
- Vitamin C :- It is found in citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables. It helps protect against hair damage, split ends and hair fall.
Apart from the above nutrients, one must drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Dehydration directly affects hair and reduces their growth. So, one must develop a practice of drinking atleast three litres of water regularly. You may even set a reminder in your mobile about drinking water.
4. Cover your Head
The cold winds that blow during winters cause much harm to hair by drying them up. This increase the chances of dandruff, hair fall, and frizz. So, while going out in winters, cover your head with a hat or may be a satin scarf.
5. Avoid Heat for hair Styling and go for regular trimming.
During winters, hair are already struggling with dryness and frizz. The use of hair styling tools such as straighteners and curlers irons, increases this problem. Also, one must try to dry the wet hair as naturally as possible without using dryers. Keep hair styling tools aside atleast during winters. Otherwise, they will cause much more damage to your hair.
Develop a practice to get your hair trimmed at regular intervals. Trimming helps in getting rid of split ends ensures that hair grow fast. If you have long hair, you must get hair trimmed every 2-3 months and in case of short hair, you may get them trimmed every 4-5 months. This practice will do good in all seasons.
6. Go for Hot Oil Massage
Oil massage improves the blood circulation in head and enhances the hair growth. During winters, develop a practice to massage warm oil at night and wash it off in the morning. You can use a combination of almond, coconut, argan, brahmi and bhringraj oil to massage your hair. Adding 1-2 capsules of vitamin –E further increases the volume of hair. Hot oil massage is a boon for those having the problem of dry hair.
7. Avoid overusage of Hot Water
During winters, we enjoy hot shower. But taking hot showers for long reduces moisture from the scalp and hair. Moreover, the heat can damage the strength of hair permanently. So, do not use showers for more than 10 minutes.
Also, never use too much hot water for washing hair. Always use lukewarm water for doing so.
8. Steam your Hair
Regularly steaming your hair by simply wrapping a towel soaked in hot water around your hair and scalp is great practice. It helps in reducing dullness by increasing the moisture content in scalp and hair, opens up the follicles and nourishes hair, reduces hair fall and makes hair smooth and shiny.
9. Revive your Hair with a Mask
One of the best practices to nourish your hair during winters is to apply a mask made up of natural ingredients such as yogurt, egg, honey etc. Such a mask, if applied once in a week will not only revive your hair condition, but will also help relieve stress. A hair mask is a must become a regular part of your hair care routine.
10. Consultation with a Hair Expert
The above winter hair care tips can help you a lot, but if they do not work for you, then you must visit a hair specialist for hair fall treatment or any other hair/scalp problem.
Apart from the above mentioned winter hair care tips for natural hair, there are certain personal hygiene tips also, that will help you combat various hair problems during winter season-
- Keep your pillowcases and combs clean.
- Keep a separate soft towel for drying hair after shampooing.
- Determine the right interval for hair wash according to your hair needs.
- Do not continuously scratch the scalp if it is too dry, flaky or oily.
- Keep your nails well trimmed before massaging oil into your hair.
By following the above tips and practices, one can easily take care of his/her hair easily during winters and can enjoy the beauty of this season. All one needs is to be extra cautious about ones habits and care formulas and then they can have HAPPY LOCKS OF HAIR !
