Winter Haircare: Tips to maintain your hair during the winter

Don’t let the cold temperatures ruin that lustrous crop of hair on your head. 

Temperatures are starting to drop, and there is a hint of crispness in the air – we can feel the winter coming. Change of weather is the perfect excuse to switch up our wardrobe and bring out winter wardrobe. At the same time, winters can also mess with the quality of our hair and cause dryness, frizz, static, itchy scalp and dandruff.

The extreme weather can also cause your hair to lose its natural shine, making it brittle and prone to breakage and split ends.  With months of festivities and celebrations ahead, we want our head of hair at its best: healthy and lustrous.  

We have put together everything you need to know about taking care of your tresses to keep them strong, shiny and lustrous through the cold and brutal winter months:

Wash with care

The cold causes the scalp and hair to dry and itchy during winter. Shampooing is an integral part of self-care, but hair washing every day with solid formulas will strip your hair and scalp of its natural oils. For winter haircare, switch to sulphate-free options that are gentle and will cleanse your hair and scalp at the same time. Instead of washing your every day, shampoo your hair a few times a week. 

When possible, use lukewarm water instead of hot water to rinse your hair to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures and stripping it of its natural sebum.  

Detox your scalp

If you struggle with dandruff, especially during winter, this one is for you. A pre-wash scrub can help detox your scalp by removing dead skin, product build-up, and dirt. Massaging the scalp while applying scrub also promoted circulation, resulting in better distribution of nutrients to the roots. Make sure to choose a scrub designed especially for the scalp. You can always pamper yourself by booking a session with a salon professional to give your head an excellent scrub and massage.

Trim your tresses

Split ends are inevitable, but your hair is more prone to being brittle and getting more split ends due to extreme temperatures during winter. Regular trims will eliminate those dry split ends, prevent further breakage, and get your hair looking fresh and healthy again.

Oiling

Your grandmother was not wrong – the ages-old ritual oiling is suitable for your hair, especially before you shampoo your hair. Oil champi, as we all know it, has many benefits, like nourishing and moisturising the strands of your hair. It can make your hair softer and shinier, but massaging onto the scalp can also improve blood circulation and help with hair growth. So, make sure to include it in your winter haircare routine.

Condition after every wash

Just as moisturising is essential for your skin, conditioning is vital for your hair. It not only detangles your hair, but conditioner also helps add critical nourishment and hydration to the strands of your hair. For winter haircare, adding a conditioner to your haircare routine is even more essential to prevent dryness, reduce breakage and improve the overall health of your hair. 

Pro Tip: Try to the last rinse with cold water to keep the cuticles of your hair sealed, making your hair stronger.

Apply hair mask weekly.

While conditioning after every wash is essential, remember to switch up your conditioner for a hair mask once every week. The hair mask is a more powerful version of your conditioner. It deep conditions your hair and nourishes and strengthens your hair. Hair masks are heavier in texture than conditioner and, hence, recommended only once a week for most. Think of it like a booster dose for your hair health.

Style with protection

Our social calendars are bound to get busy during these winter months – whether you are attending Diwali parties or weddings, your hair will see many different styles. Straighteners and hair dryers are unavoidable. Using a heat protectant before styling adds a protective coating to your tresses and shields them from damage from exposure to extreme heat from the styling tools.

Cover your hair

During winter, scarves and hats are your best friends – they will protect you and your hair from the harsh weather. We are not saying to keep your hair and head covered at all times, but when the weather is extreme and you are out in the open – keeping your hair covered will protect it from getting too dry and brittle.

Book in a hair spa!

It’s good to have your hair care routine with shampoo, conditioner and mask during the winter. But every so often, getting a hair spa can give your locks the specialist care and attention they require. You can expect to not only relax but also treat your hair to extra nourishment and conditioning, customised specifically to your hair and scalp needs. Make hair spa sessions part of your winter haircare routine, and you won’t regret it.

Healthy Lifestyle = Healthy Hair

Your hair is a part of your body and reflects your lifestyle. Along with the hair care products, you need to ensure you are leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle. During winter, your body needs extra nutrients; the same goes for your hair. A healthy and balanced diet will go a long way in keeping hair looking and feeling healthy.