An expert’s guide to winter hair care

Be it dry skin, or a flaky scalp--winter brings along a plethora of skincare and hair care problems. "With the onset of winter, hair tends to get drier because of the dry and cold weather conditions. I always suggest my patients to update their hair care regime with moisturising products. To maintain hair health, avoid taking a head-bath with excessively hot water and frequently heat styling the hair," explains Dr. Aseem Sharma, medical advisor (Dermatology), Re'equil: Effective Cosmeceutical.

"Outline the importance of modifying hair care regime with a change in season, Sharma adds, "Harsh chemicals and strong surfactants in your hair care products can do more harm than good. Similarly, wrong hair care practices will lead to a dead end. With the change in season, update your hair care regimen well before time and opt for sulphate and silicone-free hair care products for healthy and nourished hair this winter."

If you are overwhelmed by the volume of information and products out there, fret not. Below, he shares five actionable tips that will help you keep your hair hydrated during the chilly winters.

Don't be harsh on your hair with heating tools

Outer shine doesn't always mean inner strength. We might all love having perfect hair every day but frequent use of heating tools during the cold and dry winter can cause long-term hair damage. The heat generated by these tools breaks the hydrogen bonds of the hair and deforms the hair structure. Also, these tools damage the cuticle and leave them open, allowing the easy escape of moisture. To avoid dry, damaged, and rough hair, avoid heating tools.

Deeply condition your hair to reverse and repair seasonal damage

Your hair care regime is incomplete without a hair mask because it strengthens the hair from within and leaves the scalp healthier. Using a hair mask twice a week during the chilly and dry weather is a must because it forms a protective structure around hair strands and prevents further loss of nourishment. It locks in moisture and prevents frizziness.

Unlike shampoo and conditioner, hair masks hold the potential to go deeper into your hair strands, ultimately protecting hair from breakage and healing damaged hair. Here are a few ingredients to look for while choosing a hair mask to boost hydration and keep hair nourished --ceramides, pea protein, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Switch to lukewarm water showers

Hot water not only damages your skin but harms your scalp as well. Excessive hot water can damage the lipid fatty layer, which is vital for healthy hair growth. The sweltering temperature of water strips away the natural oils and moisture from the scalp, skin, and hair strands, which ultimately leads to more breakage-prone hair. Use lukewarm water, it will act as a sauna and will keep your hair healthy and cleansed.

Avoid frequent hair washes

During winters, many people might suffer from a slightly dry scalp, as it won't get as oily as it usually does. So, frequent hair washes can be avoided. Winter has come and it's time to limit your shampoo sessions to twice a week. It will allow your scalp to distribute its natural oils effectively.

Remember, washing your hair too frequently and for longer durations can strip off all essential oils and cause excessive dryness leading to an itchy scalp and dandruff.

You don't always need shampoo to wash your hair

Opt for a cleansing conditioner (aka CO Washing or conditioner-only washing or no-poo method). By any chance, if you have oily, mixed-textured, curly, or extremely dry hair, co-washing can actually help you manage your hair better.

Co-washing will help remove the build-up while cleansing the hair without the lather in half the time. Ingredients like sulphates and silicones found in several shampoos can dry out your hair whereas a conditioner backed up with ingredients like babassu and murumuru butter can impart the optimum cleansing action required throughout the week.

It is important to remember, that it isn't about replacing your shampoo, it is about using your conditioner mindfully. Also, do not apply the cleansing conditioner just on your hair, apply on your hair scalp too.

Read More: The ultimate guide to winter skincare ingredients