Spring is a bit late this year, or so it seems because of all this wind and bad weather. Leaving my place without a hat or a thick moisturizer soaked into my skin was never an option, but at one point I stopped doing it. So there it was, a sum of all those times I went outside for whatever reason: dry skin, red nose, cold hands, and damaged hair. Well, I just couldn’t let it happen anymore. Realizing that all that split ends, cracked skin and red dots are beginning to be rather noticeable, I took matter into my own hands and what I could to keep my hair and skin healthy.
Protection against the Cold
My allies in winter are hats and scarves of all sizes, shapes, and colors and for good reason. Not only do they keep your hair protected, but they also keep my scalp warm. I do, however, like to wear big hats which are not too tight; otherwise my hair looks flat and dull. At other times I like to tuck my hair in my scarf and get that ‘messy but still classy’ look. If hat is not an option for a hairstyle you had in mind, tuck your hair in the hood of your coat or jacket instead.
No more long, hot baths for me
Even though this is the most comforting and comfortable thing to do after a long day, do avoid taking long, hot baths and just choose lukewarm water or a shower instead. Hot water strips the essential oils from both your skin and your hair, leaving it dry and more exposed to the elements. I use cold water (as cold as I can handle) to rinse my hair, because that keeps it healthy and shiny, and I’ve heard several specialists from skin clinics in Newcastle recommend alternating between hot and cold water at the end of every shower to boost blood circulation.
Moisturize for the best results
You see, even when I do my best to avoid hot baths, I cannot completely ignore them (they feel so good. And, of course, there is the fact that I blow dry my hair in winter, because I cannot risk going out with damp hair. So, I do whatever I can to compensate for these ‘slips’ and moisturize my hair often. I use conditioners and macadamia hot oil treatments because they do wonders for my hair. As for the body, make sure to put on good body butter and protect your skin as bathing in hot water will dry out your skin especially in the winter.
Hairstyles save the day
The temptation to always wear my hair down my back is great, but I’ve learned to control the urge and during winter I always have my hair up. Messy buns are my favorite because they can look so stylish, but I also love different kinds of braids too. Having your hair up or braided keeps it in place even if it’s windy and gives it protection from the cold wind at the same time. Luckily, braids are easy to make and look so romantic and elegant, so you don’t have to worry about not looking cute enough with your hair up.
Healthy hair looks great on every person and it is really not that difficult to keep it that way all year long. Every season had its good and bad sides, but winter can be a lot easier for your hair if you follow a few simple rules.