While we love the start of a fresh new season with chunky knits, cosy fireplaces and hot chocolate, a drop in temperature also brings with it a few beauty challenges, especially for your tresses. From an itchy scalp to those annoying static flyaway hairs, here are a few of the most common winter hair problems and what you can do about them.
Straw-Like Hair
The problem: A combination of the cold air outside, and the heat inside, sucks the moisture from your strands, leaving your hair feeling dry, brittle, and parched.
The solution: Incorporate a good hydrating treatment, shampoo and conditioner into your haircare routine, to boost its hydration and nourishment. Also, cut back on heat-styling tools that can dry your hair out even more. An easy way to do this is to reduce the frequency of shampooing by stretching time between washing, which not only prevents dryness in itself, but also reduces heat styling. Talk about a win-win! And on the topic of showers, don’t make them too steamy – the hotter the water, the more oils it will strip from your locks.
Static And Flyaway Hair
The problem: Dry, chilly air can create an electrical charge in your hair, causing it to stand up and look a little, well, crazy. And as you probably already know, brushing only makes it worse, especially if you’re wearing a jersey or knitted scarf. So, what’s a girl to do to finally kiss those flyaways goodbye?
The solution: Once again, hydrating shampoos and conditioners come to the rescue with this common issue. Well-hydrated hair is heavier, and therefore less vulnerable to lift off. If possible, switch to a tourmaline or ionic hair dryer, that won’t deplete your hair of its moisture like other hair dryers can. You can also try sleeping on a silk pillowcase, since cotton absorbs moisture and silk retains it.
Split Ends
The problem: The best way to get rid of those pesky split ends is to just cut them. But there are a couple of ways to make them look better until your next haircut…
The solution: Oil treatments are one of the best ways to revive hair, as it lubricates the cuticle and allows it to open and close so that you can seal it shut. Look for hair products that contain amino acids and peptides, to help temporarily glue them back together, until you manage to get them trimmed.
Dry Itchy Scalp
The problem: Just like your skin often gets tight, dry and itchy in winter, so does your scalp, which means it lacks moisture.
The solution: A great way to nourish a dry itchy scalp is by pampering it with a hot oil treatment. We also recommend switching up your regular shampoo and a conditioner to a more moisturising and gentle formula that’s designed for dry scalps. Try to wash your hair less often, which will allow more of your natural oils to sit on your scalp for longer, protecting it from the cold air outside and the heat inside.
Caught In A Downpour
The problem: Getting caught into a downpour is only enjoyable in a rom-com, not quite in real life. After carefully styling your hair before leaving the house, only for it to go frizzy and limp after getting rained on, is no fun at all.
The solution: Keep a leave-in conditioner in your handbag or car, and use it to restyle your hair when it gets rained-on. Spray it on and smooth it out with your hands to instantly transform your tresses. If need be, create a nice sleek up-do.
Now that you know the best ways to combat those dreaded winter hair woes, be sure to stock up on moisturising shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, and other must-have haircare products to keep your locks shiny, healthy and in tip-top condition all winter long.
