WINTER HAIR REMEDIES - DAY 4: BRITTLE TEXTURE
WHAT CAUSES DRY HAIR
Dry hair occurs when your hair lacks moisture. As the weather gets colder, the air gets drier. Dry air strips your hair of moisture, which results in dull and brittle hair that is prone to split ends and breakage. There are some other major reasons your hair could be brittle, like hormonal changes, auto-immune issues or vitamin deficiency. Those all need to be addressed with your doctor of course, but i’m here to talk seasonal dryness and brittle texture. I also have an entire blog on more details about hair & hormones here if you are interested.
HOW TO “FIX” DRY HAIR
There are various ways to fix dry hair. To hold your hair’s moisture, apply less heat, refrain from over-washing it, and stick to moisturizing hair products with naturally hydrating ingredients. The reality is that so many hair products are packed with drying ingredients like alcohols, so be cautious of the ingredients in your products. Here are a few ways to temporarily fix or help reduce dry hair during the winter time.
1. Use a silk pillowcase
Just like using a microfiber towel we talked about previously, silk pillowcases have smaller little loops compared to cotton, which results in less snagging and pulling on your hair as you sleep. Another advantage to using a silk pillowcase is also smoother skin over time and reduced potential for wrinkles due to the smoother fabric surface, some are anti microbial also - which helps with acne and other infections.
2. Apply a hair mask at least once a week
We love hair masks, right? I mean, they are a quick, easy to way to infuse moisture into your hair... why would we not love them? Bonus points if you have Olaplex #3 (the one you do pre-shampoo as a treatment) Olaplex is not a conditioner, but I like to describe it as a more scientific treatment, as it helps hair bonds form back together by creating synthetic fillers.
3. Try double conditioning
You may have heard this term trending in the past few months. Basically, double conditioning is exactly what it sounds like. Wash your hair, condition, rinse, then condition again for that extra hydration. PRO TIP: if you can reach your towel from the shower, or flip on over the shower doors or curtain rod to have on hand… towel dry your ends a little before applying. ALSO, one of my fav tips is to keep a claw clip in my shower so the conditioner isn’t just chilled on my back all slimy… you know? I like it out of my way so I can shave or exfoliate or whatever is on the routine that day.
4. Stay hydrated
DUH, right? But for real… Moisture starts from within, so be sure to drink extra water throughout the winter months.
5. Use a humidifier
You may have noticed that it is much easier to keep your hair and skin hydrated in the summer-time. That's because the air holds more moisture and is much more humid. Because winter is colder and dryer, invest in a humidifier for your bedroom, which will mimic that humid summer hair, leading to more naturally moisturized skin and hair. But, if your house is like mine (wet, moist San Diego salt air) … I personally actually use a De-Humidifier since our insolation sucks. But that’s another story. I’m here to preach, not practice. Juuuust kidding, you know these newly bleached-to-the-heavens locks are taking Olaplex lathers any chance I get.
6. Less is more!
Remember, the less you do to your hair, the more hydrated it will stay during colder months. That means less heat styling, less washing, less coloring (also, the pandemic shut downs help with this,), as all these will dry your hair out even more.