Winter Hair Tips

Keeping your hair looking its best during the winter months can be a challenge, especially if you live in an area where the winter temperature changes dramatically. While your house is cozy and warm, once you step outside it is a different story! What you need to know is that your hair reacts to these sudden temperature changes, however, you are certainly not alone in this very real hair dilemma! Read on to learn a few tips that you can integrate into your hair care routine that will help to keep your locks looking vibrant and healthy.

Winter Hair Care Tips

Drink Drink Drink

As we all have experienced, winter dehydrates our skin, it also dehydrates our hair. As through the summer months, continue to drink plenty of water in the winter months. Drinking water will keep your hair and scalp moisturized from the inside out.

If You Don’t Have One - Get One

Another tip is to run a humidifier in your home, if you don’t have one, purchasing one is a good investment into your skin, hair care and overall well being. A humidifier will make sure the right humidity level is maintained in your home in order to prevent irritation and dryness caused by dry air.

Go Natural

If possible, try to reduce excessive use of heated styling tools such as flat irons and curling irons as these can further dry out your hair. If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, go with it! 

Change It Up

You may want to consider changing up your shampoo for the winter months, look for a product that is specifically formulated for dry or damaged hair as well as sulfate free.

The Fuzzies

A wonderful way to replenish moisture in your hair is to use a deep conditioner, hair mask or an intense moisture mask regularly. A deep conditioner or hair mask will replenish and lock in the moisture to your hair and your hair will thank-you.  A good rule of thumb is to use it once a week or as needed.

The Extra Fuzzies

If you find you are experiencing static in your hair during winter, even after using a deep conditioner, a suggestion is to try a leave-in-conditioner. A leave-in hair conditioner or oil protects your hair all day and is wonderful to tame fly-aways and static in your hair. Another suggestion is to try an overnight hair mist to put back the moisture the day has taken out.

Trim Your Hair

As during any other time, regular trims will minimize breakage and split ends, so don’t skip this important hair care routine. Give us a call or message us to book and appointment!

Overdoing It

Avoid overwashing, and if possible, cut down on the amount of times you wash your hair. Less washing means that your natural hair oils can do their job and protect your hair from dryness. 

Think Of Me

Before you venture outside to fight the elements, think of your hair! Protect it from the harsh weather conditions by wearing a hat or scarf. The more your hair dries out from outdoor conditions, the more breakage and damage you will experience.

Vitamins, Minerals, Fats & Protein for Healthy Hair in Winter

Eating a healthy and varied diet of fresh natural produce goes a long way in promoting hair health. If you’re not already consuming the below foods, you may want to incorporate them into your diet this coming winter. Enjoy the new experience of trying different food!

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps to promote healthy hair and hair growth. A few foods which contain Vitamin A are sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach.

Try a baked sweet potato topped with some salsa - yummy!

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps with collagen production and collagen production is a must for strong hair. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwis, etc. are just a few foods that contain Vitamin C, make sure you are eating a few of these daily.

Bet you didn’t know that just one serving of kiwi contains most of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C!

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can protect hair from damage. Who doesn’t like crunching on some nuts or seeds! Well go for it! Sunflower seeds, almonds and peanuts are the best source of vitamin E.

Almonds are the nut highest in Vitamin E!

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D supports hair follicle health. A few foods that provide Vitamin D are fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms and dairy products. As we all know, sunlight is an important source of Vitamin D.

If it is a nice winter day, wrap up and sit outside for 15 minutes reading your morning paper or a book while you soak up the sunlight!

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

This vitamin is needed to process fats, carbohydrates, and protein and is important to maintain healthy hair and skin. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to hair loss and skin problems. Eggs, nuts, and sweet potatoes are good sources of this vitamin.

Our body only makes a negligible amount of biotin so it’s important to consume biotin-rich foods!

Fats

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids help to make sure your scalp is healthy and that your hair has enough moisture. These acids can be found in fatty fish like salmon as well as in walnuts.

Our body can make most of the fats it needs to function properly, however that isn’t the case for Omega-3 fats!

Minerals & Trace Minerals

Iron

Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss in women. Incorporate red meat, spinach, and lentils into your diet to boost your iron intake.

Iron is found in every cell of our body!

Zinc

Zinc  helps support the growth of your hair and also helps to maintain a healthy scalp. A few foods that are rich in zinc are oysters, nuts, and whole grains.

Our  body only needs a small amount of zinc but it is essential for about 100 enzymes to work properly!

Silica

Silica is important in the process of strengthening your hair. Silica can be found in oats, brown rice, and cucumbers.

Silica is also essential in producing collagen in our bodies!

Protein

Hair is primarily made of protein, therefore it is essential for hair health. To maintain your required intake of protein make sure you're consuming enough through sources like lean meat, dairy, and plant-based options like beans and tofu

After water, protein is the most abundant substance in our body!

Let’s Sum It Up!

If all the tips have overwhelmed you, try 2 or 3 to start with, then move on to 2 or 3 more. Before you know it you will notice positive changes to your hair! Eating a balanced diet, proper hydration, and a good hair care routine are essential for maintaining healthy hair during the winter months. If you're concerned about your hair health, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice and may recommend supplements if you have specific deficiencies.

Photo Attribution: FreePik