7 tips for healthy hair this winter

From hat hair, to static charge and dry frizz, when winter weather hits, a bad hair day can last an entire season. Winter weather is especially brutal on hair because of the extreme temperature changes. The constant shift between the warm and cold causes the cuticle layer of the hair to lift, and moisture escape, making hair dry and frizzy.

The winter weather is bad enough. Don’t let it ruin your hair too. By looking after it in the right way, you can protect it from the ravages of winter.

Here are five tips for happy, healthy hair this season:

1. Don’t wash your hair every day

We could all benefit from shampooing our hair less, particularly in the winter months. Not only does the cold weather dry it out, but shampoo strips it of its natural oils, drying it out further.

If you shampoo your hair daily, cut it down to every other day or even 3 times a week. And don’t skip the conditioner. It will not only de-tangle your hair, but help protect it against the elements.

On the days you don’t wash your hair, rinse it with warm water or use a dry shampoo to absorb some of the excess oils.

2. Turn the temperature of your shower down

When the weather gets cold, it’s tempting to turn up the hot water heater to make those showers extra toasty. However, hot water dehydrates your skin and hair, especially in dry air. Soaking yourself in a too hot tub is like cooking the moisture out of your skin and hair, stripping it of natural protective oils. By contrast, a lukewarm bath can help seal in moisture to the skin and hair, especially if you add honey to it.

To help temper your use of hot water, keep the water heater at the same position all year round.

3. Get your hair trimmed regularly

Whether you have long or short hair, winter weather can make the ends of your hair dry and brittle. Regular trims will keep it in good condition and reduce the chance of split ends. Every six to eight weeks is recommended.

4. Dry your hair naturally

Wherever possible, avoid using a hairdryer. It’s much better for your hair to let it dry naturally. If you have to use a hairdryer, don’t over dry your hair as it will leave it frizzy and damaged. Set your hairdryer to the ‘cool’ mode as it is gentler, although more time consuming.

And try not to leave the house with wet hair. The cold weather can freeze hair at the cuticle and cause it to break.

5. Check the ingredients

Read the labels of the products you use, from hair spray to anti-frizz serum. Make sure they don’t have a high concentration of alcohol as it will dry out your hair and make it feel brittle.

6. Stay healthy on the inside

Healthy skin and hair starts on the inside. The main support for a healthy head of hair is drinking lots of water. Not only does it benefit your body, but it also helps strengthen and increase the growth of your hair. You also need a balanced diet with plenty of protein, which is a building block to healthy hair. Without a sufficient amount of protein, your hair will dry up and become lifeless.
Make sure your diet includes a sufficient amount of vitamins that deliver antioxidant benefits, such as Vitamin C and E, D and biotin.

7. Use argan oil

Known as ‘liquid gold’, argan oil is an organic product extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It’s rich in beneficial nutrients such as omega 6 and Vitamin E, and its properties make it particularly beneficial for the skin and hair.

For maximum effect, put a few drops on your hair as a leave-in conditioner after taking a shower. Use it when your hair is still wet for best results. The hydrating and moisturising properties will work wonderfully.

Call Castle Thai Spa on 0131 629 0794.