The unpredictability of party season can wreak havoc on many of our well worn routines. Erratic turn ins mean we rarely get our 8 hours of zeds, a dodgy diet of mulled wine and mince pies has us feeling sluggish, and our Christmas skincare regime becomes an exercise in damage limitation. Oh, and let’s not forget our hair; whilst we usually dedicate huge amounts of time and energy on nourishing our locks correctly, Christmas seems to put paid to that.
But it shouldn’t have to be this way. Taking care of your hair needn’t be expensive and time consuming, with these; our 7 top tips on looking after your hair this festive season.
Short, Warm Showers
Yep, when the weather outside is nippy, and the hangover from last night’s office party is strong, there can be a temptation to have that shower long, languid and like a sauna. But this is extremely unwise for hair health. If the water cascading down is piping hot, it’s liable to shock your scalp, possibly even burning it. It’ll also dry out your scalp and hair, making it brittle and damaging the roots in the process. Instead, a short, warm shower with less regularity than you might take in warmer months will do your hair the most good.
Resist The Urge To Overstyle
The same goes for your appliances; heat, it seems, is very much the enemy of healthy winter hair. Indeed, hairdryers, straighteners, curling tongs…all of these tools in your arsenal can dry out your hair and scalp, leaving it susceptible to damage, dryness and those dreaded split ends. Instead, embrace a more natural look, as well as the deployment of heat protection sprays and leave-in conditioners.
Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Similarly, and while it might be tempting to pull your hair back into a tight bun or ponytail for that Christmas party, it’s best to avoid such hairstyles during the winter months. Tight hairstyles can cause tension on your hair follicles, leading to breakage and hair loss. Instead, opt for loose, comfortable hairstyles that allow your hair to breathe. If you must tie your hair up, use a soft hair tie and avoid pulling too tightly.
Keep Hydrated
Sure, you probably thought summer was the time when hydration was so key. And it is. But it’s equally important in winter, particularly for your skin and hair. Just as plants, trees and crops need water to grow and look their very best, so your hair does, too. And if you’re hydrated on the inside, it’ll certainly show on the outside, too.
Keeping hydrated and your thirst quenched will reach your hair, giving it a luscious look which winter sometimes works pretty hard to rob you of. It’s also been suggested that dandruff is reduced by a healthy routine of h2o consumption. There really is no reason not to reach for another glass of the good stuff. Go on then, what are you waiting for?
Invest in a Good Quality Hair Mask
Winter can be harsh on your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. And when you see just how much a hair transplant costs, you’ll be grateful for more simple protective measures. One of the best, it should be said, is a good quality hair mask, which can provide your hair with the extra nourishment it needs during the festive season.
Look for a mask that contains natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or argan oil. Apply the mask once a week, leaving it on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing. This will help to restore moisture and shine to your hair, leaving it looking healthy and vibrant.
Diet Diligence
The festive diet is notoriously unhealthy. Not only is this bad for your waistline, but it can also affect your hair. So, during this period of copious canapes, Quality Street, eggnog and the rest, make sure that you’re also eating plenty of food rich in natural oils (avocados, nuts, salmon, mackerel and olives), as well as fruit and vegetables high in Vitamin A, C and E (oranges, tomatoes, carrots) to give your body the tools it needs to keep your hair looking healthy.
Also make sure you eat plenty of eggs, if your diet allows, since they are an excellent source of both protein and biotin, nutrients said to encourage hair growth. Hmm, maybe that eggnog is alright, after all.
Don’t Step Out With Wet Hair
Party season is one long anecdote of being in a rush to get somewhere, never quite in the right mindset or outfit to shine. And we’ve certainly all been there; you’re showered and in a mad dash to hit the town. You only have time for one thing and you need to make a decision; hair or make up? The only solution, sadly, is to step out with hair still wet.
But this is a huge mistake where hair health is concerned. Firstly, you’ll catch a cold you crazy thing. But more pertinently, stepping out with locks still soaking can cause them damage; when wet hair meets the biting cold air of winter, it can become less supple and more vulnerable to breakage.
The Bottom Line
The festive season, with all its merriment and indulgence, can often leave our hair feeling neglected. However, with these seven top tips, you can ensure your locks remain luscious and healthy throughout the party season.
Remember, it’s not just about the external care, but also about nourishing from within. Hydration, a balanced diet, and avoiding heat and tension on your hair are all key. So, this Christmas, while you’re decking the halls and jingling the bells, don’t forget to give your hair the care it deserves. After all, healthy, shiny hair is the best accessory you can wear to any festive gathering.