‘Tis the season for fluffy sweaters, woolen caps and lots of hot chocolate! Winter certainly brings with it a certain festive feel, and it can be felt in the air. But whether your hair partakes in this festive spirit is another question altogether!
Why Is Winter a Problem for Hair?
There are many reasons winter is not your hair’s friend, the main one being dryness. As the moisture in the air goes down, hair can become dry and brittle and more prone to breakage. Another problem with the dryness is static when the hair picks up electric charges from the dry air around.
This extra dryness can cause a good deal of itching and irritation and eventually weaker roots. Indoor heating adds to the problem, especially when you transition suddenly from the cold outdoors to warm indoors.
So how does one ensure that their precious tresses stay shiny and healthy all winter and beyond? Well, with the right products and some moisturization and hair growth tips, you can keep your hair in good shape all season.
8 Tips for Healthy Hair this Winter
1. Use a Hair Oil
The biggest problem for hair in winter is dryness, and the best way to combat this is with some extra moisturization with hair oil to keep the moisture locked in. Light hair oil like the Mamaearth Nourishing Hair Oil for Babies can help as an everyday moisturizer, especially on the hair ends to keep split ends at bay.
If dandruff and itchy scalp is an issue, a heavier oil like coconut oil or the Mamaearth Castor Oil will work well for hair growth and moisturization. Massage the scalp while applying the oil and give it 20-30 minutes to get absorbed.
2. Avoid Over Washing
Winter isn’t exactly a season when one feels like pouring water over themselves, which may be a good thing when it comes to hair health! Washing hair too frequently strips it of its natural oils and causes more dryness. Cut down the number of washes to one or two a week, and make sure to use lukewarm water.
It’s equally important to use a mild shampoo – the Mamaearth Happy Heads Shampoo is a great pick. The Mamaearth Onion Shampoo is the best shampoo for hair fall, and for a dry scalp, you can also try co-washing with the Mamaearth Onion Hair Conditioner.
3. Opt for Deep Conditioning
The weekend is a great opportunity to help repair any hair damage and to get rid of product build-up. A deep conditioning treatment gives the hair and scalp a good, concentrated dose of nourishment that both repairs and protects.
Deep conditioning needn’t be an expensive process – it can be easily done at home with the right products. The Mamaearth Onion Hair Mask is the best hair fall treatment that also tackles winter woes like dryness and itching. If an oily, flaky scalp is bothering you, the Mamaearth Tea Tree Argan Oil Hair Mask is the best hair conditioner that fights scalp problems and provides hydration.
4. Avoid Styling Tools and Chemical Treatments
Winter already puts a good deal of stress on the hair, so it’s best to avoid any additional burden from styling tools and treatments. Heat styling, in particular, can exacerbate the dryness problem and increase frizz and breakage.
Chemical treatments can damage the hair shaft and roots and suck up whatever moisture is left in the strands. The best idea for winter is to embrace your natural hair, and keep it nourished and healthy with a small amount of hair oil.
5. Step Outdoors with Fully Dry Hair
While hair drying adds to the dryness and frizz, it isn’t advisable to step outside with wet or damp hair. When exposed to cold hair, the hair shaft expands, making it more vulnerable to breakage.
Avoid this by taking the time to air dry hair while indoors, so that your hair is completely dry before you go out. If you don’t have enough time in the mornings, try washing your hair the evening before.
6. Get the right Head Wear
Those woolen caps sure look cute, but they can wreak havoc on hair, causing tangles, sucking up scalp oils and drying hair ends, increasing breakage. It can also cause static that makes your hair stand up in all directions.
Fix this by going with caps made of fabrics that are soft and smooth. If you can’t find such hats, you can go the DIY route. Get yourself a silk scarf and wrap your hair before putting on your cap. Or else, you can sew the scarf into the cap as a lining, so your cap is instantly turned into a hair-friendly one.
7. Have a proper Bedtime Routine
Have a good bedtime routine in place to ensure optimum hair health this winter. Start by using an overnight oil like Mamaearth Onion Hair Oil which will work wonders to repair hair fall. You could also opt for the Mamaearth Aloe Turmeric Gel, which will give you soft, shiny hair the next morning.
Be sure to pay attention to your pillowcase as well. One of the common hair fall reasons is fabric like cotton that tugs at the strands and causes breakage. Instead, go for something like silk, that’s easy on the hair and does not cause friction.
Ensuring healthy hair during winter doesn’t seem so hard now, does it? All you need is a good hair care routine and the right products. Make sure that whatever you apply on your hair is free from chemicals of any kind. After all, you don’t want to undo all the good work you’re doing with a bunch of yucky chemicals!
