If you live in a climate that gets cold in the winter, you may be already trying to brace yourself for the impacts of the frigid weather. The cold can make your hair and skin a lot drier because the outdoor air is typically a lot drier and chillier. During the winter humidity is usually very low so there’s less moisture in the air. You may be used to having dry skin and hair in the colder months, but there are ways you can prepare ahead of time for less impact.
Use a Hair Pick Comb
Some people believe that brushing their hair often is healthy, but this is far from the truth. Doing this too much can cause friction which leads to breakage and cuticle damage. This can make the hair appear dull and frizzy. Excessive brushing can also lead to irritation of the scalp, so it’s generally good to brush as little as possible.
If you have coarse and curly hair, you might benefit more from a hair pick comb instead of a brush. Combs are usually better at untangling knots without damaging the hair shaft. To keep your hair the healthiest, use your fingers first to get out some of the knots and then use a comb.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Since the winter air is usually dry, you may have to add a couple of steps to your normal skincare routine. If you’re used to scalding hot showers, you may not realize that you are zapping the moisture from your skin, causing it to become drier. In the winter, it’s a good idea to take cooler showers, so you don’t cause any damage to the outer layer of your skin, which is responsible for locking in moisture.
During your skincare routine, it’s important to avoid over-cleansing because you want to leave some natural oils on your skin for protection. Make sure to exfoliate often and use a good moisturizer in the morning and before bed.
Drink Plenty of Water
Since winters are cold, people may think they have to drink less because they’re not as thirsty. This is far from the truth. Individuals should drink at least three-quarters of a gallon per day. Even if you don’t feel as thirsty when it’s cold outside, it’s still important to stay hydrated. Set a goal for yourself to drink a certain amount by a certain time to keep yourself motivated. The winter air is usually very dry, so even if you don’t feel like you need the water, your body certainly does.
Avoid Excess Heat When Styling
Your hair may already suffer in the winter from the dry air. If you’re someone that likes to use heat styling tools to style your hair, you might want to put them down during the colder months. If you absolutely must use heat to style your hair, you should invest in a heat protectant spray to use beforehand. To avoid heat damage, it’s important to use a good leave-in conditioner to lock in that extra moisture. Don’t use heat on damp hair, and if you use heat at all, you should always use these tools in the lowest possible setting.
Splurge on a Humidifier
Since people are more prone to dry skin and hair during the winter months, a humidifier can help keep things moisturized. Having the heat on in your home can make your skin, lips, and hair very dry, which is where a humidifier comes in handy. Humidifiers work to increase the moisture levels in your home by releasing water vapor into the air. The humidity in the air will vary by season, but it’s a good goal to aim for humidity levels between 30% and 50%.
