With changes in season, different hair types face their own vulnerabilities and challenges, but for all of us, the combination of Summer heat, humidity, and sun exposure can take a toll on hair, leaving it dry, frizzy, and damaged. The story doesn’t get much better in Winter with harsh changes from cold to hot (think brisk outdoors to our heated homes) and low air moisture, making our hair increasingly dry, brittle and less shiny. That’s why no matter the season, it's essential to adjust your hair care routine to protect and maintain the health of your locks.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of selecting the right hair care products to keep your hair looking and feeling its best through the elements, regardless of hair type and length! But first things first**: don’t leave it too late!** It’s always easier to avoid damage than have to repair it after the fact, so start applying these easy, speedy haircare tips today! You'll thank us later.
- Lock in Moisture
Summer heat can cause your hair to become dry and lose moisture. In winter, hot showers can strip your hair of natural oils and open up your hair cuticles also leading to moisture loss! - That’s why no matter the season, hydration is key to maintaining healthy-looking locks. Look for products that are specifically formulated to provide moisture and nourishment, like Olaplex, to help replenish your hair's moisture levels and restore its vitality.
For those of us with curly or coily hair, high humidity can be a real challenge to mainlining definition, so use specific curl-care products, and we love Curlsmith and Pattern Beauty! Incorporating hydrating products into your hair care routine will help combat the effects of the elements and keep your locks looking luscious.
- Nourish and Repair
Intense nourishment is essential for maintaining healthy hair. In summer, treat your hair to regular deep conditioning treatments to restore and repair any damage caused by the sun, saltwater, or chlorine. Those of us with fine or wavy hair are especially vulnerable to UV rays that break down proteins and damage hair.
Deep conditioning or oil treatments to nourish and repair are also important in winter. Hats, beanies and scarves keep us warm during the colder months but cause friction with our hair, increasing breakage.
Look for deep conditioning masks or treatments that are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and natural oils, for example this JVN deep moisture mask. These products will penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep nourishment, and leaving your hair feeling soft, smooth, and revitalised. If you’re vulnerable to loss of definition due to humidity (unfortunately both extremes, too high or too low, are a culprit!), consider diffusing your hair to enhance and maintain your waves, curls and coils.
- Shield Your Hair
Styling tools and heat can cause damage to your hair if not properly protected. Before using any heat styling tools, make sure to apply a heat protectant spray or cream to shield your hair from high temperatures.
For those with dyed hair, the Summer sun can cause colour fading and increased dryness. Greying hair is also especially susceptible to damage from the sun's rays, as it lacks melanin (the pigment that provides natural UV protection), causing hair to dry and weakening strands. Protect your hair in Summer by avoiding excessive heat styling and minimising sun exposure by using UV-protectant sprays, like this Aveda defensive 'Hair Veil'. Heat protectants can also create a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing the risk of sun damage, frizz, and breakage.
When it comes to winter, for those with straight or wavy hair, it is usually preferable to use a hairdryer than letting your hair dry naturally (it gives back some volume and prevents moisture loss). But remember, a hairdryer is a heat tool so try to use it on a lower heat setting with a heat protectant spray. The curlier your hair is, the less beneficial it is to use a hairdryer and so for kinky and coily hair, it’s usually not recommended. This is a dilemma when it’s cold: for curly hair, consider alternating between diffusing your hair and natural drying. For coily hair, schedule your wash day carefully, or wrap your hair while it dries.
Ultimately, incorporating heat protection into your hair care routine will help preserve your hair's health, look and feel.
Of course, no haircare regimen is complete without one of our high-quality silk hair Turbans and Folds. Our elegant Folds will both nourish and repair your hair overnight! In summer, our hair wraps protect your hair from UV rays on the beach while in winter, wearing one under your beanie, acts as a smooth protective layer reducing friction and breakage.
What it all means: Understanding the specific vulnerabilities of your hair type will allow you to tailor your hair care routine to address your hair's unique challenges through the elements. By choosing the right products and implementing a proper hair care routine, you can protect your hair from the damaging effects of heat and humidity. Invest in high-quality hair protection, focus on hydration to lock in moisture, indulge in deep conditioning treatments to nourish and repair, and always use heat protection to shield your hair from damage. Embrace the seasons with confidence, knowing that your hair is well taken care of and ready to shine.
The (usual) disclaimer: we recommend products that our team likes and uses, but we encourage you to explore trusted brands and consult with hair care professionals to find the most suitable products for your hair type and concerns. Please also feel free to share your tips with the community, below!
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