Winter Hair

WITH THE ONSET OF COOLER TEMPERATURES THERE COMES A NEW SET OF HAIR CARE DEMANDS. WE BRING YOU THIS YEAR’S STAPLE HAIR CARE THAT MAKES THEM LOOK RAVISHING. By Shahnaz Husain

child hair

During winter, when the weather is cold and dry, the hair really suffers. This is the time of year when we like to sit outside and enjoy the warm sunshine. We use hot water for bathing and washing the hair. These things can actually dry out the hair. For one thing, the hair and scalp lose moisture to the atmosphere, due to lack of humidity. Both sun-exposure and hot water also cause dryness. The hair becomes dry and difficult to manage. It can also develop problems like split ends.

A conditioner helps to give the hair protection and body. A good conditioner works by coating the hair. This adds thickness, strength and body to the hair. Conditioners can contain protein and oils. Some ingredients, like henna, are conditioners too, as they have the ability to coat the hair.

One can buy a hair conditioner, or a shampoo with a built-in conditioner, so that it performs a dual task of both cleansing and conditioning the hair. One can also use ingredients from the home to condition the hair.

The hot oil treatment works well on dry and brittle hair. This can be done by mixing, together one-tablespoon pure coconut oil with one-teaspoon castor oil. Heat and apply on the hair and scalp. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better.

hair girl

Honey can also be used to condition dry hair, specially during the winter months. Mix one teaspoon honey with 2 teaspoons oil and apply this on the scalp. Apply a hot moist towel for about 20 minutes before washing the hair with shampoo.

You can also make a conditioner with two tablespoons coconut oil, one teaspoon lemon juice and one teaspoon honey. Beat them well together and apply on the scalp. Use the hot towel wrap around the head. This opens the pores of the scalp and allow better absorption. Wash your hair after 20 minutes. It will add both body and shine.

TIPS FOR WINTER HAIR CARE

Use a mild shampoo and use very little of it. Harsh shampoos can also rob the hair of natural oils. Due to this, the scalp loses its ability to hold moisture. Avoid very hot water while washing the hair.

After your shampoo, apply a conditioner. Or choose a shampoo with a built-in conditioner. If you apply a conditioner, put some on your fingers and then run the fingers through the hair.

If you use a hair dryer, hold it at least 10 inches away. Stop using the hair dryer before the hair is totally dry and allow it to dry aturally.

Twice a week, oil your hair and leave it on all night.

Once or twice a week, condition the hair. Curd or egg yolk can be applied on the hair for conditioning dry hair. Apply and leave it on for half an hour, before washing the hair.