Turn down the thermostat and wave goodbye to towel drying
Words Dr Sharon Wong
At this time of year you might think chapped lips and dull skin are your biggest beauty adversaries, but hair can also suffer from freezing temperatures, central heated offices, and the necessity to run showers ten degrees warmer than usual.
Consultant Dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong should know. As one of the few London based dermatologists specialising in hair and scalp disorders, she’s knows how bad hair-care habits in winter can cause long term damage.
From her practise in London’s The Shard, she’s imparted some all important hair-care wisdom as well as the products you need to keep your hair happy and healthy all year round…
Blot and Squeeze
Wet hair is more fragile than in its dry state. The friction from rubbing your hair up and down with a towel damages the outer protective cuticle layers, making hair strands more susceptible to damage. Frayed cuticles also means the surface of the hair becomes less reflective to light and less shiny as a consequence. Blotting and gently squeezing (not wringing) excess water is a much gentler way to dry your hair. Some salons and gyms supply single use hair towels such as Scrummi bleach-free biodegradable hair towels, but these may not be cost effective for everyday home use. I like to use the Bamboo hair drying towels as they are super absorbent and a much softer material than regular towels.
Avoid Excessively Hot Water
In winter it may be tempting to take a hot shower but using excessively hot water will strip the scalp skin and hair of natural oils, making your hair much drier. Stick with lukewarm water if possible. Help to restore moisture balance to the scalp and hair by using a restructuring concentrate such as this Magic Elixir by Kiehl’s, a blend of natural oils derived from avocado and rosemary leaf to boost hair’s health and shine.
Take a Break
It’s important to give your hair a break from styling once in a while. Excessive use of heat makes hair brittle by creating air bubbles in the shaft of the hair, which become points of weakness. Hair-styles which pull too tightly cause inflammation around the hair follicles and can eventually replace the follicles with scar tissue and permanent hair loss. Try to tear yourself away from blow-dries, straighteners and tight ponytails/plaits/braids at least once a week. Your hair will reap the benefits in the long term.
Deep Condition
All hair types should be treated to a deep condition once a week, but it is an absolute must if you regularly use heat and/or dyes on your hair. Deep conditioners help to add strength back to the hair as they contain large quantities of hydrolysed proteins and amino acids which infuse proteins back into the shaft of the hair fibre and repair breakages on the surface.
Sunscreen for Hair
Like with your skin, excessive sun exposure is one of the most important ageing factors on your hair. UV rays from the sun interact with hair proteins, creating harmful free radicals. Whilst UVB damages structural proteins (especially keratin) in your hair, UVA affects hair colour. With time, hair that has had too much sun becomes weak, brittle and dull.
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