TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR DURING WINTER

We're finally getting a welcome break from the sometimes dry, sometimes humid summers that wreak havoc with our tresses. However, baby it's cold outside and pleasant sweater weather can actually be difficult on your hair. Be it men or women, all of us suffer from this issue. The most common ways in which winter can bring about bad hair days is by stripping your hair of moisture, increasing dandruff and causing scalp irritations thereby making your hair dry and frizzy.

Before we deep dive into tips that help keep your hair nourished, hydrated and healthy in the winters, let us understand what it is about this season that causes damage to your hair.

• Reduced air moisture - Since cold air contains lesser humidity and moisture, it causes the hair shaft to get dehydrated. This happens because dry air can cause the cuticle of the hair to raise slightly which means the moisture doesn't lock in to the hair shaft any more. This increases the risk of shedding and breakage.

• Inadequate sebum secretion - Sebum is an oily substance produced by the body's sebaceous glands. It's function is to lubricate the hair follicle and prevent the loss of moisture. However, the cold weather reduces the secretion of sebum thus making your hair more prone to being dry and brittle due to the lack of hydration.

• Frequent hot water hair baths - Hot water is said to damage the keratin protein and wash away the sebum thus making your hair weak and dry.

Given these factors, here are some quick and easy tips you can make use of to keep your tresses in ship shape.

• Nourish your scalp - Since the main culprit of hair damage during winters is dry weather, it is essential to invest time in looking out for a hydrating shampoo to lock in that moisture your mane needs. If your scalp feels dry and itchy due to dandruff, get yourself a targeted product like the Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment which relieves scalp irritation, reduces flakiness and revitalizes the hair.

• Deep condition your hair - Deep conditioning is a miracle solution for winter hair problems. Deep conditioners tame the frizz, decrease tangles that cause breakage and infuse moisture in your hair. Whenever you feel your hair is visibly dry or after a hair wash, is the best time for a deep condition. Using a mask like the Moroccanoil Weightless Hydrating Mask which contains the goodness of Argan Oil and Shea Butter or It's a 10 Miracle Daily Conditioner which has the goodness of Oat Kernel extract and Apricot Kernel Oil will protect your hair from damage, make it manageable, soft and thoroughly hydrated.

• Lay off of the heat - Just like a hot hair bath should be avoided, using heat tools like the straighteners, dryers, etc. should also be kept at a minimum during winters. It is advisable to dry your hair naturally as heat damage from styling can cause hair to become dry and brittle. If using these tools is necessary, use a heat defence spray or leave-in conditioner that minimizes this damage.

• Never leave home with wet hair - Since hair strands are more vulnerable when wet, the cold weather can cause the expansion of water molecules, making your hair stiff and more prone to snapping off. Allow your hair to air dry to avoid this problem.

  And last but not the least,

• Eat healthy and hydrate - Did you know that 1/4th of your hair strand is made up of water? And though the winters may have you reaching for a hot cuppa every now and then, don't forget to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated to keep split ends and brittle hair at bay. Also, ensure consuming healthy meals full of proteins and vitamins like Vitamin A and E found in green veggies, fish, soy, etc. to give your hair follicles the adequate nutrition.

Don't let winter take away the charm of your crown. Follow these tips to keep your tresses healthy and in good shape. Click here to check out the best hair products that you will need to keep your winter mane flowing and dazzling.