8 Winter Hair Care Tips To Help Protect Your Hair
The colder months are the perfect time to rethink your hair care routine. During the winter, we tend to spend more time indoors, which means that our hair is getting a lot less moisture and sun than usual which can cause your hair to become dry and damaged. We believe in honoring your body's ability to care for you by balancing ritual and natural occurring ingredients, especially when it comes to protecting your hair. In the practice of Ayurveda, Ritucharya is the act of living seasonally. With the winter months settling in, here are some habits you an incorporate to help lock in moisture and retain your hair growth!
1. Healthy Hair Begins with a Healthy Diet
Foods that promote healthy hair growth are rich in Biotin, Vitamin C, Iron, Omega 3 fatty acids and protein. These nutrients can be found in foods like apples, sweet potatoes, almonds, spinach and eggs. It important to remember that hair is a fibrous protein, and needs proteins to be healthy. There are different kinds of proteins, but the two most important ones for your hair are keratin and collagen. Keratin is used in hair to make it thick, shiny, and strong. Collagen is what keeps your hair strong by providing structure. While these proteins are commonly found in animal products, there are many non-animal sources of protein that can help keep your hair healthy. These include beans and legumes, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables.
2. Hair Oiling
Don't forget the oil! We recommend our Berry Boost Hair Oil as it's light enough for use on damp hair, but also will help lock in moisture if used on dry hair. The added jasmine essential oils will create an aromatherapy experience while you relax with your head down under a towel to warm the oil through your scalp. Wash normally and style.
3. The Benefits of Brushing Gently
Brushing your hair gently is very important when your hair and the environment is drier than normal, which can happen more often in winter months. If you have curly hair, make sure to brush your hair only when wet to avoid breakage. For straighter, low density hair, avoid brushing when wet!For everyday brushing, use a wide-tooth brush with smooth-coated prongs that are spaced wide apart. If you have straight hair, use a paddle brush or a flat paddle brush. These brushes are good at distributing oil evenly through the hair. A paddle brush is also great for thick hair because it doesn’t pull and break strands like other styles. And don't forget that the technique is just as important as the tools you use!
- Start by placing your hand towards the end of your hair.
- Begin brushing out the ends below your hand to get rid of tangles.Next, move up gradually your head by holding hair strands and brushing through the entire length of the hair shaft.
4. Avoid Heat and Chemical Damage
Added heat should be avoided at all costs. Opt for air drying over blow drying, and whenever possible, skip the styling tools and chemical treatments. It might also be a good idea to reschedule your hair appointment. Coloring the hair penetrates the hair strands with chemicals, and breaks down the fatty acids and proteins to remove your hair’s pigment. This can take a long time for your hair to recover. In winter when your hair is drier than in other months, the recovery can take even longer, and it is better to post pone until the air is warmer or more humid. It’s important to note that some treatments are safer than others, so ask your stylist. A big factor in the amount of damage comes from how frequently the process is done as well.
5. Style trends to avoid in the winter
While we're always for trying the newest style, there are some hairstyles that can actually damage your hair and make it weaker. Here are some that you should avoid, especially in the winter, as they may cause damage to your hair:
1. High, tight ponytails or buns. This can cause stress to the edges of the hair as well as breakage and split ends.
2. Hair bands at night. Avoid using rubber-based bands. Instead choose natural fabric like silk or velvet that when moved, won’t break your hair strands.
3. Exercising with a tight ponytail. Adding salt to the high ponytail is not a great combination for your edges.
If you decided to wear buns and braids, make sure to twist strands gently. They can also bend the hair at multiple points so it's better to pick softer, looser styles. Never use rubber-based bands. Instead choose natural fabric bands that when moved or loosen up won’t break your hair strands.
6. Combating winter static electricity
Static happens when the natural oils that keep your hair hydrated and soft are stripped away by the dry air of winter. It can be avoided by taking precautions during cold months. One of the best steps to take is to make sure you’re getting enough moisture in your diet and in your hair routine. In addition to eating a healthy diet, consider purchasing silk or satin lined hats to protect your strands.
7. Wash day routine
I’m sure you’ve wondered how often you should wash your hair in winter. This is important because washing too frequently can dry out your scalp and hair, while washing too infrequently will make your hair greasy. There are a lot of myths about washing your hair in winter, such as “wet hair freezes faster than dry hair”, or “your locks need all the help they can get”. The truth is that how often you wash your hair has to do with how much oil your scalp produces.
Many people use harsh shampoos that strip the scalp of all of its natural oils, leaving it dry and scaly. This causes dandruff and other issues. You don’t need to use a harsh shampoo to get your hair clean, but rather concentrate on clarifying shampoos used fortnightly.Here are some things you can do to keep your scalp healthy and soft:
First, make sure that you are washing your hair correctly. Don’t forget to buy a quality shampoo and conditioner for your particular hair type, as each one is different. Finally, consider using a hot oil treatment 1-2xs a week to lock in moisture. Try oils that use amla, coconut, or jasmine oils. Incorporating a massage into your hair oiling routine will help to lock in moisture for longer and cleanse the scalp. And don’t forget your regular haircuts come wintertime. Getting your hair trimmed at each layer every six weeks will remove the damaged ends and promote healthy growth.
8. Get Outside!
If you live in a cold climate, get outside and get some sunlight! Your body needs Vitamin D to help with the absorption of calcium in your bones and teeth, but it also helps to retain moisture in your hair and skin.
These tips should help you maintain a healthy winter hair regimen and keep your hair looking great no matter how cold it gets outside. If you’re interested in learning more about winter hair care, be sure to check out our blog for more helpful advice on maintaining gorgeous locks all year long.
xx, Asna Beauty