Winter is coming. Chilly weather means hot cocoa by the fire, cozy nights, and hot showers. One thing we don’t look forward to is dry skin and dry hair! Here’s how to prep your hair in three easy steps for healthy and hydrated all winter long.
How to achieve hydrated hair in the winter: Step 1
Avoid Hot Showers
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We know how outrageous it all sounds - no hot water during winter- but there is a reason! Studies show that hot showers can dry and irritate your skin. The hot water damages the keratin cells that are located in the outer layer of the skin, a.k.a the epidermis. Damaging those cells develops dry skin, which prevents the cells from locking in moisture!
Not only do hot showers cause dry skin, but they can also cause your skin to itch. According to Adam Friedman, MD, the heat from the hot water can cause mast cells to release their contents into the skin, leading to itching. Mast cells are “an important immune cell type in the skin and play an active role during wound healing. MCs produce mediators that can enhance acute inflammation, stimulate re-epithelialization and angiogenesis, and promote skin scarring.”
But don’t be alarmed! How showers have their health benefits as well. Hot showers provide relief from respiratory symptoms, help with blemishes, and also help relax sore muscles.
It’s recommended to take warm showers during the winter to avoid these pesky symptoms and keep your skin and hair beautiful and moisturized all winter long.
How to achieve hydrated hair in the winter: Step 2
Avoid Heat Styling
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich
Air-drying your hair is always recommended and best. By naturally letting your hair dry, you avoid the heat, and your strands aren’t prone to heat damage. Air-drying helps hair retain its texture! Exposing your hair to heat-styling tools or even high temperatures changes the shape of your hair’s keratin strands. Studies show that “Temperatures over 300°F convert the ⍺-keratin to β-keratin, which eventually leads to weaker hair that has lost its elasticity and become more prone to damage.” We always recommend air-drying, but if you must, blow-drying on a cool setting.
How to achieve hydrated hair in the winter: Step 3
Wear a Hat
Photo by Miriam Alonso
Although this states the obvious, wearing hats during the winter can protect your hair from the unforgiving harsh winter months. Hats such as beanies, trappers, or faux fur hats have been designed specifically to keep your head warm. Better-designed hats offer warmth and protection, such as fishermen’s hats, berets, bucket hats, and fedoras!
Additional Steps to Maintain Hydrated Hair in the Winter
Oil Treatments
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Deep Condition
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Another way to help keep your hair healthy and happy during the cold starts in the shower. Using a deep conditioning shampoo and conditioner combination will boost dry hair and help your hair replenish. Try using our exclusive Argan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner!
Hair Mask
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Let us know how you’re keeping your hair healthy and happy this winter in the comments below!