Winter hair care is very important as the cold dry air during this season causes the skin and hair to become excessively dry. Dry hair is vulnerable to breakage, frizz, and tangling. Sebum is the oil produced by your body that acts as a natural moisturizer to prevent these problems. However, in winter, sebum production is drastically reduced which leaves your hair and scalp vulnerable to drying. This is why dry scalp problems often occur during winter. Winter hair care practices increase moisture levels and keep your hair moisturized and smooth.

Avocado

Regular oil massages are a vital part of any winter hair care regimen. Olive oil and almond oil are healthy oils that will provide your skin and hair with fatty acids and vitamins. These nutrients penetrate deep into the scalp and hair shafts and keep your hair smooth and problem free. Jojoba oil is very similar to sebum and is easily absorbed by the hair and scalp and so you can add a few drops of it to your hair oil. Use warm hair oil and cover your hair with a shower cap to trap the heat and increase the amount of oil absorbed by your scalp and hair.

The frequency of shampooing should be reduced during winter. This would mean that if you generally shampoo your hair every day, you will now have to shampoo it only every other day. If possible, use a shampoo that is meant specifically for winter care. Shampooing your hair strips it of all oil and dirt and so it is very important to use a conditioner every time your shampoo your hair. Avoid shampoos that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Myreth Sulfate as these are very strong detergents. You can also make your own shampoo using soap nuts as these nuts contain natural surfactants that cleanse your hair without damaging it.

Hair conditioner is very important when it comes to winter hair care. A good conditioner should contain essential fatty acids as these are natural oils that are very similar to sebum. On most labels these fatty acids would be listed as EFAs. Fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl alcohol also help to prevent excessive drying. You can also make your own nourishing moisturizer by blending half a cup of water with half an avocado, 5 drops of wheat germ essential oil and 2 drops of Vitamin E oil. Apply this to your hair for about 5 minutes and then rinse it off. Avocados are rich in essential fatty acids, wheat germ oil is rich in various vitamins and Vitamin E is essential for healthy hair. Use this natural conditioner regularly during winter to give your hair a natural healthy sheen.