10 EASY WAYS TO PREVENT DRY HAIR IN WINTER

Winter blues are one thing but this harsh season can also wreak havoc on our dearly beloved hair…our natural hair and hair extensions require extra care during the winter. There are many ways to combat dry hair in the winter but when you wear hair extensions you have to be more diligent and introduce even more steps into your hair care routine to protect your investment, your beautiful hair extensions!

Below are the top ten recommendations that Vanity Girl suggests all hair extension wearers follow to keep their natural hair & hair extensions looking and feeling amazing.

1.AVOID HOT SHOWERS.

Hot showers are amazing, especially on a cold day, but for the sake of your hair- on your hair wash days turn down the heat to warm to lukewarm, as hot water can strip the moisture from your hair, and therefore your hair extensions.

2. MOISTURIZE.

To combat excessive hair dryness, one of the most important hair commandments is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Trust me, your hair will thank you! In addition to your hair and conditioner routine, use a leave-in conditioner daily to reduce frizz and promote hydration. Once a week, a deep conditioning hair mask will also do wonders for your natural hair/ hair extensions. Proper and regular moisturizing will nourish your hair and extensions, and keep them looking gorgeous all year round! Note: Whenever you use conditioners, hair oils and masks, be sure to stay away from your roots/ extension bonds to prevent slippage.

3. SHAMPOO LESS.

When it comes to shampooing your hair, less is always more! Shampoo is definitely important and needed to cleanse your hair but overuse will also lead to the natural oils being stripped from your hair. And without natural oils your hair will be dry dry dry. Try to shampoo no more than once or twice a week. Remember you can always use dry shampoo if you feel your hair is too oily between washes.

4.LIMIT THE USE OF HOT TOOLS.

We aren’t saying to rock your natural hair 24/7 (unless you want to then you go girl!) but using hot tools daily is a sure fire way to damage your hair. One of our favourite things about hair extensions is that they hold style SO unbelievably well. Curl your hair at the beginning of the week and take advantage of the lived in curls all week long! There is no need to style daily. Don’t forget to use heat protectants before using any hot tools!

5.USE A HUMIDIFIER.

Heaters are very drying for your hair, using a humidifier in your room at night is a great way to help prevent hair dryness. If you don’t have a humidifier, a bowl of water on your nightstand will suffice.

6.KEEP HYDRATED!

When you aren’t hydrated neither is your hair! Dehydration affects and slows hair growth. Women should consume at least 9 cups of water a day (3 litres). The more water you drink the happier and healthier your hair and skin will be!

7.DON’T GO OUT WITH WET HAIR.

Going outside with wet hair in winter is a big no no! It can cause freezing and therefore result in breakage. Even damp hair can cause damage, as your hair will weaken in the cold. Blow dry your hair before heading out, or if you prefer to air dry then plan your wash days when you have a few hours of downtime to allow your hair to fully dry before you go outside.

8.DON’T FORGET TO TRIM YOUR HAIR.

It may seem excessive but try to get a trim every 2-3 months to keep those split ends from getting worse and causing further damage.

9.HAIR CARE BEFORE BED.

This is important all year round but especially in the winter when our hair and extensions needs that extra love and attention. Be sure to brush and hydrate your hair before turning in for the night. Getting those tangles out before bed will prevent your hair from knotting even more throughout the night. Use a leave in conditioner or hair oil nightly, midshaft to your ends, ensuring that while you sleep your hair is soaking in all the moisture. As always, put your hair in a loose braid before bed to prevent tangling. Bonus: you get extra points if you sleep with a satin cap or satin pillowcase!

10. PROPER NUTRITION EQUALS HEALTHY HAIR.

There are so many ways you can help your hair stay healthy and nourished but it all starts with getting the proper nutrients. Eating healthy fats is one of the best things you can do for your hair and will leave your hair looking shinier than ever. Avocado, nuts and salmon are a few foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. If you feel you aren’t getting your daily intake of healthy fats you can supplement with fish oil in pill form. Vitamin C is also another great way to prevent damage, split ends and keep your hair healthy. Dark leafy greens and citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C.