9 Expert Tips for Treating Winter Hair Issues

At this point in the season, you’ve mastered the art of layering to protect yourself from the winter chill. But what about protecting your hair? Just like your body, dry winds and frigid temperatures can take a significant toll on your hair too.

Are you suffering from brittle hair, breakage, and dry, dull hair and need some easy remedies? We’ve got you covered. But before we do that, let’s first discuss the common mistakes making your hair woes worse during winter.

Cause of Hair Fall in Winter

• Hot water bathsHot water baths can feel like the obvious option when the air outside is chilly. But scalding hot water is a complete no-for for the scalp. Hot water strips the hair of natural oils and moisture, leaving it dull, brittle, and prone to breaking. An easy solution is using hot water only for the body and rinsing your hair with lukewarm water.
• Not caring for the scalpBeing cavalier with your scalp will cost you in the long run. A dry and sensitive scalp not only causes irritation but can also point to more serious conditions like eczema and psoriasis. When psoriasis develops on the scalp, hair loss usually follows, and winter makes all of it worse.
• Stepping outside with wet hairIt can be tempting to dry your hair on the go and leave it wet on a busy day. However, during winters, cold air makes the moisture in the hair freeze, separating the hair strands and ultimately causing breakage, split ends and frizz.

9 Hair Care Tips to Follow in Winter

Now that we have a little clarity on the common causes of hair loss in winter, let’s discuss how to prevent hair loss with expert-recommended tips. Read on for nine easy-to-follow tips with proven results to enjoy lustrous locks all winter long.

• Avoid using chemical-based productsChemical-based hair products which contain silicone can change the composition of your hair, thereby subjecting them to static electricity. This static electricity makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate your strands. It is advisable to avoid products with high alcohol content, which can make winter hair even drier. Similarly, avoid products with fragrance.
• Oil the ends of your hair oftenIf you are looking for an answer to how to stop hair fall in winter, moisturization is your best bet. Keeping your hair moisturized during winter helps fight static electricity. When your hair is exposed to the winter air, the dry air causes the static to stay on your strands, and the molecular charges repel strands away from each other. To simply put, your hair separates into a frizzy mess. Hydrated hair is heavier in weight and therefore keeps hair strands bonded together.
• Don’t use hot water to wash your hairTo avoid hair loss in winter, it is critical to wash your hair carefully. Just like your skin, the scalp gets dry in the winter months. Therefore, washing your scalp and hair should only be done when you absolutely need to. Oily hair may need to be washed daily, while chemically treated hair should be washed less frequently. Further, avoid hot water to wash your hair and use a lukewarm rinse to clean off shampoo instead. After washing, apply conditioner according to your hair type to lock in moisture, make hair fibers stronger and deter static electricity during winter.
• Trim your hair regularlyRemember to follow your regular hair care treatments during the winter months. Getting your hair trimmed every six weeks will remove damaged ends and promote healthy growth.
• Don’t leave the house with wet hairHair fall in winter worsens when people don’t properly dry their hair. To avoid the effects of winter static and dry air on wet strands, fully dry your hair before stepping out. This will ensure your hair doesn’t react to the air by separating and frizzing up.
• Deep condition once a weekIf your hair is dry, which is common during winter, it is especially important to keep it hydrated to avoid damage and breakage. Deep condition at home once a week and in the salon once a month for best results.
• Avoid frequent hair washesHair fall during winter is made worse by unnecessary and frequent washes. Shampooing too often strips your hair of valuable sebum that protects your strands from moisture loss. The result – is dry scalp, dry and coarse strands, and increased breakage.
• Commit to a weekly hair maskWeekly hair masks can make a great difference when it comes to dry and damaged hair. Hair masks can help reverse the effects of dryness. They are quick and easy to use and provide benefits like softening, hydrating, and adding shine.
• Avoid heat stylingFinally, the simplest way to avoid hair loss in winter is by opting for easy, no-fuss air drying. Air drying uses less heat, preventing your hair from becoming even more brittle and dry during winter. Also, avoid styling tools like curlers or straighteners. Instead, comb your hair with a wide toothbrush for minimal impact on the hair.

Conclusion

Follow these tips to keep your hair hydrated and looking great this winter. Remember to be consistent and take special precautions whenever subjecting your hair to the outside elements. If you need to speak to a dermatologist about effective hair care during winter, Skin and Hair Academy can help you, find a dermatologist.