Winter-Proof Your Hair

No doubt, as the weather cools down, the air gets drier, and the wind whips around with brutal force, your skincare needs a shift.

Winter is coming, and with it, the need to protect your skin from the cold, frigid air. You can have dry, flakey skin and itchy, ashy patches. So every winter you do something about it—you buy lotion, maybe you turn down the temperature of the water during your showers, and you dust off the humidifier to emit moisture while you sleep. This is all well and good, but have you ever thought about what all these cold weather conditions do to your hair?

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Believe it or not, your hair and scalp itself have different needs during the winter—just like your skin. A change could be as simple as switching your shampoo, to doing something a bit more involved like finding a hair mask to leave on overnight. These are all the things you should think about investing in for the winter months ahead to help keep your scalp moisturized—and that hair you have looking thick, strong, and healthy.

Oil treatments

We all know that oiling is essential for healthy hair. But which one should you be using, especially during the winters? Here’s your answer.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Itchy scalp is another side effect of dandruff and the winters. Apple cider vinegar will help you treat dandruff as well as itchiness right at home. All that you need to do is mix some vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:4. With the help of cotton, apply the mixture on your scalp (do not massage). After an hour, wash off your hair with a mild shampoo and flaunt your squeaky-clean scalp.

Hot Oil Massage

Whether you have an oily scalp or a dry one, a hot oil massage is a must for everyone in the winter season. All that you need to do is mix olive, coconut and almond oil over a sim flame for a couple of minutes. Once they are mixed well, you can apply it on your scalp. Remember to not burn your scalp and wait for the oils to turn lukewarm. If you already have an oily scalp, just a simple hot coconut oil massage is good enough for you.

Tea Tree Oil

Well, here’s an oil that deserves more attention. Tea tree oil helps with itchy and flaky scalp. If you’re looking for something light yet nourishing, tea tree oil is for you. You can mix it with coconut oil too. Apply the oil overnight and wash it off the next day, using a mild shampoo. There you go, your scalp is winter ready!

Hair Mask For Strong Hair

With all that winter dryness and dandruff, your hair is bound to fall. These hair masks will help you strengthen your hair and also nourish it from within.

Avocado Hair Mask

This DIY homemade hair mask is highly moisturising and adds a natural shine to the hair. Mash up 1 ripe banana and 2 ripe avocados together. Now apply the hair mask and leave it on for about half an hour or longer if your hair needs it. Next, wash your hair as usual and you’re done! Your hair is well nourished and moisturised.

Aloe Vera Gel

If you have tried everything from lemon to camphor for dandruff and got no results, try aloe vera gel. The highly moisturising natural ingredient is already known for its skincare benefits. However, it’s great for dry and flaky scalps too. Apply some gel on your scalp (don’t massage too much) and hair. Leave it on for a while and then wash your hair as usual. You are sure to see instant results with this one.

Rice Milk And Honey Mask

This next mask is a bit tricky to make but has great results. You can find rice milk in the markets or make your own using rice and water. Take 2 tablespoons of honey and mix it with some rice milk to form a thick mixture. Apply the mixture on your hair and scalp and leave it on for about half an hour. Wash your hair using a mild shampoo and voila, you’re done!

Additional Hair Care Tips

Alongside these occasional treatments, remember to keep your hair away from steaming hot water, chemical products and hair dryers. Also, keep the use of hair styling products like gels and wax to a minimum. Whenever you do use them, make sure that you treat your hair with a good wash afterwards.

From the November 2020 issue of FHM India.