Winning hair for the winter: Expert fixes for your cold-weather hair struggles

Winter is coming and with it comes a plethora of skin and hair problems. From frizzy hair to dry scalp, concerns vary as per scalp type and hair texture. "With less moisture in the air and the heaters switched on, your hair and scalp will begin to dry out, which can cause concerns like frizzy hair, split ends and dull-looking locks," says renowned beauty expert Shahnaz Husain.

A pioneer of the herbal beauty care movement, Husain identifies five common winter haircare struggles and shares practical steps to counter them.

Dry and itchy scalp
Cold air and dry heat coming from radiators can create a lack of moisture in the air, which can leave your hair dry. As your scalp dries out, you can start feeling it tighten and becoming itchy, ultimately leading to dry white flakes and dandruff, which is not good for both hair and skin.

Static frizz
When the temperature drops, the dry, chilly air can make your hair inclined to an electric charge, leading to what is known as "fly away" hair. This can be made worse if you're wearing any sort of wool or cashmere sweater.

Split ends
Blow dryer-induced split ends are a direct result of dehydration and damage. Though this can happen at any time of the year, the lack of humidity in winter means your hair is more likely to become brittle, fragile, and prone to split ends.

Tangled hair
Scarves, thick jumpers, and collared jackets might feel cosy, but they aren't so good for your hair. Your luscious locks might get caught and knotted up in all the layers, which means you're dealing with a tangled, matted mess by the end of the day.

Hat Hair
Covering our head might be essential to escape the chilly breeze, but wearing a hat comes with its own issues. Wearing hats can make your hair look flat, limp, and shapeless.

These common winter haircare problems can be managed by taking care and following a few simple methods.

1. Avoid washing your hair with hot water, instead opt for normal or lukewarm water.

2. Don't go out with wet hair. When you step out into the cold weather with wet hair, there is a chance that the dry weather will dehydrate and tangle your hair.

3. Avoid over-styling your hair. You may risk damaging your hair in winter by using heat tools on dry hair.

4. Deep conditioners are your one step solution to several winter hair problems. Natural deep conditioners like aloe vera, honey, hibiscus flowers are safer to use.

5. Oiling the hair is essential to nourish and moisturise your scalp and hair. Below are some effective hair oil remedies using different oils:

• Coconut Oil- Warm coconut oil head massage is a solution to many winter hair problems such as dandruff, dry and frizzy hair, split ends, and hair fall.
• Sesame Oil - Sesame oil being rich in Vitamin E and B, strengthens damage-prone hair and nourishes your scalp, helping to maintain its natural oil balance.
• Almond Oil - Rich in Vitamin E and minerals this oil can combat winter hair fall with ease and will bring back your hair's shine.

Pro tip: If dandruff and dryness are your winter hair problems, then amla is a perfect option. Soak amla in any carrier oil such as coconut and apply all over your scalp and hair.

6. A nourishing hair mask can help repair and replenish the oils in your hair shaft. Instead of opting for chemical alternatives, you can make these hair masks at home:

• Banana, avocado and honey - This is a wonder hair mask to bring back life and lustre to your winter damaged tresses. Banana and avocado are both rich in essential vitamins and minerals that repair the cuticle layer of your hair.
• Yogurt and egg - Yogurt is soothing on the skin and restores the normal balances, while the fat and protein content in eggs can nourish and protect the scalp.

Also Read: These night-time routines will help keep your hair healthy