Wake up in the morning and open your curtains to a misty, misty morning; There’s a chill in the air and it’s time to start packing – winter is here! And while there are so many things to relish in winter – hot cups of tea, hot bowls of soup and an abundance of fruits and vegetables, it is also the time when you need to take a little extra care of your hair and skin. The winter season can prove to be quite cruel and is often the time when you lose a lot of hair, mainly because you are not taking proper care of it.
Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind during winters, to ensure that you have hair that everyone will love!
- wash only when needed – Hair and scalp contain oil – oily hair has an excess of it, dry hair has less than it needs. But every time you wash your hair with shampoo, you are washing away all the natural oils on your scalp, leaving your hair dry and brittle. During winters, it is essential that you wash your hair only once or twice a week and preferably with a shampoo that is paraben and SLS/SLES free.
- olive oil or coconut oil – It doesn’t matter whether you choose luxurious jojoba oil, classy extra virgin olive oil or the ever trusty coconut oil – you need to make sure you oil your hair before each shampoo session. If you are in the mood to pamper your hair, you can also add a few drops of essential oil like rosemary, which is good for hair. Alternatively, you can look into Ayurvedic oils containing the goodness of Brahmi, Bhringraj, Amla and other herbs. Whichever oil you choose, make sure to warm it slightly and then massage it into your scalp and the length of your hair. Leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes before washing it off.
- Condition first, then wash Many people wash their hair with shampoo first and then condition it. However, if you go to a good Hair & Skin Clinic , Chances are they’ll tell you to do it another way. When you do conditioning after shampooing, chances are that not all of the conditioner will wash out; This can cause dirt and grime to stick to those conditioner particles, which can damage hair. However, if you apply conditioner first and let the nourishment soak in, the shampoo will wash away all the excess, leaving your hair feeling healthy and soft!
- hot water or lukewarm? While it might feel great to stand under a warm shower on a cold winter morning, your hair might not feel that great. Have you ever wondered why you use hot water to wash oily dishes – because hot water will remove traces of oil faster and more effectively. So naturally, when you pour hot water on your hair, all of the natural oils will be washed away, leaving your hair dry and brittle, plus your scalp will be dry and prone to flaking. Whatever the season, it is best to use lukewarm water for your hair.
- Hide those styling tools Winters is that time of the year when your hair already feels very fragile; So when you use harsh chemicals or styling tools that use extreme heat, you’re causing more potential damage to them. So, for the winter months, put away those styling tools and styling products and use them only when you really need them.
- Caress your hair – This is also the season to pamper your hair – whether you want to massage your hair with some hot oil or go for a proper hair spa, go ahead and do it. You can also use a hair serum or oil overnight to ensure that your hair gets the required moisture. Depending on your hair type, you can also look into hair masks made from aloe vera, yogurt or eggs, as these can provide deep hydration.
Lastly, as with any season, make sure you drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as these will provide essential nutrition from within.
