Winterproof Your Hair

Introduction - Winterproof Your Hair

Do you suffer from Winter Hair Syndrome?  Some of the most common symptoms include dry or very dry lifeless tresses which tend to have static cling, frizz up or rip, tear and split.

More importantly your hair doesn't respond to your normal cleansers, conditioners or treatment methods.  When this happens you need to Winterproof your hair.

Causes Of Winter Hair Syndrome - Winterproof Your Hair

The causes of Winter Hair Syndrome?  Brutal wind, freezing rain, snow and sleet as well as drying air from indoor heating units.

During the bitter cold many hair consumers use super hot showers to feel warmer.  Hot water, especially is used on the hair, is very dehyrating.

Tips - How To Winterproof Your Hair

1.  Start with a clean hair slate.  Use lukewarm water perform a gentle clarifying treatment on carefully detangled, very wet tresses.  A clarifying cleanser will help to remove any existing hair product build-up on your tresses which can leave hair dry, tangled and crunchy.

Note:  If you have chemically treated hair be sure to use a product which is approved for use on your hair.

2.  Rinse clarifying treatment from strands and apply a hydrating rinse-out conditioner designed for your hair type, texture and current condition.

3.  Detangle conditioner treated strands with a wide tooth comb or fingers.  Work in small sections from the ends of your hair up to the roots.  Allow the rinse-out conditioner to soak into strands while you finish your shower.

Note:  If your hair is fine, thin or prone to oiliness you may wish to skip this step or use a very light rinse-out product.

4.  Once hair is completely detangled rinse well.  Use fingers to squeeze wet strands like an accordion as you gently remove excess water.

5.  Bend over at the waist and pour cool water over your strands.

Note:  If you collect cool water in a clean jug before staring your shower and pour it by bending over you can avoid some of the cool water from touching your skin.

6.  After your final rinse, towel blot your hair with a thick towel.  Blot as much moisture from your strands as possible.

7.  Apply a leave-in conditioner to provide additional Winterproofing protection to your strands.  Add a defrisant and/or desired styling products such as styling creams, mousse or gel.  Detangle hair and then wet bun, wet braid or set on sponge curlers.

8.  Sit under a hood or bonnet style hair dryer to dry hair with the least damaging amount of heat.  Sitting under a hood also feels nice during the coldest winter months.

9.  Once hair is completely dry apply 1-2 drops of shine serum or a shine enhancing product which will also serve to seal in moisture and protect against winter weather.

Follow the additional winterproofing tips:

A. Always wear a cap, woolen scarf or some other head covering when going out into the dehydrating Winter air and wind.  A proper head covering will protect your strands from damage while holding necessary heat in your body.

B.  If your hair becomes frizzy or develops a static problem from Winter coat collars or hats be sure to apply a tiny bit of serum to the palms of your hands and finger pick through before adding Winter coverings.  You may also prefer to braid your hair or wrap it up into a bun as added protection.

C.   Keep a 100% boar bristle brush handy to keep strands smooth and detangled.

D.  When possible sleep on a satin, silk or other pillow covering to prevent damage to strands which may be more fragile in the Winter months.

E.  Push back the frequency of cleansing schedules.  If you normally wash every day try to only wash 1-2 times a week instead.  Give your hair a chance to build up some natural oils to protect against drying Winter climates.

F.  Do weekly or bi-weekly hot oil or deep conditioning treatments.  You can make your own DIY home recipes or use commercial products.

G.  Whenever possible let your hair rest on weekends.  Detangle and wrap into a braid, bun or pony.  Apply a little leave-in conditioner, jojoba oil or similar and allow to soak into tresses for the duration.  Wash out before your week begins on Monday.

H.  Drink lots of water or similar fluids and keep your body fully hydrated.  This helps with dry strands.

I.  Take hair vitamins and daily supplements to fight off colds, flu and viruses which can cause strands to become dry and crunchy.

Summary - Winterproof Your Hair

When the cold winds of Winter are blowing outside it's important to Winterproof your hair to protect against a wide range of environmental toxins, dehydrating winds and harsh drying furnace air.

Give your tresses some special Tender Loving Care (TLC) and you're strands will reward you by being soft, silky and well-behaved.