Winter-Proof You Hair

Tips On How To Winter-Proof Your Hair
Winter is upon us and with that it brings dry, brittle, flat hair. Luckily, a small survival kit is all you need to ensure that your hair remains gorgeous throughout the cold season. Here are my professional tips to guide you!

Keep It Moisturized
One of the first things you will start to notice about your hair this winter is it may feel, and even look, a bit dry. During these months the moisture level in the air is very low, which for most people will result in your hair lacking moisture as well. The best way to ensure that your hair remains silky and hydrated is to switch to a shampoo and conditioner especially formulated for dry hair. This will replenish any moisture that has been lost as well as maintain the moisture levels in your hair.

Stay Dry
Leaving the house with a wet head in winter is an absolute no-no, not only for your health but also the health of your hair. If your hair is holding onto water and the temperature is below freezing, the water in your hair can crystallize and begin to freeze which will make your hair more prone to breakage.

Cover It Up
Between the cold, the wind and the snow, the wintery elements are no friend of hair so it's necessary to shield your locks to keep them looking fresh. Whether it’s a hat, a hood or a scarf, there are options out there for everyone and every style. I recommend putting your hair in a high bun before covering, to prevent it from falling flat. A bun will also help keep everything in place if the wind does happen to blow a little too strongly.

Beat the Cling
By far the biggest problem we have with our hair at this time of year is the dreaded static cling. While keeping dryer sheets in your pocket is a quick fix in a pinch, there's no solution like being prepared. Try a static spray which will instantly eliminate static with just a small spritz. Keep your eyes out for travel size products, which are perfect to throw in your purse or keep in your glove box.

Start at the Root
Having a dry, flaky scalp is a concern for many people throughout the year but this problem gets significantly worse during the dryer months. If you suffer from dry scalp, the only relief is to nourish and hydrate the foundation of your hair. Try The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo, which will hydrate, exfoliate and soothe your scalp.

Winter-proof your hair this season with these suggestions in mind and it will stay looking fresh, silky and beautiful.


And for you guys:
Below, are some tips (both athlete and everyday-guy-tested) on keeping your hair healthy this fall and winter

Balance

Yes, shampooing daily is a no-no come cold weather. But why? According to Raika Studio salon owner Kathleen Firth, it's about achieving balance between your scalp and your strands. "By not shampooing every day, you can prevent a dry scalp while preserving the natural oils in your hair." And since you'll be lathering less, why not make the experience as awesome as possible? Olympian Alex Deibold's (bronze medalist in snowboarding) go-to is Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree Special Shampoo: "It makes my scalp tingle, and it feels really good."

Condition

Swap out your daily shampoo for conditioner. Yes, conditioner. "It's all in your head about your hair not feeling clean if you don't wash it," Firth asserts. "Even just wetting the hair can make you feel cleaner. It's a psychological thing."  Olympian Gus Kenworthy (silver medalist in freeskiing) agrees: "I use conditioner all the time, but I don't think it's something most guys use." Firth advocates the use of daily conditioner yearlong, in fact, because it settles down and softens all hair types, from coarse to curly to fine.

Protect

Beyond conditioning, Firth recommends layering in the right product to protect hair before blow-drying. Especially if you sport longer locks like Kenworthy's. "Very few people have wash-and-go hair," Firth says. "We tell women that all the time, and the same thinking applies to guys." But besides shielding against heat damage, the right product can also make hair look thicker and fuller. And when's the last time you heard a guy complain about that?

Read

Look for styling products that are water-soluble. That way, "you can reactivate your style without shampooing your hair. You can do it one way in the morning for work, then change it later that night with just a little water."


4 Tips From Olympic Medalists on How to Winter-Proof Your Hair

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