Winter Hair Care

Have you ever done strange things as a practice you did not understand why you were doing them? For example, do you pick your purse off the floor the moment you realize your mom always said, “Don‘t put your purse on the floor or else you’ll be broke?” Do you refuse to turn on the air conditioner in your car because someone told you doing so burns more gas? Or do you not wear white after labor day? These are a few things that come to my mind when I think about my family, friends and myself doing things out of habit or because someone told us. 

As it relates to habits, it would be more like routine or rote memory; doing things on auto pilot. The latter, would be, because momma (or an elder) said so. Rather putting your purse on the floor will have money flying out your purse faster than you can spend it or turning off the AC in your car will save on gas or if wearing white after labor day will cause a fashion faux pas; we all are a lil guilty of doing strange things we have no clue because Momma said so or because of something we heard or read. I can say the same about hair care. 

As a hairstylist, I hear strange things about hair care and hair styling. The winter is fast approaching. It is during this time of the year I continue to hear winter weather causes hair to fall out or contributes to damaged hair. 

Most wives tales are turned into beliefs after years or generations of saying them. For many wives tales are not only said, but they are also done. As a hair stylist we hear and see of many wives tales. Winter season is approaching, so are the wives tale about winter and hair. While, I have no idea how they got started, I am interested in putting an end to three popular wives tale. I will identify three wives tales, their culprits and conclude with three solutions. Perhaps these three winter wives tale will be in their last season!

Winter is here. These are the three wives tales I hear the most: winter causes hair to fall out, become dry and compromise hairstyles.

Winter can't make hair fall out, but lifestyle changes can. Cold weather does affect hair, but not drinking enough water will parch hair faster than mercury moving on a thermometer. As for hairstyles not lasting, provided the elements does not physically wet the hair, not combing hair to recreate the look is more responsible than the weather, a hat  scarf or wool coat.

The first solution for a less active lifestyle is to exercise. Exercising promotes blood flow. Blood flow carries vital nutrients to hair; thus making it strong and healthy. During winter months, it is not uncommon to become more sedentary. It is cold outside. People are more apt to simply go home and snuggle with someone or under the blankets after a long day. The decrease in physical activity can influence performance and appearance of hair. 

The solution for dry hair during the winter month is water intake. Drinking plenty of water is crucial to healthy hair. During winter months, warm and tasty cocoas, coffees, teas and fine spirits are the choice of many when it's cold outside and holiday parties are everywhere. An increase in beverages with decrease in consumption of water is common. The lack of drinking plenty of water contributes to hair feeling dry, looking dry, scaly scalps; thus making hair more susceptible to breakage. 

Cold weather, snow and slushy grounds are enough to make the average bear say, "Bah humbug," to caring for hair. The solution to saving a hair style during the winter months is to comb it. Prior to going out into the elements, cover your entire head of hair. Once snow, rain, sleet or slush hit it; the style is over. Second, upon taking your hats, scarves and coats off, comb your hair thoroughly. Fluff, shake and go or running your fingers through your hair are sure to promote dryness. Materials rob hair and scalp of oil. Therefore combing immediately after removing hats, scarves and coats will quickly restore your hair's natural luster. Wear hairstyles that are sleek, simpler or braided. Sleek and braided hairstyles are low maintenance. They also look stylish between work and social functions. 

A decrease in physical activity, water intake and grooming are the culprits to dull, dry hair and scalp during the winter months. When it is cold outside, do go inside. Just remember to keep moving, drink water, comb your hair frequently to prevent hair damage during the winter season. 

Winter is here. As it arrives, sunshine leaves. The nothing to do blues will make you want to snuggle, sleep in and not want to get up and work out. They will entice you to consume one more hot cocoa, one more shot and of course one more hour on the sleep. 

Before you hit the snooze button, take one more drink and run your fingers through your hair, remind yourself to care for your hair. Just because it's cold outside, your hair can still look and feel nice! 

To learn more about hair care, visit www.lwrightbooks.com to order my new book, What They Don't Tell You at the Hair Salon.