COLUMN: Keeping locks luscious this winter
It seems as though winter weather has finally arrived. Anyone who’s survived a Logan winter knows when winter weather hits, it can wreak havoc on your skin and hair.
Sun exposure, chilly winds, snow and rain can all make your hair brittle and dry. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time outside you can still cause damage to your locks by constantly being in spaces with indoor heating.
However, there is good news. While you may not be able to control the weather, you can take steps to protect your hair and even fix already damaged hair.
Here are some tips to help protect your locks from harsh winter weather:
1. Condition: If using a thick, rich conditioner isn’t already a part of your beauty regimen, now is a good time to start. Conditioners help seal in moisture, which your hair desperately needs during the cold winter months. Look for conditioners with fatty acids, soy protein and essential oils.
2. Add Some Oil: If you have extra dry hair try using a hot oil treatment once a week. About 20 minutes before you shampoo, massage oil into your hair, cover it with a cap or towel and then blow dry it for 10-20 minutes. This will add much needed moisture to your hair and it will leave it feeling silky.
3. Wear it up: Wearing your hair up will protect the ends which are prone to breaking and splitting. Try a chignon, braid or messy bun. If you wear it down, make sure you add leave-in conditioner to the ends. This will seal in moisture and protect it from harsh winds. Also, look for hair ties that won’t break or damage hair.
4. Don’t Wash and Go: Life gets crazy and sometimes there is no time to dry your hair before running out the door. However, air drying your hair in the chilly winter wind can kill it. If you don’t have time to dry it, put some leave-in conditioner and braid it loosely. It will prevent excessive damage. When possible, wash it at night.
5. Moisturize: Your skin needs extra lotion and care during winter — your hair does too. If you notice your hair is getting dry or brittle, apply leave-in conditioner throughout the day, as needed. Apply some leave-in conditioner before going to bed, too, it allows the product to soak in much better.
6. Brush it: Brushing your hair is vital. Invest in a quality brush, this will prevent breakage, snagging, etc. Spray a little shine spritz on your brush beforehand, to add extra shine.
7. Home remedies: Natural oils are great for your hair and usually more affordable than brand-name hair products. Applying avocado or extra virgin olive oil to your ends can restore your hair’s shine and nourish it. The thicker or more damaged your hair is, the longer you should leave the oils in.
8. Cover up: Perhaps the easiest way to prevent damage is by wearing a hat. The great part about this is that you’ll stay warm, and there are a lot of hat styles to choose from.When adding new products to your hair routine, always remember the more damaged your hair is, the longer you’ll have to leave the product in. Adding heat to any treatment intensifies its effects, but don’t overdo it. Too much heat is also bad. For thicker hair use more product; use less product for thin hair.
Hair damage due to winter weather is avoidable. Taking a few extra minutes to care for your hair during harsh winter months will save you time and money, later on. Healthy hair is easier to work with and care for, and it gives you the confidence you need to dress with style.
– Jimena Herrero is a liberal arts major minoring in journalism. She attended ABM in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and majored in fashion design. Her column runs once a month. Comments or suggestions on how she can keep you trendy? Email her at jimena.h@aggiemail.usu.edu