The winter season brings with it its own challenges for our hair and skin.
Common hair issues during this time include dryness and managing hairstyles that create tension to your hair and hairline.
Give your tresses extra loving care against the chill by tackling these common problems.
1. Problem - loss of moisture
While hairstyles such as braids, weaves and wigs are popular throughout the year, your hair needs more moisture during the dry winter season. Hair often breaks when you remove braids, this is due to a lack of moisture and protein in the hair.
Solution: To retain moisture in your hair, go for a protective hairstyle like braids. But before installing the extensions, treat your mane with a moisturising mask to condition and strengthen the strands. Hydrate your scalp and keep your braids shiny and fresh with a braid spray.
2. Problem - dry, brittle hair
The dry winter air sucks out all the moisture from your hair while heat styling and chemicals also cause damage.
Solution: Use satin scarfs or satin-lined headwraps to protect your hair. Use a shampoo and conditioner to assist in combating dry and brittle hair. Top it up with a hot oil treatment, like warm coconut oil, cover for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
READ MORE | Your winter hair guide for braids, cornrows and wigs
3. Problem - dry scalp
While healthy hair grows from a healthy scalp, the secret to ensuring your crown grows well during winter is by treating it.
Solution: Castor oil is a multifunctional oil, containing antifungal and antibacterial properties to tackle dandruff, folliculitis and irritation on the scalp. Use it to moisturise the scalp and improve circulation and growth.
4. Problem - dull and lifeless hair
If you wear your hair naturally, you’ll notice the lack of humidity in the air makes your hair look dull and lifeless.
Solution: Use moisturising products and include a few drops of hair oil in your regime. Look out for ingredients such as Mongongo Oil and Vitamin that repair and feed your strands.
5. Problem - split ends
Rough treatment, excessive blow-drying and cold weather are some of the factors that cause split ends.
Solution: If you don’t want to cut off the split ends, consider oiling the ends of your hair twice a week or oil your hair and scalp an hour before you shampoo. Use a leave-in conditioner to wet or dry hair and a wide-toothed comb to avoid damage.
