Winter Hair Care: Keeping Your Locks Healthy During The Cold Season

Winter serves as an opportunity for people to stay comfy in the living room, sip a warm cup of hot chocolate or tea and have meaningful conversations with family members beside the fireplace. Although these winter scenarios sound awesome, you can't always say the same thing about your scalp and hair.

When you step out of your home, expect the cold winds and low temperatures to ruin your hair. The wintry weather can make your hair and scalp flaky, rough, dry and uncomfortable. What's more, the cold weather mixed with indoor heat can result in hair breakage and split ends.

If you're looking to have a healthy mane that looks good on camera all-year long, you'll need to defend your tresses from the harsh elements.

Take note of these winter hair care tips to keep your locks in great shape no matter what the weather is outside your house:

1. Shampoo Less Frequently During the Cold Season

Excessive shampooing can lead to flaky and dry scalp during winter. The harsh ingredients in the shampoo could strip off the natural oils present in your scalp. What's worse, the product could contain chemicals that can irritate your skin and cause it to be itchy.

When winter comes along, shampoo less often and stick with hypoallergenic formulas. Avoid products that have drying ingredients, such as sulfates, fragrances and alcohols.

2. Visit Your Local Hair Salon for Hair Care

Winter can also cause you to lose your hair. The cold and dry air sucks out the moisture on your scalp and hair. Dry hair leads to breakage and hair fall. If the cold weather is causing seasonal hair loss, you may want to visit the salon in your area for professional hair loss treatment. Let your hairstylist address your immediate hair concerns and fix up your damaged locks.

3. Wear Head Covering before Leaving Your Home

If you're leaving the house for an errand, you'll need to cover your hair with a hat or a beanie. This will shield your scalp and hair from moisture-draining wind, snow and cold air. If you're going to wear a head covering made of cotton or wool, you'll want to line that with satin or silk to minimize hair damage.

4. Safeguard Your Hair from Static Electricity

One of the most annoying hair problems in winter is static hair. The friction caused by hairbrushes and sweaters, combined with the lack of moisture, can turn your hairdo into a frizzy mess.

You can remedy the situation by using a vented hairbrush that has plastic bristles. Then, keep your hair smooth and free of static by applying a leave-in conditioner.

5. Forgo that Platinum Blonde Look

Although you'll look awesome sporting a platinum blonde hair color during the cold season, this move can damage your hair. Bleaching to platinum blonde can make your hair strands lighter and weaker, resulting in dryness, breakage and frizz. The winter weather will just further exacerbate this problem.

If you want to change up your hairstyle, opt for a darker dye this winter. The roots are easy to maintain and make your mane appear healthy. Pro-tip: instead of buying store-bought hair dye, get your hair fixed up by a professional hairstylist. Store-bought dye products may contain ingredients that can damage your hair and scalp.

6. Steer Clear of Heat Styling

Keep that hairdryer inside your drawer, as this appliance can get rid of moisture in your scalp and raise the likelihood of breakage. Just let your hair dry naturally.

Also, avoid curling or straightening your hair using a heat styling appliance. The heat sucks away moisture from the strands, which can cause split ends. Instead, choose cooler hairstyles, such as twists, buns and braids.

7. Use a Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

Applying hair mask treatments every week is a preventative measure to keep your locks healthy and beautiful. Look for a hair mask product that contains moisturizing, nourishing and conditioning ingredients, such as honey and egg. These two ingredients help soften the hair, add shine, improve hair growth and keep your locks moisturized.

8. Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated

Keep your hair healthy by taking good care of your body. Bump up your intake of essential vitamin-rich foods, such as berries, eggs and carrots. Also, follow a balanced diet consisting of omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables and dairy products.

Apart from eating right, don't forget to replenish the water your body loses during the winter months. Drinking adequate water regularly hydrates your hair and helps keep it healthy.

The cold wintry weather will surely zap out the moisture from your hair and scalp. By taking note of these eight hair care tips, you can keep your locks healthy and flaunt your soft and shiny mane wherever you go.