When it comes to the effects of winter on hair, I think there’s a general consensus across board that the tough weather conditions – cold temperatures outside and dry indoor heating can be damaging to hair and skin.
I digress.
In winter, I normally shower 2 or 3 times a day in order to keep my skin adequately mosturised. I certainly don’t have to...neither do I want to have a bath or take a shower frequently while it sub-zero outside! But I have found that the best time to work on my skin is in winter. Normally I use a heavy body milk or crème in combination with body oil, although currently I use just the body oil, right after stepping out of the shower.
Back to hair…
So, winter can be a blessing if you choose to see it that way. Personally, I believe it’s the best time to not only grow your hair out, but also super-pamper it. Right now my hair is in twists – since October. I plan to take them out in a couple of weeks and this is what I intend to do:
- Take twists out gently, finger comb all the way.
- Once twists are out, saturate hair in Amla Oil (you can get this for about €3.50 from any health store)EVOO or coconut oil and leave over night
- Rinse oil out and shampoo
- Do a heavy protein treatment – Aphogee
- Condition, condition, condition (I will be using Roux Porosity Control at some point)
- Roller-set
- Wash hair with same frequency during summer, but use more moisture based products. Hair really needs a lot of moisture in winter, because of the dry weather conditions.
- Deep condition 3 or 4 times a week
- Condition/moisturise daily
- Use heavier oils for hot oil treatments – normally I use sweet almond oil, but will be using Extra Virgin Olive Oil and/or Castor oil this winter
- Air dry at ALL TIMES! – I won’t be using any heat styling appliances this winter
- Avoid going out with wet hair, you risk severe breakage, especially in sub zero conditions.
- Stay far away from greasy hair products – pomades, hair creams, lotions etc, anything petroleum-based.
- Don’t forget your scalp needs love too
- Keep all chemical processes to a minimum
- Become BFFs with a hood dryer, or least with someone who has one!
- Invest in Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. I bought a jar from www.i-Herb.com. I couldn’t find anything in Barcelona, so I looked state-side. A 950g jar costs about $14 and shipping is $7 (airmail, unregistered). They have a promotion right now, whereby shipping cost by DHL is just $10.
- Don’t forget to take care of yourself – there’s no use having a beautiful head of hair and ill-health.
