With winter in full force, the cold temperatures and windy weather can wreak havoc on your hair, leaving it brittle, frizzy and dried out. However, with a few simple tips and tricks you can easily protect your tresses and leave them looking as glossy as ever – scroll below to find out how…
Avoid over brushing and using a high heat setting on your hairdryer
Don't wash your hair every day
While it may feel like washing your hair locks in moisture, but in fact it actually dries it out while stripping it of natural oils, causing your tresses to become brittle and damaged. Try washing every other day instead to keep it hydrated.
Stick to a balanced diet
Brittle hair can often be a sign of a deficiency in minerals or vitamins, so make sure to stick to a balanced diet to replenish your body's supplies. Protein is key to keeping locks smooth and shining, so make sure to include foods such as salmon, omelette or soy proteins. Carbohydrates including wholegrain bread, brown rice and oats are also a great way of ensuring your hair stays strong.
Don't brush too often
Forget the myth that brushing your hair 100 times a day will keep it healthy – if your locks are frizzy, this can make the problem worse, as well as causing the strands to thin and become split ends. Try sticking to brushing just twice a day, in the morning and at night – use a hairspray if you need your style to hold for the day.
Deep condition once a week
Use an intense nourishing hair mask or deep conditioner at least once a week to rejuvenate your hair and help restore its natural shine.
Make regular trips to the salon to keep your hair healthy and strong
Choose the right hat
Wrapping up warm is important during the winter months, but the wrong hat could cause your hair to become damaged and frizzy. Avoid wool which can stress hair, and stick to cotton-blends that will be kinder to your locks.
Avoid products with alcohol
Products contain alcohol and chemicals can dry out the healthiest of tresses, so try to find natural or alcohol-free sprays and shampoos. Look out for ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera or jojoba extract as these are great for nourishing damaged locks.
Pat hair dry
Avoid rough drying your locks with a towel, as this can be too harsh especially if they're already suffering from the cold. Instead, pat your hair dry – if you have to rough dry, use an old T-shirt instead as the fabric will be gentler.
Deep condition your hair once a week to keep it looking glossy
Shield your hair from the sun
Although the cold temperatures can make it feel like there's no risk, the sun's intense heat and UV rays still dry out your hair, causing split ends. If you're heading outdoors, spritz a UV protection spray to keep your hair safe – plus it will give it an extra health boost against the winter weather.
Make regular trips to the salon
Getting a trim every six weeks will not only keep your hair healthy and get rid of any split ends, but it will also help to maintain your style whether you've gone for a blonde bob or are growing out long beachy waves.
Use heat protecting products
Ideally it's best to let hair dry naturally, but in the winter months this is almost impossible with the cold temperatures that can leave you with a head cold. If you have to use straighteners or hair dryers, make sure to spritz your tresses with heat protecting sprays beforehand – and if you can, use lower heat settings.