The holiday season is just around the corner, which means the cold weather will soon be upon us. As the cold wind starts to blow, hair problems arise. We all want beautiful holiday hair and that takes time, know-how and the right products. Products aren’t everything, no matter what a brand will tell you. You also need to know how to apply them, which ones to use and what you can do to make them work better. Sounds like a lot of work? Not really when you know a few things.
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From how you live to where you live, your weather can cause havoc on your hair during the colder months. However, you should not let these issues be an excuse not to keep your hair looking its best throughout the entire holiday season. To help your natural strands sparkle this holiday season, we’ve put together these 9 handy winter hair care tips.
Keep your place warm, but not really hot.
Be sure your hair doesn’t get a temperature shock whenever you leave or arrive home. If the temperature inside your apartment or house is too hot, it can cause irritations to your scalp and skin. Open your windows to let air circulate or even enlist the help of a humidifier. The heat can dry out your strands so increase the moisture in your home as well as make sure you are drinking enough water to stay hydrated.
Nix those hot showers if you can
It can be very tempting to get a hot shower on a very cold day. But if you really care for your hair and scalp, keep the shower temperature down. Hot water can only dehydrate your hair and skin. Warm showers are just as effective and much less drying on your hair and scalp.
Less is more when it comes to washing your hair during the holidays
How often do you shampoo in the cold season? According to studies, if you shampoo your hair less, you can keep it from drying out. Washing your hair too much during the winter will also rob it of the moisture it needs to remain healthy, especially if you’re using something clarifying. Also, leaving the hair wet or damp when going outside can actually cause the hair to freeze and break off causing unnecessary damage and no one wants any holiday hair fall out!
Make conditioning (especially deep conditioning) a priority
Yes, conditioning is necessary. After shampooing, you have to apply conditioner for added moisture. This is very important, especially for those who reside in the Northern regions. I use a regular, deep and leave in conditioner year round but during winter, I make sure I do it every wash day. They each have specific goals for caring for your hair so make sure to use them all.
Going Natural – How To Condition Natural Hair
You can always make your conditioners better by adding ingredients like natural oils or glycerin. Deep conditioning with heat is a must during winter to ensure your holiday hair is looking its best.
Enlist the help from natural oils
During the cold season, the scalp tends to be drier, making it susceptible to scalp problems like dandruff and hair fall. To keep the scalp moisturized, we suggest using natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil. Massage the oil into your scalp and leave it there for at least 15 minutes. Rinse it using your favorite shampoo and conditioner. Those scalp massages will also help with hair stimulation and growth!
Have you had a trim?
Regardless if you have long or short hair, the cold weather can make your ends brittle and dry. Regular trims can keep your hair in good shape and prevent split ends from forming. Since I don’t color my hair or use heat styling tools, I only need to trim twice a year. All too often, I realize during fall that I may have skipped a trim this year so I make sure to get one during fall to get frizz-free ends for perfect holiday hair.
Observe proper hair drying routines
If you wish to dry your hair, be sure to treat it with care. Even though a blow dryer is a useful tool for hair drying, it can still cause damage to the hair and scalp when not used correctly or without using a heat protectant. Air drying is best and using a microfiber towel, like the Hair Repear Ultimate Hair Towel (my fave!) will dry hair without disturbing the curl and causing frizz. As much as possible, air dry your hair and avoid the use of tools like blow dryers. If you really need to dry your hair using a dryer, make sure you use the cool setting and do not forget to apply a leave in conditioner before blow drying your holiday hair.
You might want to give a hooded dryer a try if you must dry your hair during the colder months. The indirect heat is much safer for hair drying and a popular one is the Laila Ali LADR5604 Ionic Soft Bonnet Dryer.
Eat a well-balanced diet, yes even during the holidays
The best way to keep your hair and scalp healthy and looking great is to eat a well-balanced diet. I know it is tempting to only eat the sweets and heavy, rich holiday favorites, but make sure to get those veggies, protein and good fats in too. In addition, do not forget to stay hydrated and remember that alcohol can be very drying. Drink water while you enjoy your holiday cocktails.
Incorporate hats (with satin-lining) into your holiday hair attire
When you start feeling the cold wind, grab your favorite hat, with a satin lining, and wear it. Not only will it save you time from styling, it will also keep you cool and warm. A few years ago, finding a stylish hat with a satin-lining was hard to find, but now there are tons on Etsy and Amazon. I have a couple myself like this one in this picture from Grace Eleyae. Just make sure you choose a hat that complements your face shape and your outfit.
Should You Wash Your Hair Less In The Colder Months? Winter Hair Tips
With all these tips in mind, you should be ready for the holiday season and for beautiful holiday hair. If possible, make these simple tips vital parts of your hair care routine from now on. Your hair will thank you soon thereafter.
Jacque Doring
