The brisk months are here! When temperatures drop, so does our hair health. There are many factors that contribute to this. But, can cold weather damage hair? Read on to find out how temperature and moisture fluctuations affect our hair’s texture.
It’s easy to fall into a regular hair care routine and not deviate from it, but changing seasons requires a hair routine makeover. You’ll also find out how you can proactively protect your locks before and during the cold, winter months.
Effects of Cold Weather on Hair
In the fall and winter, temperatures and humidity decrease. Do you know how warm, humid months make your hair big and poofy? Well, the cold months do the opposite. Due to the lack of moisture in the dry air, your hair can become incredibly dry, flat, and brittle.
The steamy summer months add moisture to your hair, but the frigid Winter months take it away. Also, in the brisk weather, we tend to wear more layers, beanies, earmuffs, and scarves that flatten our distressed hair out even more leaving it prone to breakage.
Signs of Damaged Hair Due to Cold Weather:
Dry hair
Brittleness
Dull Hair Color
Split Ends
Static Electricity
Flatness
Dry, Itchy Scalp
Excessive Frizz
Breakage
Flaky Dandruff
Damaged Hair Follicles
Slow Hair Growth
Seasonal Hair Loss
All these symptoms are caused by a lack of moisture. Your hair is like a sponge. Under ideal circumstances, your scalp produces oils, your strands absorb, moisture, and your hair cuticles lock that water in.
But when the hair is cold and dry, oil production slows, and the cuticle loses its ability to retain moisture. Therefore, you must take extra steps to keep your hair fortified and healthy during the long winter.
How To Protect Hair from Cold Weather
It’s important to adjust your haircare routine according to the weather. There are many things you can do to protect your hair from the harsh effects of winter.
Is wet hair in cold weather bad?
When you wash your hair with shampoo, it strips your scalp and hair of their natural oils. Oil production decreases when the temperature drops, so it’s not necessary to wash your hair as often. A good rule of thumb is to only wash your hair once a week during the winter.
Use Ultra Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
It’s wise to keep your products light in the summer and heavy in the winter. Your hair needs extra replenishment during the fall and winter. Make sure your products are specifically geared toward hydration and repair. These products may feel thicker than what you’re used to but it’s essentially a hair salad for your distressed locks.
Apply Extra Protection
Incorporating nourishing hair oils, protective serums, and leave-in conditioners provides your hair with that additional layer of hydration it desperately needs in frigid weather. This will prevent your hair from drying out and breaking. And don’t forget that any product you put on your hair, scalp, or skin, should be organic and all-natural.
Reduce Hot Tools
Occasionally using blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons is ok, but try to limit them as much as possible during dry weather months. When you do use them, make sure you’re also incorporating heat protectants. Otherwise, it will further dry and break your hair, resulting in frizz and flyaways.
Don’t Use Hot Water on Your Hair
Resist the urge to shower your tresses in hot water. This strips your scalp and strands of much needed sebum.
If you want to warm up from the chilly weather, wear a shower cap when you take that steaming shower. You can wash your hair in cool or luke warm water in the sink. Just make sure you’re properly hydrating your skin, too!
Give Your Hair an Extra Trim
You should be getting regular trims every two months. This prevents unsightly split ends. Static electricity is a major problem in the winter, so removing split ends will help you win the frizz battle. May the odds be ever in your favor!
"Mane" Takeaway
Now you know the signs of cold weather hair damage and how to prevent it from happening.
Environmental factors can wreak havoc on your hair so it’s important you give your tresses extra TLC this winter. Don’t forget your dry scalp, skin, and lips will be needing extra moisture, too.
Invest in high-quality, organic hair products and body oils to keep you silky smooth. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you maintain your scalp and hair health regardless of the season.