Great winter locks Winter is about to invade our lives and our beauty routines. Experts say harsh winter weather and a change in temperatures can be hair's number one enemy. The chilly outdoors wreaks havoc to our hair and makes it look dull and lifeless. All is not lost though, as a good diet and lifestyle are the foundations for great hair, so paying some attention to your inner health will go a long way.
Here's what to do to keep your hair looking healthy all winter long.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, nuts, brown rice, beans and pulses, is the best way to keep your hair healthy and strong. If you lead a busy life and don't have time to cook, supplement your diet with the hair-building vitamins B6, B12, evening primrose oil, folic acid and a good multivitamin.
• Use warm oil to moisturise your scalp and hair. Moving between cold and warm environments during the winter is very stressful for your tresses. Replace lost moisture with a weekly deep conditioner for improved shine. You can also warm olive oil slightly and massage into your scalp and hair. Leave it on your hair for one to two hours then shampoo out for a good pampering.
•Allow your hair to air dry.Hair dryers and curling irons dry hair out, but going outside with wet hair in the winter can cause it to freeze and break. If you don't have time for your hair to dry naturally before going out to work, use a leave-in conditioner before using a blow dryer or curling iron.
• Wash your hair twice a week instead of washing it on a daily basis to keep the natural oil and moisturisers on your scalp. On days you don't wash it, rinse your hair with cold or warm water or use a dry shampoo (such as baby powder) to absorb some of the oils.
• If you're keen on swimming or going to the gym, you may need to wash every day. Use a gentle, moisturising shampoo and light conditioner to prevent over-cleaning.
• Turn down the heat and shower in warm water. Hot water isn't good for your skin or your hair.
• Apply conditioner to your hair, but do not rub it into your scalp.
• Keep your haircut simple. Try wearing styles that don't need much maintenance. Avoid unnecessary brushing, combing or handling — use soft bristles that flex in the brush.
• Check the ingredients on hair spray or other hair products. Make sure they don't have a high concentration of alcohol, which will dry out your hair and make it feel brittle.
• Have a regular trim to help your hair stay and look healthy. On the average, your hair grows about 1cm every four weeks. For long hair, it is recommended to get your hair cut every 2-3 months. This helps to trim off the ends and keep it looking healthy. For short or medium length hair, trims should be every 4-8 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows.
• If you have oily hair, rinse it with diluted, fresh lemon juice or cider vinegar for superb shine, and to eradicate those greasy roots.
• Massage your scalp for a few minutes each day. This will stimulate circulation, remove dead skin cells and help to prevent dandruff.
• Soothe your scalp. Like your hair, cold weather and hot showers can wreak havoc on your poor, fragile scalp. Certain foods and supplements, such as zinc, can help to nourish your scalp. It is found in beef, chicken, legumes, eggs, nuts and seeds, or you can take 45 milligrammes a day in supplement form. Vitamin A is also required for a healthy scalp, as it keeps hair roots lubricated. Include milk, cheese, eggs and fish liver oils in your diet to make sure you're getting plenty of vitamin A.
