It’s that time of year when many of us experience frizzy, seemingly unmanageable hair and tangles. Here are five simple tips to keep your hair looking and feeling soft and luscious all winter long.
1. GET TO KNOW YOUR HAIR TYPE
Is your hair curly, straight, fine, or coarse? Once you learn your type, you can start choosing shampoo and conditioner that are made for your hair. Choosing the right products based on your hair type is essential for ensuring they bring out the best of what’s already there.
2. MINIMAL HAIR WASHING
We tend to wash our hair every day (I used to be like this too). In reality, the oils in our scalp are beneficial to the health of our hair, and the healthier our hair is, the better it looks and feels. Washing too much can strip the scalp of these important oils, leaving your hair feeling dry and frizzy. Try washing your hair every other day and see how it looks and feels. If it’s still looking clean by day two, try skipping another day. Get into a hair-washing routine that works for you, without overdoing it. The scalp oils will start nourishing your hair, allowing it to grow back shiny and luscious.
3. WASH THE SCALP, NOT THE LOCKS
The purpose of shampoo is to get rid of any dirt and debris that may accumulate in your beautiful locks. But more importantly, it’s meant to clean the scalp and wash away any built-up product, dead skin, and excess oils. Next time you wash your hair, try applying a smaller amount of shampoo to focus on the scalp and avoid spreading it through the entire length of your locks. You may just notice your hair is more moisturised, less frizzy, and more manageable.
4. CONDITION THOSE LOCKS, BABY
This may be obvious, but conditioner locks in moisture and keeps hair from becoming tangled. This is especially helpful when you brush your hair immediately after a shower; there are fewer tangles to apply pressure to, which will ultimately decrease damage to your hair. The more conditioner you apply to the scalp, however, the more you risk buildup and excess oil production, so try applying conditioner to the hair without applying directly to the scalp.
5. TRY A CASTOR OIL HAIR MASK
I recommend a castor oil hair mask one to two times every month, or every week if your hair is looking considerably dry and dull. Applying this mask to the scalp helps increase blood supply to the area and stimulates new, luscious hair growth.
With these five tips, you can say goodbye to frizzy and unmanageable hair this winter.
HOW TO DO A CASTOR OIL HAIR MASK
- Apply a few tablespoons of castor oil to the palms.
- Starting at the scalp, work the oil into your hair using circular motions. Massage for 5 minutes.
- After performing the massage, leave the oil in your hair for at least an hour, or preferably overnight.
- Shampoo and condition your hair in the morning (or after a few hours), as usual, to remove the oil.
Note: Castor oil can stain fabrics! I recommend using an old towel or pillowcase to wrap your hair and wearing an old t-shirt during castor oil scalp massages.
