It's officially Winter in Australia … and for our friends in New Zealand, the brisker days are only a couple of weeks away.
You might think that this is the perfect time to repair all of the heat and sun damage caused to your hair in summer, but this doesn't mean there aren't still harsh conditions to consider.
Did you know that cold and dry Winter air can be just as bad for your hair as the summer sun? To make sure you're always having a good hair day, we've put together our top tips for maintaining healthy hair this Winter.
1. Shampoo Less
If you're guilty of shampooing your hair every day, it's time to make a change to your routine. Shampooing too often can strip your hair of the natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected. And these vital oils are more important than ever during the cooler months as our scalp tends to be already drier and can be more prone to itching due to the lack of moisture in the air. If you already suffer from a dry, flaky scalp, try JUSTICE Professional Scalp Treatment, which combines cleansing and moisturising agent Pro-Vitamin B5 to leave the hair full of shine whilst providing effective anti-dandruff treatment.
2. Condition and Treat
The only way to tackle dry hair is to ensure your locks are getting extra moisture. Try using a leave-in conditioning treatment like JUSTICE Professional Treatment Mask to revitalise your hair for lasting moisture and nourishment. Just like your weekly face mask is essential for healthy, radiant skin, weekly hair treatment masks make a huge difference when dealing with dry, damaged hair.
3. Hold the Heat
It's no secret that heat styling is a significant culprit for dry, damaged hair. Excessive heat, and therefore dryness, can result in split ends and hair breakage. Try always to use a heat protectant on your hair when styling and reduce how often you heat style your hair by opting for a low-maintenance style, such as a ponytail, bun, or braid. Or embrace your natural hair texture and opt to air dry instead of blowdrying whenever possible, using a few drops of JUSTICE Professional Argan Oil to tame frizz.
BUT
Remember when your mum used to tell you not to go outside with wet hair, or you'll catch a cold? Well, there's another reason why you shouldn't go outside with damp hair; it's more susceptible to damage than dry hair as the cooler winter air can cause hair to stress and break. So, air drying is the best option, but it's still better to blowdry your hair than go outside with waterlogged locks.
4. Dry Shampoo - a girl's best friend!
If you have oily hair, you might find that your hair goes extra limp during Winter. Try using JUSTICE Professional Dry Nutrient Shampoo to extend the number of days between washing. Dry shampoo helps to open up the hair shaft, keep hair looking fuller, and bring life back to your style.
5. Cool it Down
Winter brings exposure to more extreme hot and cold temperatures, which can end up irritating your skin and scalp. So, even though a steamy shower or bath might be just what you're looking for, hot water can suck the moisture from your hair, making it weak and more vulnerable to breaking. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and follow with a cool rinse instead.
6. Hat Hair Don't Care!
Rather than fight hat hair during Winter, let your favourite cold-weather accessory be part of your styling regime. Apply JUSTICE Professional Curl Crème to damp hair, divide it into sections, twist or braid each section, and pop on your hat or beanie. When your hair is dry, release the twists, and you'll have soft, natural, beachy waves even though you haven't been anywhere near the ocean in months!
7. Hydration helps
Did you know that a single strand of hair is made up of 25% water?
Hydration starts from within, and drinking enough water helps energise and encourage hair growth. Good hydration also stimulates a healthier scalp, preventing problems like dryness, itchiness, or dandruff. Have you ever noticed that your skin looks dull and tired when you haven't had enough water? Your hair is the same way! Staying hydrated helps prevent split ends and weak hair, promoting shiny, radiant tresses.
8. Get Your Hair Trimmed Regularly
Whether you have long or short hair, the cooler months can make the ends of your hair dry and fragile. Ensure you are visiting your local Just Cuts Salon to get regular Style Cuts, as this will reduce the risk of split ends and help get your hair through this Winter looking its absolute best.
Follow these tips, and with a bit of extra effort, you can keep your hair hydrated and looking great this Winter. Check out other Style Talk entries for more hair care advice. Talk to your professional Just Cuts Stylist for more expert hair care and styling tips. Find your nearest Australian Just Cuts HERE and New Zealand Just Cuts HERE.