Just as you stock up on body butter and moisturisers as the temps take a nosedive, your hair needs some TLC too. Winters make the hair dry, prone to static, and often lead to split ends and damage. “More often than not, the exposure to the harsh cold elements and constant transition to heated indoors can sap our hair of its moisture, leading to dull hair that’s more susceptible to damage. Not only are your strands at risk of breakage due to the dry, cold winter air, but scalp dryness, dandruff, can rear its ugly head during these drier months,” says Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi consultant dermatologist at MedLinks, New Delhi. Dr Chaturvedi says that UV rays are very harsh in the winter. He adds, “this can also degrade the protein of your hair, making it more fragile and prone to breakage.” With some minor tweaks to your hair care and styling routine, you can stop this damage in its tracks. Here’s how.
1. Switch to moisturising formulas
The simplest thing to do is to use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, says Dr Chaturvedi. “Take into account where you live and what time of the year it is while picking hair products and reading labels,” advises Dr Chaturvedi. “While coconut oil will work wonders in a warmer season, richer oils that penetrate quickly into the hair such as almond, castor and olive might work better for dry, cold climate,” he says. Other things to look out for? “Wintertime products must include strand-strengthening ingredients like silk proteins, collagen and hyaluronic acid.”