With the cold weather season quickly approaching, you may be considering adjusting your hair care routine. Cold weather can take a toll on skin in hair for its drying effects, and increased indoor heat can have a similar impact. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect your hair and give it the boost it needs to stay vibrant and healthy all winter long. Read on for 8 cold weather hair care tips from Eldorado.
Wear a Hat
If you live in an area that is exposed to a lot of stormy, cold weather and/or snow, it’s likely a good idea to wear a hat while outside. Not only can a hat keep you warm, but it can prevent your hair from becoming tangled and brittle. Cold air can easily dry out your hair and scalp, making it vulnerable to breakage. Fabrics like wool can also cause breakage, so try to choose something with a softer texture. Make sure to distribute a moisturizing hair oil through your strands before tucking it into your hat.
Use Moisturizing Products
While it is important to keep hair hydrated all year long, it is especially critical during the winter. Dry winter air can zap your scalp of its healthy natural oils. Your hair needs these oils to stay healthy, shiny, and strong. The best thing you can do to counteract these drying effects is choosing shampoos, conditioners, masks, oils, and other products that emphasize moisture retention and hydration. Try to develop a routine for using these products that leaves your hair protected as often as possible. A hair restoration specialist can help you choose cold weather hair care products if you are unsure of what you need.
Invest in a Humidifier
A humidifier rehydrates internal air that has become dry due to indoor heating. It’s an easy way to keep your home comfortable while also replacing some moisture for your scalp and hair. It is especially important for people who work and/or spend a lot of time indoors to use a humidifier to keep hair lustrous. You can even take your humidifier from place to place to use it where you need it.
Cut Back on Shampooing
The purpose of shampoo is to clean your scalp and hair by drying out oil and buildup of product and debris. Since it is drying by nature, it must be used in moderation. It is important to develop a hair washing routine that does not involve overuse of shampoo. Try to avoid shampoos that contain sulfates and salts, which can contribute even more to excessive dryness.
Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling tools are, in general, not the best for hair health. They apply direct heat to hair that can cause serious damage, especially when overused. It’s important to use heat protectant any time you are using these tools. However, it is even more important during the winter, when your scalp and hair are already facing lots of dryness. Experiment with some heat-free hairstyles, and let your hair air dry as often as possible. Throw your hair into a braid, bun, or ponytail as often as possible to give it a break from the straightener or curling iron.
Don’t Go Out with Wet Hair
Even if you are pressed for time, it is not a good idea to go outside with wet hair during winter. Depending on where you live and how cold it is, your hair could actually freeze and break. Even though air drying is your best option, use a blow dryer before going out into cold or freezing temperatures with wet hair.
Get Regular Hair Cuts/Trims
It is important to get regular trims during the winter, as it is during the rest of the year. Talk to your local hairstylist about developing a routine for healthy trims throughout the season. They can help keep your hair looking vibrant and shiny depending on your needs. For example, if you have human hair extensions, your hair replacement service professional can provide you with instructions for care and a schedule for trims and/or extension replacement.
Use Cooler Water
When you do wash your hair during the winter season, try using cooler water as much as you can. This may sound like an unpleasant prospect, especially when it’s cold outside, but hot water is much more drying than cold water. Hot water can strip the essential sebum from your scalp, causing even more dryness and dullness. Try to use lukewarm water instead.
Contact Eldorado
If you are interested in cold weather hair care products and/or the best human hair wigs, hair transplant, hair systems, or hair extensions in Baltimore and the surrounding areas, contact Eldorado. We can help you determine the best hair replacement service for your specific needs. Call 410-931-3399 to schedule your free hair analysis.
