It's not just our skin that needs special care in the Winter

So we covered that our skin care routine has to change to take into account the different climate of winter but what about our hair from hat hair to static, split ends to frizz, when winter weather hits, a bad hair day can become a bad hair life time. In fact, even if you live in a moderate climate you're still susceptible to hair-raising changes.

As with our skin the environment can have some of the most damaging effects on hair in both summer and winter, but in winter it's often worse because we generally don't take as many precautions to protect our hair. 

Sun exposure (which can be as harsh on a ski slope as it is on a beach) combined with winter wind (which can snarl hair) as well as snow, rain, and icy cold (which makes hair brittle and dry) can all come together to create some pretty bad winter hair.

What's that you say? You plan to spend all your time in the ski lodge with a hot toddy  and not a ski pole in your hand? Not so fast, as with our skin, indoor heating sucks out the air humidity. 

So what can we do to keep our summer golden locks flowing over the colder winter months. . .

Use a hair mask  

Include a hair mask into your weekly hair care routine. Leave it in over-night if you can and always remember to towel dry your hair first to rid of any excess water.
You should always apply product beginning 2 inches away from the scalp and pull it through the hair to the ends.

If your hair is very fine, thin, and flyaway you should avoid the hair mask it's just too heavy even for severely damaged hair. Instead, try to use a regular conditioner every time you wash your hair, supplemented with a light conditioning leave-in spray.But it has to be very light or it will weigh down fine hair and make it flat and limp. Not a good look for anyone. 

Or why not try a "dry oil" spray. These mostly-silicone based products go on dry so they don't weigh the hair down, but still offer a layer of protection against the elements.

Why not try supplementing your bought products with an all-natural treatment of vegetable oil. I like to use olive oil or cocconut oil, but most natural oils will work.  Simply put a few drops of the oil in the palm of your hand, rub until your skin  "glistens," then starting at the bottom and working upwards, run your fingers through your hair.

Another tip: every time you put on hand cream, touch the ends of your hair and scrunch to help deposit a bit more moisture where it's needed most.

Static flyaway hair. 

The remedy is the same one you use on your laundry: a fabric softening dryer sheet like Bounce!

Just rub it lightly on your hair and it will remove the static, and would you believe it can work and gives you the added bonus of smelling great. 

A slightly more conventional way is using a natural boar bristle hairbrush with a wooden handle, which can also help to reduce static.

 Hat hair

Ok this is one we have all suffered with at some point along the way so some small tips to help combat it are to pull longer locks into a pony tail high on your head, or push short hair straight back, before putting on the hat. Pushing hair against the way your style should fall will help it spring out with bounce once the hat is removed.

Also carrying a travel sized dry-hair texturizer that adds instant body can help or if you styled your hair with a cream product, adding just a few drops of water to your hands and rubbing them through your hair can refresh the style.

Change your shampoo

It is essential to invest in a moisturising shampoo and conditioner to add more moisture to the hair during the winter months.

Invest in Aragn Oil

Aragn Oil is a great product to use during cold spells as they moisturise the hair instantly. Make sure the oil is not too heavy for your hair. My favorite brand for Argan oil as well as my shampoo and hair mask is the Lee Stafford range.  

Spend time on your blow dry

During the winter months we tend to use heated appliances more. Too much heat on the hair can cause further moisture loss, so by adding a little extra effort into your blow dry, this will cut down the amount of times you will apply heat to your hair.

Use a heat protector

(I use the Lee Stafford one i mentioned above)

If you do use heated appliances frequently, the best way to keep your hair in the best shape is to use a good quality heat protect spray.

Rinse with cold water

Avoid washing your hair in hot water as it dries out the hair. Instead wash your hair in lukewarm water and blast with cold water at the ends to help close and seal the hair cuticles.

Go sulfate-free

Avoid shampoo’s that contain sulfate as they can strip the hair colour and will leave your hair looking very dull. A sulfate free shampoo will ensure that your colour lasts all winter long.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my winter hair survival guide. 

Take care of yourselves have fun and dont forget to sparkle 

Love and foundation 

Vikkie