The winter months can put your hair and scalp under a lot of stress. Here are some key tips and tricks to keep your hair and scalp healthy during winter
1. Why are dandruff and winter such good partners in crime?
2. Winter hair care tips and ticks
There are quite a few things that irritate us a lot during winters, and one among them is dandruff. Dandruff in winter is a nightmare for many. So, what exactly is it? Well, it's a condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake.
Don't worry, it's not something very serious to be upset about, but it is definitely important for you to control it. Even though it is not contagious or a very serious condition, it can put you in embarrassing situations which can be easily avoided.
So, sit back as we aim to take you through the causes of dandruff along with some winter hair care tips on preventing it.
Why are dandruff and winter such good partners in crime?
During winters, there is a lack of moisture content in the air, which makes it dry. And this eventually leads to dryness of the skin and also the scalp. When the scalp becomes dry, a flaky substance starts forming on your head, which is nothing but the dandruff.
Now let's look at some of the other reasons causing dandruff, in detail:
1) Putting on Caps/Hats:
The microbes that are responsible for causing dandruff are more powerful at high temperatures, so when you put on a cap or a hat, especially one that's made of wool, you raise the temperature on your head, thus becoming more prone to dandruff.
2) No Hair-wash:
We accept the fact that it is an extremely difficult task to take a bath during the freezing winters. But without a hair-wash, a fungus called Malassezia that supports the dandruff multiplies on your head, which can go out of control if it's too late.
3) Drinking Less Water:
When compared to the other seasons, we don't consume as much water during winters. It is probably because of the cold weather. However, drinking less water leads to dehydration, and dehydration is one of the key reasons for dandruff in winter.
4) Use of Heat-styling Tools:
Hair dryers, hair straighteners, ironing sticks; you name it. These are the most common tools you might be using to stylize your hair during winters. But at the same time, be careful, as it leaves you with a dry scalp and makes it more susceptible to dandruff.
5) Hot & Dry Air:
Everyone loves to sit by the fire during winters. But if you are constantly exposed to the heat of the fireplace or the central heater at your home or office that dries the air around you, you just become more vulnerable to dandruff.
Winter Hair Care Tips and Tricks
Now that you know the reasons behind the formation of dandruff, it's time to know what hair care routines to follow to prevent it.
1. Protect your hair from the elements
Cold, wet winter weather can take its toll on your hair. The most effective and practical way to protect your hair from the elements is to cover your head with a hat or scarf, but make sure that it’s not too tight, as this will restrict the circulation in your scalp.
While it protects your hair, wearing a winter hat can also lead to a build up of sweat that could irritate the scalp.
So make sure you use an anti-dandruff shampoo to stop dandruff in its tracks before flakes start to appear.
2. Keep your hair and scalp hydrated
If you’re dehydrated on the inside, it will show on the outside too so make sure you drink plenty of water to help keep your hair and scalp hydrated.
Using Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Shampoo moisturises a dry scalp caused by winter weather and temperature fluctuations between indoors and outdoors.
3. Avoid over-styling your hair
Limit your use of tools like hair dryers and curling tongs, as the heat can dry out your hair and scalp, increasing the risk of damage.
Struggling with heat-damaged hair? Try Anti-Hairfall Shampoo.
4. Have your hair trimmed regularly
Whether you have long or short hair, winter weather can make the ends of your hair dry and brittle. Regular trims will keep your hair in good condition and reduce the chance of split ends.
5. Wash your hair in warm or cool water
It might be tempting in the colder months to turn the water temperature up, but try to avoid washing your hair in very hot water – use warm or cool water to avoid damage.
Hot water can dry out your hair and damage the delicate skin on your scalp, which may be extra sensitive during the winter.
6. Don’t leave home with wet hair
Take the extra time to blow-dry your hair or let it dry naturally before going outside. In cold weather your hair will take a long time to dry – and if your hair freezes, you risk breakage and split ends.
7. Never Forget to Brush your Hair:
In order to achieve a well-nourished scalp that's free of flakes, you must always brush your hair. Brushing your hair also increases the blood circulation in your scalp, which boosts the secretion of oils that keep your hair and scalp strong and healthy.
8. Use Pure Cotton Towel:
Even though the Turkish towels are way more comfortable and furry than the rest, the normal cotton ones are best suited for wiping your hair. The problem with the Turkish towel is that its rough texture makes your hair frizzy.
9. Oil your Hair:
Oiling your hair is a really good habit to have, especially before taking a head bath. If you are looking for an ideal oil for your hair, the coconut oil is the one you need, along with olive oil, neem oil, almond oil and castor oil.
All you have to do is heat the oil and apply it from your scalp to its tip. Finally, wash it away with the help of a gentle shampoo, and you are all set! Say goodbye to dandruff!
10. Reduce Sugar Consumption:
Sugar is something that is neither good for your skin nor for your hair. High sugar levels in the blood cause oily flakes and increase dandruff on your head. So, it would be better to stay away from sugar, for the love for your hair.
11. Try a Diet Change:
Changing your diet is another way of getting rid of dandruff.
Include vitamin B, zinc and omega 3 to your diet as they are high in nutrition, mainly for your hair and scalp.
Also, have fruits, eggs, fish, raw salads, bananas and spinach - they are the best sources of these nutrients.
12. Don't Stress Out:
We have talked about the physical ways of getting rid of dandruff. Now it's time to focus on the mental aspect.
It is quite not known that even stress plays a prominent role in aggravating the condition of dandruff on your head. The key is to reduce your stress and pressure through various other activities, such as exercising, playing, having a healthy diet, etc.
The lesser the stress, the lesser the dandruff.
So, the above mentioned were the causes of dandruff along with some winter hair care tips on how to prevent it. Get ready to tick each and every tip on the list and get rid of this dreadful substance from your hair. This winter, try the Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo and you don't have to worry about dandruff anymore.
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