How to Keep Your Hair Healthy This Winter

Most people know that the hot, humid summer months can wreak havoc on your hair. From split ends and oily roots to chlorine or sun damage, you probably have a hair care routine and product arsenal to help you combat summer hair issues. But did you know that the chilly winter months can cause its own damage?

Common Winter Damage

The damage your hair might suffer during the winter is different than what might occur summer months. Instead of an oily scalp, most people suffer from a dry scalp. This causes dandruff, or little white flakes of dead skin, that can be difficult to manage and appear unsightly. Many people find they even shed off the scalp onto clothing.

Other common damage includes easily broken hair, static locks, and dull, lifeless hair. For as much as you hate the frizz that comes with humidity, you might find yourself wishing for just a little of that volume come winter.

Quick Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthy

If you’re looking to set up your winter hair routine, here are just a few quick tips to help keep your hair healthy when the temperatures drop.

• Nix the hot showers – no matter how tempting they are on a cold day. The hot water will rob your scalp of its natural oils, which will only exacerbate the issue of dryness.
• Choose a hydrating shampoo. You want something a little heavier than your summer stuff, since it will protect your natural oils.
• Conditioner your hair nightly if your hair or scalp is already dried out. If you aren’t experiencing an issue, one or two times a week should help keep dry scalp at bay. It may take a little trial and error to figure out the exact routine to use.
• Suffering from extreme dandruff? Choose a dandruff shampoo or use a hot oil treatment on your scalp once a week to get rid of the dried-our flakes.
• Speaking of hot oil treatments, choosing this or a hair mask for once a week should be on your routine, too. Massage the treatment into your scalp to get the best results. Plus, it feels great!
• If possible, opt to shampoo your hair less often during the winter. Depending on your hair texture, between one and four times a week is plenty. This lets your hair fix its own problems.
• Avoid aggressively drying your hair with a towel. If possible, let it dry naturally. If not, gently run the towel down your hair strands.
• Don’t style hair when it’s wet, as it is more prone to breakage then.
• Avoid cheap styling product. They contain harsh chemicals that can damage hair, making it prone to breakage and split ends.
• Avoid tight hats, which can cause traction alopecia.
• Eat a healthy diet which gives your hair all the nutrients it needs – and don’t forget to stay hydrated!

If you utilize the quick tips listed above, you can keep your hair healthy this winter. Remember that your summer and winter hair routines should be different because the problems your hair faces are different.