It's wintertime and while that may mean snuggling up with a good book in front of the fireplace for some, it means dry and even oily hair for others. As the weather in any given area changes, it is likely you'll see changes to the way your hair looks and feels. No matter why it is happening, your sole goal may be to find a way to tame your locks when they seem to be so out of control during the seasonal switch. But, what can you do to manage your hair throughout the winter months without a lot of fuss?
Deep Condition Your Hair Each Week
A good place to start when it comes to keeping your hair looking fantastic this winter is to simply deep condition it. Whether it is very oily or very dry, this signals a change in overall hair composition. It also means it is time to think about the underlying cause. A deep conditioning treatment will help to replenish the moisture in your hair. This tends to become a problem when dry heat is present - such as running your furnace. The cold winter air can be brutal to hair as well. Make an appointment with your stylist for a deep conditioning treatment that resolves this problem.
Avoiding Washing Too Frequently & Use Mild Haircare Products
For those with very dry hair during the winter months, it is best to wash it less. This way, the natural oils in your hair are not stripped away during the week. Those natural oils can help to keep your hair shiny and healthy-looking. On the other hand, if your hair is already very oily, washing it one or two times more so during the week may be beneficial. If you are unsure which method is best for your hair, talk to your stylist about the options. In most cases, finding this balance will ultimately make a big difference in the way your hair looks and feels.
Don't Forget Your Scalp
Oftentimes, your hair will not change as much as your scalp will during the winter months. For some people, this means a flaky, dry scalp that bothers them. If this is happening to you, it is because of a lack of humidity in the air. That is something you can change, though. Run a humidifier during the nighttime or other particularly dry times of the day - such as when your thermostat is at its highest point. In addition to this, you can also switch your shampoo out for one that has more conditioner in it. Choose a mild shampoo that does not contain a high level of zinc or antibacterial components in it. This will prevent the stripping and removal of moisture and oils from your hair, reducing the impact of dry air.
Update Your Products
As you've seen so far, the winter months create changes in the way your hair looks and feels. That means that you now need different types of hair products to care for your hair and to create the look you want. Whether your hair is very frizzy or curly, or when it simply feels very straight, you need products that are customized to fit your specific needs. Talk to your hairstylist about your need for adjustments here including in these products:
- Choose hydrating products designed to help very dry hair. At Unique Hair Concepts, we recommend CRLAB’s Moisturizing Protocol. This hair care line is based on the principles of the science of trichology-which is the study of scalp and hair. Using a hair care protocol that will balance and rehydrate the scalp will result in healthier, stronger hair.
- Look for more organic and natural products that are less likely to have chemicals that worsen conditions
- Use more taming gels and products that can help you to increase hold especially when your hair seems to have taken over. A gel-oil hybrid product, for example, is an excellent choice for frizz control. CRLAB’s Oil Non-Oil is made with Moringa and Argan extracts is a great finishing product that will not weigh your hair down.
- Coloring and chemical treatments to your hair can still happen of course, but aim for less drastic products that use more natural ingredients whenever possible. This helps to reduce the stress and strain on hair.
This winter may seem pretty harsh when it comes to how your hair or scalp is reacting, but with the right tips and tricks, you can gain more control and still have the healthy hair you desire. You just need to know the right applications for your individual needs. Visit the team at Unique Hair Concepts for a free, hair and scalp analysis.
