In winter, your hair needs special care just as your skin does. Every season has a different impact on the hair, and you need to change your hair care routine to prevent damage that can be caused by the weather. In the winter season, the cold outside combined with the dry indoor heat can damage your strands, leading to split ends and breakage. This means that breakage isn’t just a summertime problem and happens in winter too. While the weather can make you feel lazy to follow a special hair care regimen, you should know that not doing so can damage your tresses.
What’s more important is to avoid the following common winter hair care mistakes:
- Bathing in hot water: Bathing in hot water will dry out your skin and damage your hair and scalp quite significantly. Both too hot and too cold water can rob your hair of moisture and it will become dehydrated, leading to dryness and hair breakage. Rinsing your hair with moderately hot or warm water can help maintain hair health.
- Stepping out with wet hair: Before going out, wait till your hair is completely dry. Wet hair is vulnerable and more prone to damage. The harsh weather can freeze and dry your hair, and cause breakage. Stepping out with wet hair in winter can also make you sick.
- Over-drying your hair: The air is pretty dry in the winter, which can cause loss of natural moisture in your hair. If you use a blow dryer or any other heated styling tools during this time, it will damage your hair. Try to stick to air-drying at home or limit the time you use the blow dryer. If you need to use heat appliances in winter, do so only a few times a month. Consider using special shampoos, deep conditioners, and other styling products that can protect your hair from heat damage.
- Using beanies and hats: Avoid using a beanie or hat for too long. Taking it off and putting it back can cause friction between the hair strands and weakens them. It will also flatten your hair and not give it any space to breathe. Avoid or minimize the use of wool or cotton fabric hats as they tear the hair strands and rip out the moisture. Choose hats lined with silk or satin.
- Washing too often: Washing too often can lead to dry scalp and hair, resulting in flaky scalp and brittle hair. If you have a straight or wavy hair, you should use shampoo every 2 to 3 days and if you have curly hair, you should use it every 4 to 5 days. After washing your hair, apply a coat of deep conditioner on your strands starting from the mid-lengths, it will prevent the hair from being frizzy. You can use a deep conditioner at least once a week during winter to protect your hair from the elements.
- Using the same hair care products: The products that you use in other times of the year will be different from the product you should use in the winter. In winter, you need to use creamier moisturizers and strengthening deep conditioners and finishing oils. You should also choose milder shampoos.
- Not drinking enough water: During winter, you won’t sweat much so you don’t feel like drinking water. Drinking water and hydrating from inside is necessary to avoid dryness and maintain healthy skin and hair. Drinking more hot coffee or tea in a day can lead to overall dryness, so drink as much plain water as you can.
You may remember to start skincare during the winter and sometimes ignore the fact that your hair also needed the proper care. In fact, like your skin, your hair also needs proper care to stay damage-free. This winter, if you are not aware of these mistakes, start avoiding them and protect your hair to have a strong and healthy hair all year round.