Dry hair? Been there.
We all have a bad hair day now and then. But winter winds can make it feel like you’re having a bad hair season! From hat-head to split ends, from dry to frizzy, harsh winters can wreak havoc on your hair. If you spend a lot of time outside, the icy rain, snow, and winter winds can cause your hair to tangle or become brittle and dry. Spend your days inside? The constant dry heat can also do real damage to your tresses. So before Jack Frost starts nipping at your ponytail, here are five tips that will have you saying goodbye to wintertime dry hair before it starts. And I’ll bet you already have these remedies in your kitchen — meaning these frugal tips are really freebies!
Extra Moisture
As the seasons’ change and that all-too-familiar nip in the air starts to descend, it’s time to add a little extra moisture for your hair. Look for shampoos that infused with naturally hydrating oils such as almond oil or shea butter and are labeled ‘moisture-rich.’ Or, add a few drops of almond oil to your favorite conditioner and shake to combine. Massage the conditioner into your scalp, and keep it on your hair for up to five minutes. For extra moisture, pop a shower cap on to take maximum advantage of the shower’s heat, help your hair absorb the extra moisture.
Cool Rinse
A cool rinse can be a lot to ask, especially when it’s cold outside. But resist your urge to crank up the temperature. A cool water rinse boosts shine and helps keep valuable oils where they belong — on your scalp.
Skip the Dry Heat
Whenever possible, choose a combination of towel and air drying of your hair instead of using a hairdryer. The dry heat of your hairdryer can cause extra damage to hair that’s already beginning to lose its moisture.
Leave-In Conditioner
As your hair begins to dry, use a small amount of leave-in conditioner for extra moisture. Coconut oil (about the size of a dime for shoulder length hair) or avocado oil is also great to use, squeezing it into the ends of your hair for extra emphasis. Coconut and avocado oil are also great for controlling dry, flyaway hair, all too common during the colder months.
Weekly Treatment
Every week, pamper your hair with a homemade oil mask. Warm a tablespoon of coconut, almond, avocado, or olive oil in the microwave or on the stovetop. After checking to make sure the oil isn’t too hot to handle, massage it throughout your hair. Start at your scalp and work it all the way to the ends. Next, tuck your hair under a shower cap, or wrap in cling film and a towel on top, turban style. The added heat from the towel will help your hair absorb the natural oil. Leave one for an hour, then wash your hair as usual. You’ll love how your hair feels after this treatment.