The winter season arrives every year full of emotions and celebrations that brighten our days. During this time we get together with family and friends, go on vacation, visit other places and above all enjoy the cold with a coffee or a hot chocolate in our homes. But it’s not all plain sailing at this time of year, at least not for our hair, since the change in weather and the use of heating methods during the day can be a mortal enemy for our hair.
Unfortunately, the weather during the cold months of the year is not very hair-friendly and during November to February, the air becomes dry; and as a result, our hair gets a lot more frizz, becoming broken and brittle. In addition, it’s not only our hair that suffers but also our scalp that becomes drier and starts to get dandruff and a rough texture.
So while we’re feeling warm under layers of clothing during the winter, our mane is struggling to stay hydrated and shiny. As well as they fight to maintain their volume and their strands without breaking.
But don’t worry, we’ve carefully chosen the information you need to know everything you need to know about hair, winter, what’s damaging your mane, and ways to take better care of it. So stay tuned, not for a second.
What causes dry hair in winter?
Before we go to the tricks to keep your hair healthy and shiny in the winter, we want you to know what causes that dryness and weakening in your strands. Although they are things of nature and the actions of human beings in a cold environment, it is good that you know how your hair reacts to each element in the environment.
In this case, the factors that affect are:
● Cold:
The low temperatures of these dates have a vasoconstrictive effect on the scalp. This means that there is less dilation of the blood vessels of the scalp. These are the ones that transmit to the rest of the hair the nutrients it needs to look silky, shiny, and hydrated.
Due to this reduced supply to the blood vessels, the pores of the scalp close, which causes the hair to dry out more than at other times of the year and increases the risk of redness and flaking in this area.
The low temperatures of these dates have a vasoconstrictive effect on the scalp. This means that there is less dilation of the blood vessels of the scalp. These are the ones that transmit to the rest of the hair the nutrients it needs to look silky, shiny, and hydrated.
Due to this reduced supply to the blood vessels, the pores of the scalp close, which causes the hair to dry out more than at other times of the year and increases the risk of redness and flaking in this area.
● Wind
As for the wind, in addition to ruining any hairstyle and causing knots and tangles, it acts as a permanent hairdryer, opening the cuticle and drying the hair excessively, as it drags microscopic powders that dirty and “electrify” it.
● Pollution
Believe it or not, pollution levels soar in many cities during the cold months, but it also hurts the hair: the polluting particles present in the air damage the scales of the protective layer of the scalp and also attack the cuticle, altering the scales that make it up, which translates into usual English, as more brittle, dull, bleached hair and split ends.
● Heating
Heating, on the other hand, is one of the factors that are most damaging to the hair structure, making it more porous and rough to the touch and “robbing” it of its shine. The continuous passage from the cold outside to heated environments directly affects the hair’s moisture and is one of the main factors responsible for the increased hair dryness that most hair experiences at this time of year.
Ways to take care of your hair from dryness in winter
Once you know what winter factors affect your hair, then we can move on to ways you can defend it and take care of it. In this case, we bring you 8 simple things you can do that are sure to make a difference for you during these months.
● Hydration:
The best shield against the environmental factors of this time of year is to ensure that the hair is adequately moisturized so that both the cuticle and the interior are sufficiently nourished and reinforced. To do this, look for products with denser textures than those used in summer and that includes a greater number of moisturizing and nourishing ingredients.
● Use enriched shampoo:
It is always necessary that the shampoo, in addition to being adapted to the type of hair (greasy, dry, colored, fine, etc.), incorporates moisturizing and restorative ingredients, and during the winter this requirement is essential. If the hair is damaged and lifeless, it is best to use products that provide energizing (biotin, caffeine, vitamins) and nourishing active ingredients to ensure optimal protection against external aggression.
● Use conditioner:
Conditioning balms, creams, and milk are formulated with moisturizing and softening ingredients to keep the cuticle at bay against environmental effects. They also incorporate substances such as silicons, which adhere to the cuticle as a protective layer, thus preventing frizz. Conditioners also have a more immediate effect: they detangle the hair and make styling easier.
They are usually used after shampooing, on wet hair, leaving them to act for about one minute and then rinsing them out, although there are also versions of conditioners that do not require rinsing and others that are applied to dry hair.
Oily hair should be applied only on the lengths and ends, avoiding the roots, while it is best for dry and devitalized hair to look for products rich in moisturizing oils such as almond oil.
● Apply masks:
Frequent application of masks is the best restorative treatment for hair exposed to low temperatures. These products are very rich in moisturizing, nourishing, and restructuring ingredients that, thanks to their dense texture and the way they are formulated, penetrate all the layers that make up the hair structure.
Once applied, these ingredients do their job where they are most needed, treating the root in-depth, rebuilding the cuticle and hydrolipidic layer, and helping the hair to reinforce its natural defenses.
They are applied evenly to clean hair, once excess water has been removed, and left to act for 5 to 10 minutes (very damaged hair may need longer), then removed with warm water. Once the mask is rinsed off, the effects are visible: the hair recovers fiber and density, achieving a look of body and volume.
It is recommended to use the masks once or twice a week, although the frequency depends on the condition of the hair.
● Using styling products:
During the winter, the best option to give shape and body to the hairstyle are foams, as they do not damage the cuticle or weigh down the hair excessively, and are easier to remove than other products (gels, waxes).
They are made with flexible resins and vitamins that readjust the balance and hydration, strengthening the hair structure and combining styling and protection in a single gesture. There are foams for all hair types, for all needs (repairing, volumizing, smoothing) and with different degrees of hold.
● Avoid going out with wet hair
Always leave the house with dry hair. It is advisable not to go outside with wet hair because, at low temperatures, the hair absorbs moisture and freezes easily, causing breakage of the hair fibers. This will cause the ends to be damaged quickly, the hair will lose its shine, become coarse, and with less movement.
Waiting a little longer before going out and allowing enough time for your hair to dry will be your best option. You can also change your routine and wash your hair in the evening or afternoon when all your errands are done.
● Limit hats and caps:
Although they protect the head from the cold, if not used properly they can become another aggressive factor for the hair in winter. Excessive use leads to increased sweating of the scalp, leaving the roots feeling dirty and caked and the ends looking dry, which is the part that tends to be left out. To avoid this, it is best to make a bun or ponytail before covering the head.
If you can’t stop wearing them right away, make sure you use good quality caps and always wear them on clean hair. Because when the roots are not completely free of debris, the mixture of sweat and dirt can weaken the hair and even cause it to fall out. You can also line the inside of the cap with silk or satin.
● Cut down on your hot styling routine:
All that heat and dryness will result in split ends and breakage. We advise the avid use of heat protection, including leave-in conditioners, to prevent breakage. Also try styles to style your hair without so much heat, such as braids, buns, tomatoes, and ponytails, which take time away from flat ironing your hair.
