Thursday 6 December 2012

How to take care of your hair in cold or hot weather conditions



Do you live in a place that has contrasting climates or intense heat or extreme cold? If so, taking care or your hair can be a challenge. These simple steps will make that daunting task a bit easier.

Summer brings heat and humidity, while winter brings cold but dry heat indoors. All these conditions take it out on our tresses and it takes extra special efforts to keep it in good condition. Everyone – men and women – wants their hair to look great wherever they are. Follow these guidelines and you’ll look good in the most challenging conditions.


Intense sun
Most of us know that worshiping the sun and getting a deep tan is not healthy. We need to find a balance to ensure we get the right amount of sun exposure to produce vitamin D, but not get burned or damage our skin. It’s the same when it comes to hair. Too much sun will damage and dry it. All the work you have done to condition it to that point will be lost. When you go into the hot sun, wear a scarf or hat for protection, and use a sun protector product too. If you can, try not to add additional heat to with dryers, irons and curlers. For most women this isn’t an option so use a heat protector before styling your locks. If your mop has been damaged, use a sun repair mask or intense conditioners to restore it to health.

Humid conditions
Humidity produces excessive moisture and hair will absorb that moisture. The way it responds will depend on its type. If it is wavy it will be prone to fizziness, while fine strands will become limp. One of the best ways of fighting back is by getting the right cut. Layering and texturing – both of which reduce weight – are a big help. Avoid daily washing but when you do be sure to use a good conditioner. Keep excessive heat to a minimum and don’t be afraid of using good quality oils as conditioners.

Extreme cold
Intense cold can be one of the most difficult climates for your coiffure. It can bring about dandruff, split ends, fly-away bits, and an overall dryness that means it’s hard to manage and look good. Even with a good cut, these challenges are ever-present in a cold climate. Winter months mean it is time to change your routine in order to maintain your great look. Step number one is to look at your conditioning routine and increase the number of times you are adding an intense moisture mask. Two or three times a week should be the minimum in winter and be sure to choose a mask that works for your hair. Seek out a scalp treatment masks too in order to avoid dry skin in that area. Regular trims are essential in order to reduce the risk of split ends. As with hot sun, try to keep the use of heat via dryers and irons to a minimum and always use a heat protector beforehand.

Perms or bleaches
Perms or bleaches require special attention. If you have used these and believe your mop is too dry or in fact damaged the best way forward is to purchase an intense conditioner. Even home remedies can do the job. Jojoba oil and olive oil left on for up to 30 minutes will replenish moisture loss. If serious brittleness and breakage are problems, then it is best left to a professional to treat hair with care and restore moisture and condition.

Human hair extensions
If you have these attached, they need the same kind of special care you give your natural tresses. If you follow the steps above human hair extensions will last anywhere from two months to a year, depending on the kind you have chosen. With this product, it is especially important to avoid dryness. High quality, non-damaging treatments are essential. Although you can dye them, go swimming and style as if they were your own, they will last longer if these activities are kept to a minimum.

No comments:

Post a Comment