Winter is almost upon us, and with it, the anxiety that our tresses are going to lose their shine and gloss. Not to mention the excessive hair fall that will accompany these woes.

Let’s get some facts straight here. Contrary to popular perception, cold weather by itself is not to be blamed for heightened hair fall. If anything, the chemical called melatonin that our body produces in increased measure during the gloomy winter months, is actually supposed to regulate hair cycles and spur hair growth!

Then why, you ask, do you see those extra strands of hair in your comb every time you brush your hair? The reasons are multiple.

In the winters, scalp, just like skin, becomes dry. Dry hair is naturally prone to breakage. Dry hair also encourages the incidence of dandruff which ruins hair health.

However, it isn’t just these natural conditions that cause hair fall in winters.

A combination of the dry wintry hair outside and centralised heating indoors can wreak havoc on hair shaft, causing breakages and split ends. The use of styling tools and dryers can also further dry hair out, causing damage.

If you wear too tight scarves or caps, thinking it can protect your hair from the harsh winter winds, think again. Excessively tight scarves, caps and hats can snap or uproot hair altogether.

Things need not be all gloomy for your tresses however, during the winter months. Here are a few things that will help your locks stay in top shape in the cold weather.

A regular oil massage for the scalp, with healthy almond or olive oils can provide hair with the necessary vitamins and fatty acids. Oils like jojoba are similar to the sebum, the oil secreted by the body that naturally moisturises our hair, are easily absorbed by the scalp too.
Reduce the frequency of shampooing hair in the winters. Avoiding shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulphate or sodium myreth sulphate during winters is also a good idea. Using a shampoo that avoids the use of parabens or dyes will add that extra sheen of natural healthy glow to hair.
Protect your hair from the elements, by covering it with a light scarf, but ensure it is not so tight that it restricts blood circulation in the scalp!
Keep scalp and hair hydrated. Water is as necessary for your hair as for your body. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep you hair healthy.
Do not over style hair. During the winter, limit the use of styling tools like dryers and curlers, which dry out hair and scalp. Let hair dry naturally.
Trim your hair regularly. This will ensure the reduction of split ends and encourage hair growth.
Wash hair with lukewarm or cool water. Just because it’s winter, don’t treat your hair to hot water. Lukewarm water can be used to minimise damage to hair.
Don’t venture outside with wet hair. Hair takes longer in winter to dry, but the cold dry winds will not help. Make sure you dry you dry your hair naturally before leaving home.
Treat your hair to a mask. Your hair will love you more if you use deep conditioning masks, using home ingredients like avocado, curd and egg white to give it the extra moisture it needs.
Eat well. Nourish hair with healthy foods that include proteins, iron (try leafy greens), zinc (nuts are a great idea) and Vitamin C (citrus fruits are ideal).
Remember, a few lifestyle changes will go a long way in making sure you can show off your glorious winter tresses in style!

Courtesy by : Daily Hunt