Winter Beauty Tips for Dry or Processed Hair

Most gals with hair that is dry and rough or dyed and straightened associate warm and humid months with a need for special care. The reality of the situation is that the winter season with it's cold temperatures, inclement weather and artificial heating make it a time for a bit of extra attention to hair needs as well. Keep your tresses looking as lovely as possible this winter with these simple and inexpensive beauty tips.

Turn the Heat Down in the Shower. As enticing as a scalding hot shower is on cold winter mornings, the extreme temperature of the water can wreak havoc on hair. The hot water opens the cuticle and leaves the hair vulnerable to the elements. This results in frizz and fly aways. A tepid shower followed by a quick blast of cold water seals the cuticle and locks in moisture and shine. The most expensive conditioners will just not work as effectively if they are being used in conjunction with very hot water.

Skip a Shampoo Now and Then. It is widely known that skipping a wash now and then is beneficial for the hair. This is never more true than during the coldest months of the year. The forced heat that we are all exposed to during the winter works to soak up the natural oils in our hair. These oils help to maintain manageability and a nice sheen. Forgoing a shampoo at least once a week can aid in restoring those natural oils, thus making hair look and feel much healthier.

Use Conditioner in Reverse. A great hair tip that is very effective during the winter months is to apply conditioner before shampooing. The absorption properties of even the most inexpensive hair conditioners can be doubled or tripled by using them on dry hair. As soon as entering the shower, apply a nice sized dollop of conditioner to hair. Be sure to work it fully into the ends and any problem areas. The heat and steam of the shower will allow the product to penetrate the hair shaft. Rinse the conditioner out and then shampoo and condition as normal. This extra application of conditioner will make a terrific difference in the look and feel of course and processed hair.

Wear a Hat. Unbeknown to some, the sun's rays are just as powerful and damaging in the winter time. While it may seem silly to protect colored hair in the winter with a hat, it is quite beneficial. The sun's rays coupled with the reflection off the snow can speed up the fading of colored hair. Always wear a hat when venturing outdoors, especially when a prolonged amount of time will be spent sledding, shoveling or skiing.

Check the Weather Forecast. Pay special attention to the weather in the winter, to keep abreast of any shifts in humidity and moisture. You may be accustomed to doing this in the summer to keep ahead of heat and humidity, but it is just as important in the winter. Knowing that the next day is going to bring rain, snow or sleet will allow you to make the necessary adjustments in your beauty routine. An extra dollop of shine serum, a skipped shampoo or even an up do may be on tap if you learn that the next winter morning will offer severely inclement weather.

Go Natural. Do yourself and your hair a favor and skip all the electric devices on the coldest and snowiest days of the year. Wash and condition as usual and then allow hair to air dry before leaving the house. The lack of fuss to your hair will give you a nice and natural look and greatly reduce fly aways and unwanted curls due to wet and wild weather conditions.

Use Household Items to Control Hair in Winter. Winter is a great time to pull out all the old school hair remedies. Olive oil and egg whites make wonderful conditioners. A dab of body moisturizer or hand cream can be used to tame fly aways. A vinegar rinse is very effective at removing product buildup and reduce dandruff flakes. Instead of spending money on pricey beauty products, go back to the old school hair essentials to beautify your locks this winter. Your hair and your wallet will thank you.