In addition to skin problems, the cold weather also causes a rise in hair problems. Why does this happen? Simply put, hair and scalp problems occur throughout the winter because the dry air outside absorbs all the moisture from your hair and scalp. Since the weather is dry, your scalp dries too, which causes dandruff, an itchy scalp and even hair loss. But don’t lose hope here because you can keep your hair woes at bay by just following a few winter hair care tips.

How to protect your hair during winter?

During winter, the hair growth process seems to take ages. Due to this, we end up trying it all – from expensive salon visits to trying natural cures for restoring the health of our hair. However, you cannot resolve winter hair problems if your daily hair care practices are not on track. So, let’s understand how you can manage your daily hair care habits.

To understand this Health Shots spoke to Dr Amit Bangia, Associate Director of dermatology, Asian Hospital, who shared a few tips to manage hair health during winter!

Dr Bangia says, “Winter strips away hair’s natural and essential moisture, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to damage.” Moreover, there are many other causes of hair issues during winter as well which include:

• Wearing a cap that makes too much friction with hair can lead to hair loss.
• A steamy shower is more harmful than beneficial. It results in the hair losing moisture and becoming dehydrated.
• Due to the harsh weather already damaging your hair, employing heat styling might cause a disaster.

Here are 7 tips to prevent hair issues during winter:

1. Avoid washing hair with hot water

As the weather turns cold, several people start taking a hot shower. They even wash their hair with hot water. This is the worst thing you can do with your hair. Similar to how heat-producing styling appliances harm hair, hot water also damages hair. Your hair could become frizzy and dry as a result. So simply wash your hair with lukewarm water.

2. Comb carefully

There are some mistakes you should never do when combing your hair. Wet hair shouldn’t be combed, and avoid being harsh while combing your hair and backcombing. Additionally, avoid combing your hair after using any hair products.

Also read: Winter hair care: 5 home remedies to get rid of dandruff

3. Avoid heat styling

If you enjoy styling your hair, you need to be aware of the negative effects of the hair styling products you use. The toxic chemicals present in hair gel, and the heat of the styling tools damage your hair, scalp, and body. They cause hair to become frizzy, resulting in unmanageable, dry, rough, and lusterless tresses.

4. Avoid chemical treatments of hair

Your hair’s health can suffer from hair treatments including hair straightening, smoothening, keratin treatments, etc. Chemicals are utilized in all of these treatments, which can seriously damage your hair. Dryness, frizz, split ends, breakage, and even hair loss are possible side effects. These issues can get worse with the regular use of hair styling products.

5. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner

To maintain the health of your hair, selecting the appropriate shampoo and conditioner is crucial. Choose hydrating hair care products rather than those that contain sulfates, parabens, or formaldehyde because winter also makes the scalp dry. Wash your hair twice a week in addition to this. You can wash your hair three times a week if it is oily.

Also read: Winter hair care: Follow these 5 tips to nourish your tresses and keep it healthy

6. Use coconut oil or argan oil

Nothing is more effective than oiling your hair to stop damage. In addition to being deeply relaxing, oil massage improves hair follicles by hydrating the roots, hair, and scalp and increases blood flow to the scalp. Use only coconut oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil while applying oil, at least twice per week. Dandruff, a common hair problem in the winter, can be decreased by oiling.

7. Omega-3 fatty acid supplement

Everyone should incorporate omega-3 fatty acids in their diet because they are proven to boost the health of the skin and hair. Your hair will grow out longer, thicker, and stronger if you consume this nutrient on a regular basis. Additionally, it can shield skin from UV damage. You can eat fish if you’re not a vegetarian because it’s the best source of it. You can, however, eat walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds if you’re a vegetarian.