Depending on where you’re from (or rather, how far north of London you reside), some businesses might be looking at new restrictions and closures due to COVID-19. And because of those restrictions, hairdressers and hair stylists might not be operating as usual.
This spells bad news; over summer, the sun, seawater, or pool chemicals might have damaged your hair, making it look dull and brittle. And the effects of the changing seasons on your hair only look set to cause more trouble up top.
Don’t live the next few months in fear; if your hairdresser hasn’t re-opened yet, or if they’ve been forced to close again, there is no need to spend the whole winter with a hairstyle you’re not so happy about. Instead, some DIY tricks can help you regain the lost beauty of your hair and make it look shiny once again. With that in mind, here are 5 DIY tips to keep your locks in check this Winter.
KNOW YOUR PRODUCTS
Most of us have been using the internet to do the majority of our shopping lately, and when buying hair care products online, it is crucial that you ensure that they are high-quality blends that will only make your hair healthier. Silicone and alcohol-based products, as well as those including parabens, might make your hair look shiny in the short term but they can cause severe damage later down the line.
Play the long game; make sure you read the label and check the ingredients before purchase. Though you may well require a PHD to recognise the various chemicals involved, a reliable hair product will usually declare if it’s silicone, alcohol and paraben ‘free’.
CONSIDER NATURAL HOME REMEDIES
Alongside high-quality shampoos and conditioners refreshingly free of those pesky ingredient-interlopers we already mentioned, you should also consider treating your hair with an all-natural mask if you want to ensure its legacy long into Winter.
You can create an easy one at home with natural ingredients that are typically found lurking in the back of kitchen cupboards. Indeed, olive oil, aloe vera, and coconut oil are some of the many products that can help your hair look after its healthy cells and repair its damaged ones. Check out our tips of 7 IDEAL natural remedies for thicker luscious locks for more on this fascinating subject!
GIVE IT A CUT
Undoubtedly, for a more elaborate cut, you should wait for your trusted hairdresser or stylist to re-open; only the incredibly brave or foolish would attempt a Pixie or Patterned Undercut with only scissors, a mirror and their own hands available.
However, if you have noticed split ends that make your hair look unhealthy and brittle, there might be something you can do at home. Though DIY haircuts are not something that comes naturally to everyone, you can make a pretty good go of it, if you always start with cutting away less. This gradual approach can help you see a mistake in time and recover quickly. In the long run, this might be a valuable life skill learnt.
OPT FOR A NATURAL LOOK
If your hair looks damaged and dry, complicated styling won’t help. Using heat, hairdryers, and hair straighteners on a regular basis can damage the cells of your scalp and hair even further, hiding that process for the time being, but worsening the overall health of your hair in the future.
Instead, you can try to make your hair look fuller and healthier by switching to a more nutritious diet, dyeing the roots of your hair, or trying an egg mask. Remember that healthier hair will naturally look much better. So, using natural, chemical-free products and opting for simpler styling can help you avoid adding stress to your locks.
PICK YOUR HAIR TIES WISELY
Hair ties are known to be extremely damaging for your hair. Indeed, they can pull your strands back, adding stress to the scalp and locks. Additionally, if you tie your hair too tightly, it can cut through the hair shaft, breaking the strands and making your hair look thinner over time. While tying your hair up once in a while or doing so just to avoid your strands bouncing on your face on your evening jog is okay, you should always try to avoid tight ponytails or buns – especially when you are indoors and your hairstyle does not matter as much!