Heating air and frosty temperatures quickly take their toll on our hair – so that we can present a healthy and shiny mane for Christmas dinner, here are four care tips for the cold season.
Hot chocolate and snowball fights are a lot of fun, but what effect do heat and frost have on our hair? In cold temperatures, the sebaceous glands on the scalp produce less oil, which means that the hair dries out more quickly and the heating air extracts additional moisture. As a result, the hair becomes brittle and dull, and the culprits such as frizz and split ends can appear. To protect the stressed scalp, hair should not be washed as often in winter as in summer, and we also opt for a milder shampoo. It’s also worth switching down a gear when it comes to styling: Don’t pull ponytails too tight, avoid heat tools and use the right hairbrush: Natural bristles! It is important to wait until the hair is dry, then brush gently from bottom to top.
Beauty comes from within: To nourish the hair from the roots up, there are a number of important nutrients that are not so easy to come by in winter. Up to 90 percent of our hair consists of the protein keratin: hair growth can therefore be supported with the help of soy, dairy products and animal products, as these boost keratin production. Biotin is another vitamin that strengthens skin, hair and nails. It can be taken as a dietary supplement or via yeast, soy products, oatmeal and egg yolk. Vitamin C also promotes hair growth and ensures healthy, strong hair. It can be found in fruit and vegetables; in winter, citrus fruits such as oranges and mandarins as well as frozen fruit for bowls or smoothies are suitable. A handful of nuts nourishes our scalp thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids – so our hair is nourished from the inside: Eat this!
Well? Have you ever thought about the fabric composition of our hats and scarves? Synthetic fibers such as polyester or acrylic cause an electrified charge and protruding hair when rubbed. We rely on soft and light cashmere hatsor natural fibers such as wool and cotton, and we are also switching from plastic to nature for combs, brushes and other accessories!
The last tip works in any weather: the right skincare routine. Once a week we use a nourishing hair treatment, otherwise a small amount of conditioner can be massaged into the ends after every hair wash and rinsed out with lukewarm to cold water – this makes the hair shine even more! For example, if you like to spend Sunday at home, you can turn it into a real spa day and let oils or masks soak in during the day. It is also worth trimming the ends three to four times a year to prevent the spread of split ends and brittle ends – this keeps your hair strong and healthy!