Your strands may have survived the sizzling summer and breezed through the fall, but how will you manage your mane as the mercury drops and the deep freeze sets in? It’s no secret that subzero temperatures can wreak serious havoc on the health of your hair, so take note”here are our tips for keeping your tresses in top form this winter:
Don’t: Overdo the shampoo
Hair experts recommend washing your mane a few times a week or every other day at most, especially during the colder months. Reaching for the shampoo too often not only quickly leads to the bottom of the bottle, but can also leave your locks parched. So lighten up the lathering, and invest in a sulfate-free shampoo with weightless moisture. Our pick: The Body Shop’s Rainforest Moisture Shampoo, $10
Do: Deep condition
Cold, dry air can really strip strands of moisture, so keep your crowning glory strong and supple with a weekly deep conditioning treatment. Pick a product with extra-nourishing ingredients like keratin and argan oil. Try: Kiehl’s Superbly Smoothing Argan Hair Pak, $35
Don’t: Get yourself in hot water
Tempting, yes, but a hot, steamy shower in the dead of winter is a big no-no for healthy hair. Downplay the damage by always rinsing your locks with lukewarm or cool water to help lock in moisture.
Do: Turn down the heat
Frigid temperatures and dry central heat can lead to some pretty stressed out strands, so why add to it with the flat iron and blow dryer? While we never suggest leaving the house with a wet head (breakage, anyone?), try to limit the use of hot tools, and keep the heat setting low. Trust us, your do will thank you.
Don’t: Forget the heat protectant
If your unmanageable mane makes daily heat an absolute must, make sure you protect your tresses before blasting them with hot air. Skipping this step is a surefire way end up with split ends. So before you power up your dryer, coat your locks with a heat protectant, like: Redken Satin Wear 02 Ultimate Blow-Dry Lotion, $18
Do: Remember your hat
When dressing for the elements, it can be easy to overlook your tresses. A scarf, hat or faux-fur trimmed hood can go a long way in keeping your strands safe from bitter, icy winds. Just make sure your hair can breathe and that your toque isn’t too tight, otherwise this hair care tip may end up doing more harm than good.
Don’t: Rock hat head
Even the cutest hats can mess with the look of your do. Beat this beauty blunder by pulling your hair into a chic bun before topping it off. An added tip: use dry shampoo after you’re back indoors to freshen your mane and add body.
Do: Say sayonara to static
A cocktail of dry air and warm winter layers can only lead to one thing: a head of static-prone strands. Prevent this pesky problem before it starts by using products armed with the moisture-packed static fighter lanolin in place of drying, static-friendly alcohol. One last tip: step away from the fleece; this cozy fabric can make static-head happen to the best of us.
