Hair

4 easy steps to replenish winter-damaged hair

16 September, 2020 . 0

The cooler months aren’t kind to hair, but yours will be back to its lustrous best in no time with these expert tips.

Does it feel like the winter months have left your hair a little worse for wear?

It’s not your imagination.

Studies on seasonal hair changes confirm otherwise healthy hair undergoes a shift during the cooler months that can cause slower growth, shedding and hair loss.

Australian hair stylist Paula Hibbard says the shift in hair growth pattern combined with environmental factors can leave post-winter hair looking dry and lacklustre.

“Like us, our hair feels the effects of the winter chills and dryness in the air,” says Paula.

“Moving between outside cold conditions to artificially heated rooms contributes to a loss in our hair’s moisture.”

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Paula shares her four simple steps to revitalising winter-damaged hair:

Step 1: Reintroduce moisture

“Winter-afflicted hair tends to be dehydrated,” says Paula.

“My recommendation is less shampooing where possible to allow natural oils to sit on the hair, as well as upping the frequency of hydrating hair treatments.”
If you’re accustomed to washing your hair more than four times a week, Paula recommends using a dry shampoo to stretch out the time between washes.

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Step 2: Scalp stimulation

Hair loss is natural, and we can lose up to 100 hairs a day.

However, if your hair loss and growth stimulation is drastically affected during winter, Paula says your best defence is to stimulate the scalp using a hair brush.

“A good quality, cushioned hair brush will stimulate growth and maintain scalp health,” she says.

Paula also recommends massaging on a hair oil.

“Apply it overnight by massaging onto the scalp, which will also help stimulate growth.”

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Step 3: Style with care

Taking precautionary steps when heat styling can make a huge difference to the health of your locks.

“Apply a heat protectant product before blow-drying, curling or straightening,” says Paula.

“This will assist in protecting the hair against the heat and help prevent dehydration and dryness.”

Step 4: Home routine shake-up

A 2019 US survey revealed 55 per cent of people are loyal to their beauty routine and home hair care products.

But Paula says this devotion should be reassessed.

“Each head of hair is individual so a discussion with your hairstylist is imperative to choose the right products to suit your hair type and condition, and your scalp health,” she says.

“A tailored home hair care routine is essential to keeping your locks looking fabulous.”