Keep Your Hair Shiny and Healthy in Winter with These Tips

Winter is tough on hair. Between the dry heat and static caused by furnaces and the rawness of winter winds, it can be difficult to keep a manageable head of hair much less maintain a healthy, shiny glow. There are a few tips and tricks you can employ, however, to give yourself the best possible winter hair.

Keep Your Hair Shiny and Healthy in Winter: Diet Considerations

Your diet can make a huge difference in the health of your hair. If you go into winter consuming a variety of foods proven to stimulate hair and nail growth, you will be miles ahead as the foods that promote hair growth are also key in maintaining shiny, healthy hair.

According to WebMD, salmon is the best food for promoting the growth of strong, healthy hair. The Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help prevent your scalp from becoming dry. A dry scalp leads to dull hair, so salmon is a natural choice for keeping your hair shiny! Other foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids are equally beneficial.

A variety of other foods such as beans, nuts, and poultry also provide high quality proteins for keeping hair strong, healthy, and radiant throughout the winter.

Keep Your Hair Shiny and Healthy in Winter: Product Usage

In the cold weather, it is important to use products that help keep your hair moisturized and counteract the drying conditions of winter. Every time you shampoo your hair, follow-up with a conditioner and use a deep conditioner at least once per week depending on your hair type. Rinse the conditioner with lukewarm water instead of hot water to help close your hair cuticle and keep your natural luster. On days when your hair feels particularly dull or dry, use a leave-in conditioner after your shower to pamper yourself and add shine!

Consider avoiding traditional shampooing at least once a week and give your hair a break by using a dry shampoo whether in powder or spray form. A powdered dry shampoo will leave your hair shiny if you brush it through thoroughly, but a spray bottle will work best for winter hair.

Keep Your Hair Shiny and Healthy in Winter: Behaviors to Avoid

Avoid taking long, hot showers in the winter. Your hair is much better off in lukewarm water as too much heat will strip all of the natural oil from your hair, thereby reducing shine. Skipping hair dryer, curling iron and flat-iron use as much as possible will also help preserve your hair's natural luster during the winter.

The best way to keep your hair shiny in the winter is to use a multi-faceted approach. Eat healthy, use product strategically and avoid behaviors destructive to your hair to transition smoothly from autumn to winter and back to spring.