First, let me say this loud and clear; “DRY hair is not cute…at all!” With that said, winter is here and for some of us dry hair has become a HUGE problem! During the winter months our hair may become dry and brittle and somewhat difficult to maintain moisture. Humidity in the air has dropped causing humidity (moisture) to be pulled from your hair thus causing dry hair. Because of this, you may have to put away those hair products once used in the summer months & incorporate your own winter hair regimen.
The question now is how can we keep this hair of ours moisturized during the winter months. I have provided a list of 10 easy winter hair tips used to combat dry hair…hope this helps!
1. Deep Conditioning
Be sure to deep condition your hair weekly. This can be done by using a good moisturizing conditioner or by doing a hot oil treatment.
2. Use a Thick leave-in Conditioner
After deep conditioning your hair you should ALWAYS apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair to retain moisture.
3. Moisture & Seal
Your hair thrives on moisture. Make sure to apply a moisturizer to the ends of your hair followed by an oil to seal the moisture in as needed.
4. Baggy Method
Apply a moisturizer to your hair, and then cover your hair with plastic cap to trap in the moisture. This method is used to retain moisture in the hair and is very good for those who have dry, brittle strands. This can be done overnight.
5. Co-Wash Your Hair
It may help to wash your hair with conditioner instead of using shampoo. This method cleanses your hair while helping you to maintain moisture without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
6. Style your hair by wearing beanies, scarves, & other hair accessories.
Hair accessories can be used to protect your hair from the cold, harsh, winter climates. Be sure to wear a silk bonnet under your hair accessories to avoid snagging.
7. Avoid Humectants (Honey & Glycerin)
During the summer months humectants are your best friend but in colder climates because there is no humidity in the air to pull moisture from, moisture is pulled from your hair instead. Common humectants include honey, glycerin, panthenol, hydrolized wheat protein, and propylene glycol. These ingredients draw moisture from the humid air into your hair but during the winter months, they have the opposite effect, potentially drawing out the moisture from your hair instead…does that make sense??? (haha, all this for hair, yep, all this for hair!!)***Source: Curlynikki.com
8. Air Dry or Limit the use of direct heat
Avoid using hair dryers during the winter months. Blow drying already brittle and dry hair will only make them worse. If you have to, use a cooler setting to dry your hair. It may take your hair longer to dry but the shine in your hair will be well worth it.
9. Purchase a Humidifier
Heating your home can cause the indoor air to dry out during winter. Humidifiers put moisture back into the air. If purchasing a humidifier isn’t in your current budget there are other methods. In the kitchen, you can create humidity by boiling water on the stove. If you have a dishwasher, open the door after the wash cycle and before the dry cycle to let the moisture out and dry the dishes naturally.
10. Stay Hydrated!
It’s simple…DRINK MORE WATER!! Keep your body hydrated starting on the inside first.
Alright ladies, there you have it. Again, I hope this helps. What measures are you taking to combat dry hair?
naturalhairfanatic 