Winters are just upon us and the chill in the air is just asking for a hot cup of coca and cosying up in the warm woolly blanket. But while you are having a lazy time in winters your skin and hair is not having so much of a good time. Winter air is dry and lacks humidity and can affect the texture of hair and make the scalp dry and flaky. However, you don’t have to let the winter chill take the happiness away from your hair. Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics Share some simple tips to keep your hair winter happy…
- Don’t skimp or skip on oiling: Winter causes dryness and makes the scalp dry and itchy and pulls the moisture and makes the scalp prone to dandruff. Massaging a little warm oil on your hair and scalp once or twice a week will help nourish the hair follicles. Oiling in winters also promotes blood supply to the hair roots, and moisturizes the hair and scalp. You can try different carrier and essential oils such as coconut, rosemary, thyme, almond, sesame, olive argan, jojoba etc.
- Don’t want hair too often: The scalp tends to become too oily in winters because of natural oil secretions. The temptation to wash hair more frequently should be avoided. Limit your hair washing to twice a week maximum. Don’t wash your hair in back-and-forth motions as they can cause breakage. Your shampoo and conditioner should be sulfate and paraben free.
- Conditioning is safer for hair: We know that the temptation to get out of the shower quickly is high in winters. But you must never skip conditioner post shampooing. It takes just about five minutes to condition the hair. Look for conditioners that contain coconut derived products such as cetyl alcohol that protect the layer and keep the strands moisturized. This way you can protect your hair from frizzing and prevent breakage. Apply the conditioner from mid lengths to the hair ends and leave it on for a few minutes and then wash with normal water.
- Never ever step out with wet hair: Drying hair in winters is a big task. But stepping out in the air with wet hair will only do more damage than good. Wet hair in winter air causes excessive tangling and breakage. Let the hair dry naturally but not by rubbing vigorously using a towel.
- Styling is to be minimal: Heat to hair is a short cut to damage, split ends, breakage and long-term damage. The hair is at its weakest in the chilly weather. And using heat on weak hair will make the hair brittle. Winter is the time to let your hair air dry and put the blow dryer away for the season.
- Protect your hair from static: Dry air increases static that is the hair becomes electrically charged. This happens because of increased friction and it causes damage and breakage. Therefore, you need to protect your hair from static by using a leave-in conditioner, combing with a vented hairbrush and using silk scarves. Comb your hair downwards to reduce strain on the scalp.
- Eat right: your diet goes a long way in keeping the hair healthy. Therefore, the key points to remember are
Keep your body hydrated by drinking enough water
Eating food rich in protein and vitamins such as carrots, eggs, pumpkins, and berries
Omega 3 rich foods such as leafy greens, dairy products and fatty acids give your hair the boost of health.
Seeds such as almonds, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds make the hair less prone to breakage and make them shiner.
