winterizing our haircare routine
Now I know what you’re thinking; shouldn’t we have received this information before Winter? And to that I say… YES, I just didn’t think about it. So I’ll do you one better. I’ll give you exactly what you need to pop out of those winter-blues, and into silky, shiny hair. (Maybe next year I’ll remember to write what you need before the onslaught of dryness, stagnant air, and artificial heat).
For now, let’s focus on what our bodies just endured. Aside from the external, emotional traumas we have been subjected to day after day, our hair and skin has been pulverized by dryness, bitter colds, artificial heat, hot showers, beanies and hats galore, skipped night time routines, sleeping with wet hair (but I am not here to judge). It’s all about balance.
Winter is a time where our bodies, as human as they are (they can’t take that away from us!), are in a period of rest. This means a slower hair growth timeline, thinner and more brittle cuticles (cuticle care is NOT just for nails, thanks Elle!), and more shedding than we are used to seeing. Not to mention the natural dulling in color we experience. This is all very normal, and usually no cause for concern, but there are things we can do to help the process of hair rejuvenation before all hats are off!
Here are some of my favorite ways to prioritize my hair:
Using a deep conditioner once or twice a week. If you wash your hair 4+ times a week, you can get away with a hydrating deep conditioner twice a week. If you’re washing less frequently, then use a deep conditioner once a week or once every two weeks. The difference between conditioners and deep conditioners extensive. A regular conditioner focuses on the outside of the cuticle. The cuticle of the hair is made up of overlapping bricks, think like shingles on a roof. The more they are damaged the more they stand up causing frizz, tangles, damaged hair, etc. Regular conditioner works on the outside of the hair shaft to smooth these shingles downwards, giving a welcomed reprieve to most ailments, but it’s not working over time. What deep conditioner does is work from the inside-out, repairing broken bonds by essentially acting as the bond itself, all while sealing in moisture and adding an extra top coat of shine. It is the real deal.
It’s time to start taking your vitamin D supplements seriously. Vitamin D is what helps your hair grow thick and strong, even on thinner density types. It is what stimulates growth from the hair shaft, focusing then on the early stages of the hair cycle. Vitamin D promotes healthy growth, healthy color, and protects against shedding. From what I’ve read, just 10-15 minutes in the sun can help rejuvenate cells! If you’re experiencing minimal to extreme hair loss, talk to your doctor about your Vitamin D levels. Vitamins have a lot more to do with our hair than we realize!
Avoid wet hair outside. Yes, I mean it. Those hot, steaming morning showers absolutely need a blow-dry (with an active heat protectant) before rushing outside into cold, dry air. On it’s own, your hair is more fragile during the winter months but it is extremely sensitive when wet. Wet hair can stretch and break if not treated gently, leaving you with damage that could take months to recover from. When it is this sensitive, it is important to dry the hair to avoid frizz, extreme dryness, and ultimately breakage. If you are running late, rushing out the door with one shoe on, make sure you have a leave in conditioner or hair oil to use mid-shaft to ends and your hair should be happier to oblige.
These are only some of the ways we can protect our hair during Winter’s darkest days, and also coming out of them. Use these techniques next time you want to show your hair some extra love, or ask me at your next appointment for more tips and tricks!
