While winter brings with it fun festivities, cosy nights and Insta-worthy frost snaps, it can be hellish for our hair. Similar to how we change our skincare routines based on the seasons, we should do the same with our hair too. But where do we start?
Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, has given us her top tips for keeping your hair in check this winter.
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How does our hair change during winter?
"Winter can spell trouble for those who are prone to dandruff. Sufferers who drink white wine, champagne and snack on cheese platters often find their condition triggered and made worse. These foods can exacerbate itching and flaking.
"When you step from the cold outdoors into central heated buildings, moisture content in the air changes. This causes the protein bonds within the hair to expand and contract, which messes up whatever hairstyle you left the house with in the morning – and this can happen numerous times throughout the day depending on how often you go outside."
Is there anything we should avoid doing to our hair during the festive season?
"It’s quite easy to come home from a party and sleepily pull a brush through your hair before falling asleep. Doing so can cause strands to snap where the tangles have formed – and if done frequently your hair may be quite broken by the end of the winter.
"Dancing the night away won’t harm your hair – and may be beneficial if you find it relieves stress and tension (stress can cause hair loss). However, if your party schedule disrupts your eating patterns, you skip dinner or subsist on fast foods, your hair could suffer. A healthy diet is vital to healthy hair."
Which products should we introduce into our hair care routine for winter?
"Use daily toners and shampoos that sooth the scalp and calm any irritation. A weekly exfoliating scalp mask can also be very helpful as it lifts away flakes and accumulation of dead skin cells.
"The best way to prevent winter frizz is to use products that form a barrier between your hair and the atmosphere. The Philip Kingsley Preen Cream immediately smooths strands whilst discouraging moisture from entering the hair cuticles.
"To restore moisture to the hair shaft, use a weekly intensive pre-shampoo conditioning treatment like the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer. To help guard the hair from damage, apply a heat protective spray or serum."
Here are some more of our favourite winter hair care must-haves:
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