Instead of focusing on what you’re going to wear to the next holiday party, you might want to take a moment to consider how you’ve been treating your hair this winter. The dry, cold air outside and dry heat inside can do a number on your luscious locks, unless you take proper care to protect them. To keep your hair looking healthy and strong until springtime, avoid these common winter hair care mistakes.
Over-Drying Your Hair
The air is pretty dry during the winter, which weakens your hair by depleting its natural moisture. When we add blow dryers and other heated styling tools to the mix, it’s a recipe for disaster. In general, say the experts at Beauty-tips.net, your hair doesn’t like high temperatures. Experiment with air-drying your hair at home, if possible, or at least limit how much time you point the blow dryer at it. If you must use a curling iron or straightener, try to give your hair a break from the heat a couple days a week. You might also consider using specialty shampoos, conditioners, or styling products that help protect your hair from heat damage.
Forgetting to Bundle Up
If you’re just taking the dog for a quick walk around the block, you don’t need a hat, right? Maybe not the first time, but if you’re exposing your hair to the cold, dry air night after night, you should bundle up and protect that hair. Between the temperature and the high winds that could be whipping around out there, it’s best to put a nice warm, knitted barrier between your hair and the elements. Wear a scarf, hat or cap to protect your hair, says Mama’s Health, but not so tightly that you restrict circulation to your scalp.
Taking Hot Showers
We’ve talked about what heat does to your hair already, but heated water should be different… in theory. In reality, hot water encourages the pores and follicles of the scalp and hair to open up and release moisture. The effect is a drier head of hair, all around. Even though it’s cold, keep the temperature dial of your shower pointed toward warm, but don’t overdo the steam treatment.
Washing Your Hair Too Often
You’re probably using lots of styling products to control your frizzy, unruly winter hair, so that means a daily (or more than once a day!) shower for you. Bad idea, since over-washing your hair can strip away the natural oils and moisturizers that help your hair shine. Your hair is more likely to be static-ridden and brittle if you overdo the washing, so try to alternate washings to every other day.
Avoiding these common hair care mistakes can make the difference in your frizz-free ‘do all season long. Your happy, healthy hair will be ready for spring when the time arrives.
References:
Beauty-Tips.net. How to Dry Hair in Winter Time eZine Articles. When Good Hair Goes Bad — Top Three Winter Hair Care mistakes.
Mama’s Health. Winter Hair Tips.
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Winter Hair Care Tips How to Prevent Premature Gray Hair How to Get Healthy Hair Using Herbs