Bye Bye Brittle Hair - 20 Hair Care Tips for Winter
08th December, 2020
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With winter around the corner, your hair needs some TLC to brace the cold. Check out this early guide to nourish your hair and keep it ready for winter. You may enjoy the cold weather, but your hair probably won’t. Winters can dehydrate your hair and make it dry and brittle. Preparing your hair to brace the harsh weather is a must, and the best way to do so is by following a few hair care tips. As we're still smack dab in the middle of a pandemic, hair pampering must be taken care of at home. Check out these 20 tips to get rid of those split ends and dry, brittle hair.
Moisturize your hair www.shutterstock.com
01
Moisturize your hair
Just like your skin, your hair needs to be moisturized in winter too. A coating of moisturizer seals the outer portion of your hair strands and protects them from harsh weather. It also conditions your hair and gives it the nourishment it needs. It is essential to use a good quality moisturizer once or twice a week to keep dryness at bay.
Avoid over-shampooing your hair www.shutterstock.com
02
Avoid over-shampooing your hair
Shampoo can be harsh on your hair in winter. It can rob its natural shine and leave it looking dull. But we can’t do away with it entirely, as it keeps the hair and scalp clean. Instead of avoiding it, reduce the amount of shampoo you use during winter. Shampoo your hair twice a week, and try using tiny dollops of product to clean it.
Try leave-in conditioner www.shutterstock.com
03
Try leave-in conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are the best. Since you’re leaving the conditioner in, it keeps your hair nourished for a long duration. It helps to detangle the hair and reduces the frizz that makes your hair look dull. Apply the leave-in conditioner after you shampoo your hair. Focus on the roots to get the best results.
Sun protection www.shutterstock.com
04
Sun protection
The sun during winter can be harsh on your hair. It can weaken and dry it out, causing your hair to look dull. If you plan to go outside, grab a hat to protect your hair from the sun. A satin-lined hat or cap can especially control frizz. Moreover, wearing a hat will also protect your hair from the dry winter air.
Trim your split ends www.shutterstock.com
05
Trim your split ends
With winter comes endless split ends that can turn into a real nuisance if they are not taken care of. They can grow out of control and make your hair brittle. After your hair is damaged, no amount of conditioner can save it. It's necessary to trim your hair regularly; this ensures that your hair looks thick and healthy.
Seal the ends after a trim www.shutterstock.com
06
Seal the ends after a trim
After chopping your ends, apply some oil to seal them. This reduces the possibility of them splitting again. Castor oil can lock the elasticity of the hair and protect it against breakage. The idea here is to use something that will provide a healthy coating for your ends. So, fill a dropper with your favorite hair oil, and use it to seal your ends after a trim.
Increase your vitamin C intake www.shutterstock.com
07
Increase your vitamin C intake
Vitamin C can restore the natural quality of your hair. It has antioxidants that make the hair stronger and reduce the chances of breakage. It will also let your hair grow out beautifully make your hair appear voluminous. Increase your intake of seasonal fruits like grapefruit and orange, as they are rich sources of vitamin C.
Stay hydrated www.shutterstock.com
08
Stay hydrated
The most natural way to hydrate your hair is to drink enough water daily. It has a direct impact on the quality of your hair. Dehydration can deprive your hair of the moisture it needs, and this can instantly stop hair growth. So, make sure to drink at least three liters of water daily to maintain the health of your hair.
Coconut oil for the win www.shutterstock.com
09
Coconut oil for the win
Coconut oil has vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids that not only soften your hair but also enrich it. Apply it at night and wrap your hair in a silk cloth to protect your pillow from staining. Wash it off the next day. This will give your hair enough time to soak in all the nutrients present in the oil.
Try a hair mask www.shutterstock.com
10
Try a hair mask
If you feel like your hair looks too dull, you can use a hair mask twice a week to revive it. You can buy one online on Sephora. Hair masks usually have great nourishment properties. Quite a few of them contain a variety of oils and ingredients that boost hair growth. Some of them also contain keratin, a type of protein that makes up our hair.
Dry your hair after you shower www.shutterstock.com
11
Dry your hair after you shower
Use a towel to dry your hair after you take a shower. However, make sure to use a soft towel to squeeze your hair. Rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel can damage it further. Also, avoid going out with wet hair. If wet hair is exposed to cool air, it can weaken the strands and make them brittle. The harsh air can also damage your roots.
Don't overwash www.shutterstock.com
12
Don't overwash
There are few who wash their hair once a week, and then there are those who wash their hair daily. If you are among the latter, you already know this isn’t the best way to maintain your hair. Overwashing your hair causes the cuticles to stay open, making your hair brittle and dry. During winter, this can be a disaster.
Ditch hair color www.shutterstock.com
13
Ditch hair color
We love adding a pop of color to our plain locks, but winters and hair colors don't go together. Coloring it in winter can increase dryness and allow it to break easily. Most colors have chemicals that can decrease the moisture content of your hair. If you have already colored your hair, condition it regularly to avoid any breakage.
Limit the usage of styling products www.shutterstock.com
14
Limit the usage of styling products
Use hair serum and curl creams minimally. These have chemicals that can make the hair too dry and brittle. They may add some luster and hold your hair in place initially, but as they wear off, they can leave it feeling rough and frizzy. Instead, opt for natural hair butter and oils that get the job done and keep your hair healthy.
Don’t use heating tools www.shutterstock.com
15
Don’t use heating tools
Heating tools and winter hair are nemeses. You should keep these as far from each other as possible. Hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage winter hair to a point of no return. Your hair may become impossible to restore. Extreme heat can weaken the cuticles and cause terrible dryness. So give your hair a much-needed break by avoiding these appliances.
Eat foods with fatty acids www.shutterstock.com
16
Eat foods with fatty acids
For healthy winter hair, focus on incorporating foods with omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. These include avocado, sardine, salmon, and nuts. Having these will keep the hair shiny and also improve its growth. Your diet directly impacts your hair, so monitor the food you eat. Eating healthy on the whole will go a long way in maintaining the quality of your hair.
Buy a humidifier www.shutterstock.com
17
Buy a humidifier
Heaters and radiators may provide instant warmth and comfort; however, they can dry out the air in the room, causing your hair to pay the price. A humidifier, on the other hand, can balance the composition of the air and restore moisture. This will keep your hair from drying out too fast. Humidifiers are excellent for keeping the scalp healthy as well.
Comb your hair regularly www.shutterstock.com
18
Comb your hair regularly
This goes without saying, but many forget to comb their hair on a regular basis. Combing your hair during winter is important, as it helps to detangle the hair and reduce frizz. It also helps to keep your hair clean. Avoid using plastic combs, as they cause static in your hair; this can lead to frizzy hair. If you have curly hair, opt for a wide-toothed wooden comb to avoid breakage.
Say yes to cold showers www.shutterstock.com
19
Say yes to cold showers
We are all guilty of enjoying hot showers during winters. But hot water can damage your hair and make it brittle. Cold water, on the other hand, works wonders. It preserves your hair’s natural oils and keeps the scalp clean for a longer duration. It also seals the hair cuticles and provides necessary hydration.
Tie your hair up www.shutterstock.com
20
Tie your hair up
Hair buns and updos are apt hairstyles for winters. Tying your hair into a loose knot and tucking the ends in can shield them from harsh weather. Use bobby pins and a little hair butter to secure your hair in place. Typing it will not only protect your hair from damage, but it will also make your hair look gorgeous throughout the season.