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The Beauty and Danger of Snowflakes in Your Hair
Snowflakes in your hair may look charming in winter, but they put your hair to a serious test. Low temperatures are just as harmful as extreme heat. Surprisingly, they have the same negative effect as strong summer sun – they extract moisture from the hair and make it prone to breakage and other damage. That is why your top priority in winter should be to prevent your hair from drying out.
Water – Friend and Foe
Wet hair does not mean moisturized hair! Don't be fooled into thinking that frequent washing will keep it healthy and comfortable. Quite the opposite! Water exhausts the hair, dehydrates the scalp, and makes it prone to breakage, shedding, and split ends. To avoid this, experts recommend limiting hair washing to one or two times a week during winter.
Never use hot water! Steamy showers may feel delightful on freezing days, but they destroy the hair’s natural protective layer. Instead, take a hot bath without wetting your hair, then wash it separately with lukewarm water. Before turning off the shower, switch to freezing water for a few seconds—this seals the hair cuticle and provides better protection.
Another crucial tip: Never go outside with wet hair! Cold temperatures can cause micro-freezing inside the hair shaft, leading to deep damage that takes a long time to repair. Plus, you might end up catching a cold right in the middle of flu season.
Say No to Blow Dryers and Curling Irons
Vanity can work against you in winter. Even if you manage to style your hair perfectly and set it with strong styling products, your efforts will be undone by the first snowfall or drizzle. Just five minutes in the fog can dissolve any hairspray or gel, and in freezing temperatures, wearing a hat is necessary.
Given these harsh conditions, avoid using heat tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. Your hair will thank you! Warm air dehydrates the strands, removing essential moisture and over-drying them. Excessive heat can also damage the follicle, making hair more prone to breakage and split ends.
Experts recommend letting your hair dry at room temperature after washing. If you must use a blow dryer, choose one with “cool mode" and always apply a heat-protectant spray beforehand.
For styling, opt for winter-friendly hairstyles that do not require heat. Try a bun, ponytail, or braids, they look elegant and protect your hair at the same time.
Dress Your Hair for Winter
The most effective way to shield your hair from the cold is to keep it warm using your body heat. If you have long hair, braid it and tuck it inside your coat or wear a bun and cover it with a hat or scarf. This guarantees protection, even in the harshest winter conditions.
Be mindful of wool hats and sweater friction can create static electricity, which dries out hair and contributes to split ends. To counteract this, wrap your hair in a satin scarf before tucking it under your coat. Another trick is to sew a silk lining inside your winter hats.
The Right Winter Hair Care Products
The shampoo and conditioner that work for summer won’t necessarily be suitable for winter. Looking for products specifically designed to hydrate and protect hair in freezing weather, these are often labeled with "Winter Care."
Experts recommend using moisturizing products that nourish not only the hair but also the scalp. Excessive dryness can slow down sebum production, leading to dandruff and even hair loss. An oil-based moisturizer is particularly beneficial in winter, as it evaporates more slowly and preserves the hair’s structure.
Additionally, apply a deep hydrating and nourishing mask at least once a week. Natural oils are also essential—add a few drops of essential oil to your shampoo to soften the hair, restore smoothness, and prevent moisture loss. If you have dyed hair, use sulfate-free shampoos to keep the color longer and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.
For extra care, use a nourishing serum or oil treatment overnight while you sleep. Argan oil works particularly well in winter—it can be massaged into the scalp before blow-drying for added protection.
To fight static electricity, use a leave-in conditioner after your weekly wash.
