The constantly changing weather isn’t good for our hair. Lisa Xing tells you how to make the best out of winter.
Summer makes your hair frizzy, fall brings a whole bunch of different problems, from flatness to tangles, and spring often makes it limp! So, what about winter? It’s probably one of the harshest seasons to go through, including hair-wise. What can we do to protect our hair from the cold, hail, snow and other common blitzes of winter? Here are a few tricks to help maintain your hair and keep it bouncy.

Dry Ends

It’s fairly easy to ward away dry ends; just keep regular appointments with your hairstylist. Every month or so, go in to get a trim. This keeps ruined ends from getting worse. Essentially, getting a trim is the only thing you can do to completely get rid of dry or split ends, but once you do get a trim, it’s important to take preventative measures by stocking up on a conditioner that’s heavier than the one you use in warm weather. Buy something that’s extra-moisturizing or made especially for people with dry hair. Another thing you can try is a hair mask. Use it once a week and your hair will feel twice as healthy as it did before.

Static and Flyaways

Static is one of the worst effects of the winter season on your hair. Fortunately, it’s one of the most easily avoided as well. The key is to keep your hair moisturized. There’s one product you should swear by, and that’s leave-in conditioner. Not only is it good for your hair in general, it will also help to weigh your hair down and control it.

There are two ways you can proceed: after the conditioner dries, use a tiny bit of hairspray to hold it in place or put mousse in your hair while it’s still wet. Using either method helps keep hair in shape and avoid static. Also, in moderation, neither will make your hair look like a helmet or hardhat! Just remember that it’s probably not the smartest idea to use hairspray alone on your hair because it may cause more damage in winter.

In a worst-case scenario, when you’re on the road and you don’t have these products with you, stash a small can of Static-Guard in your purse. Spray it on to a brush and comb it through your hair. You can also very gently run a piece of fabric-softener over your hair. If you’re really in a stitch, go to the sink and wet your hands, then run your fingers through your hair as if you were finger-combing it.
 
Hat Hair

As much as some people hate it, winter most likely means wearing hats, which unfortunately leads to hat hair. This phenomenon is also avoidable, though. One way is to make sure your hair is absolutely, completely dry before you put on a toque. Wet hair will just dry in the shape the hat fits on your head, and that’s not easy to reverse, except with another shower. For people with longer hair, putting your hair into a very loose ponytail can help a lot. Then when you take the hat off, just take out the ponytail and run your fingers through your hair. Of course, people who actually wear ponytails won’t have this problem. Just bring a little bit of styling gel in case anything ends up being out of place because of your hat.

Flat, Lacklustre Hair

The cold weather sometimes leaves hair flat and lifeless, as well. This goes hand in hand with wearing those tight toques. Breathing new life into your hair is simple; wear a hat, but something fuller. Try a newsboy cap because it leaves room for your hair and doesn’t flatten it out against your head. Again, another trick here in dire situations is to wet your hands, flip your hair upside down and run your fingers through your hair. Flip your head right side up and you’ll see it gives temporary body to your hair. You can also use mousse on wet hair, then blow dry it upside down. You’ll notice fuller hair for sure.

Flakes

Flaky hair is also a signature of winter. Dandruff is most likely the sign of a dry scalp. This is caused by a lack of moisture, yet again! The scalp overproduces greasy scales to compensate for the weather. To remediate, keep your hair moisturized. That doesn’t just mean applying products to your hair. You could use a humidifier at night which will add moisture to the air. Of course, you can try dandruff shampoo, such as Head and Shoulders, which usually works.

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hair help

With these quick tips, you’ll be able to cross one more thing off your list of things to worry about this winter. Also, ask your hairstylist for other tips on how to maintain your hair between sessions. Professionals usually have a few tricks up their sleeves too.