Many people take care of the skin on their face each day
by cleansing, moisturizing and protecting it. I am surprised, however, at
how many people fail to pay that same detailed attention to their hair and
scalp.
Your hair and scalp are an extension of your skin. Like the skin, the hair and
scalp are adversely affected by winter dryness, and can get damaged and dried
out by the drop in humidity, the cold wind and the sun. This can lead to thinning
hair and less body, and it can shorten the life of a perm or color treatment.
But you can protect your hair and scalp in the winter and keep it healthy:
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Fact:
Condition your hair frequently.
It is a myth that frequent conditioning is bad for the hair and scalp.
I recommend you condition every time you shampoo – this is even
more important in the dry winter months. Shampooing your hair removes
dirt, debris and bacteria from the hair and scalp – but it also
removes moisture. A ph-balanced conditioner will restore the normal
ph level (about 4.5) and moisture to the hair and scalp. You should
use a protein-based conditioner with a ph range of 3.5-5.5. Lighter
conditioners create more body and volume, while heavier conditioners
improve manageability/comb-out but can weigh the hair down. When applying,
work the conditioner through to the ends of the hair with your fingers,
brush or comb. Leave the conditioner on for 1-2 minutes to allow it
to penetrate the hair shaft. Finally rinse with warm water. Use a lighter
conditioner throughout the entire length of your hair, and then layer
a heavier conditioner on the midshaft and ends, applying on top of the
lighter conditioner. This creates a “cocktail” of the appropriate
products where they are needed most, allowing your hair to have its
fullness and body at the root area with more conditioner and control
on the ends.
Solution: Redken Extreme from BeautyFirst.
Fact: Deep condition weekly.
I have often heard complaints and seen patients whose hair texture changes
during the winter months due to the drop in humidity, and wind/sun damage. One
way to correct this is by using a deep conditioner or “reconstructor” once
or twice a week. There is a wide-range of deep-conditioners at BeautyFirst and
the experts there can help you choose a product that is right for you. When
using a deep conditioner, similar to a conditioner, make sure you work the product
through your hair to the ends with your fingers, brush or comb. Leave it on
for 1-2 minutes or longer if necessary to allow it to penetrate the hair shaft.
Finally, rinse with tepid water.
Solution: Ojon Nurturing
Rituals from BeautyFirst.
Fact:
Protect your hair and scalp.
Your hair and scalp are not immune to the wind and sun. Like with your skin,
wind dries out
the hair and scalp and leaves it more susceptible to sun damage. A sunburned
scalp can create
long-term damage to your scalp, skin and hair follicles. I recommend you protect
your hair with a styling aid or leave-in conditioner with UV protection. And
wear a hat whenever outside for long periods of time.
Solution: Redken UV Rescue from BeautyFirst.
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