Winter presents special challenges for hair: cold, dry air, and wind make it brittle and dull. But what to do if you don't like wearing a hat? A specialist explained how to protect hair and the scalp in the cold without headwear.
Expert: Anna Ubilava, trichologist
How Cold Affects Hair
Prolonged exposure to the cold without protection worsens blood circulation in the scalp, meaning that follicles receive less oxygen and nutrients. Hair becomes weaker and may fall out more frequently.
Dry air and wind draw moisture from the hair, damaging the cuticle. This makes hair brittle, porous, increases frizz and static, and the ends start to split. Additionally, cold can provoke exacerbations of skin issues — seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, accompanied by itching and flaking.
How to Protect Hair Without a Hat
Never go outside with damp hair.
Even slightly damp hair becomes fragile, and the scalp becomes vulnerable. Drying is essential.
Use alternatives to a hat:
- a hood lined with fleece, fur, or dense cotton;
- a voluminous scarf that covers the head;
- a thin silk cap under the hood that doesn't ruin the hairstyle;
- headbands and turbans made of soft wool.
Strengthen the protective barrier of the hair.
Leave-in products — oils, creams, conditioners — create a protective film that retains moisture and prevents brittleness. Ceramides, natural oils (argan, coconut, jojoba), panthenol, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane are beneficial.
Reconsider your diet.
Include omega-3s (salmon, mackerel, flaxseed oil, avocado), vitamins A, E, and C (carrots, spinach, citrus fruits, nuts), and complete proteins for hair strength and growth.
Hide the length under clothing.
If the head remains exposed, protect the hair with a coat or scarf to reduce contact with the cold wind.
source: whoopee
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