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The winter is here and in full effect in Michigan; which means
a change of wardrobe, driving conditions and should mean a
change in your hair care regimen. If you were lax in your hair
care during the warmer months, you may have survived with minor
damage, but if you do not take some serious precautions during
the colder months, come Spring, you will definitely regret it.
Because the winter months can wreak havoc on your hair, it's
very important to choose low maintenance styles so that you do
not have to comb or brush often. It's also a great idea to
incorporate a routine that causes very little stress on your
hair such as letting the hair air dry instead of blow drying
it; finger combing the hair instead of using an actual comb; or
if you do use a comb, use a wide tooth comb. Also, chose good
moisturizing hair care products that do not contain mineral
oil, paraffin, petrolatum, SLS or SLES, as all of these cause
dryness.
The harsh cold and frosty winds can cause excessive dryness and
dandruff, and if you don't retain or replenish the moisture in
your hair, damage will soon follow. The best way to combat this
is by protecting the hair. During the winter, I never leave out
of my house without my hair being covered. I generally wear a
satin or silk scarf under my winter hat to preserve the style
as well as prevent direct contact with the harsh material most
hats are made of.
In the winter the air becomes extremely dry and harsh; inside
and outside. In order to retain moisture in your hair during
the day, it is good to use a humidifier to emit humidity in the
air inside of your home or office. This will not only combat
dry and brittle hair, but can help prevent or minimize
dandruff.
Many women opt to wear protective styles during the winter.
Protective styles are styles that guard the ends of the hair
from the elements; buns, braid extensions, and weaves are a few
protective styles to consider. Each of these styles are
generally low maintenance, and if maintained properly will
allow you to preserve as much of your hair as possible
throughout the winter months.
If you choose to wear a bun, it's important to make sure that
the hair is not pulled back too tightly, as this may cause
stress on the hair line. It is also a good idea to take the bun
down every night and lightly mist the ends (about the last 2
inches of hair) with a good moisturizing spray such as Growth
by Sweet Nature by Eddie; and then lock in that moisture with a
heavy oil such as castor oil. This will leave the hair super
soft, strong and moisturized in the morning.
Braid extensions are also a great choice for winter months. If
you follow these simple tips, not only will you preserve your
hair, but you will have much stronger, softer and healthier
hair come Spring. If you are going to use synthetic braiding
hair such as yaki, kanekelon or other synthetic fibers, it is
best if you soak the hair in apple cider vinegar and then rinse
in cool water before getting your extensions put in. Synthetic
braids come coated with a chemical that causes our hair to
become dry; this will strip the chemical away. Another way to
reduce dryness is by spraying the hair with a braid spray every
day, again the Growth Spray by Sweet Nature is an excellent
braid spray. You don't have to drench the hair; a fine mist
throughout the extensions will suffice
Weaves are considered protective only if they are sewn in and
your own hair is cornrowed, out of harm's way. In this case,
the only thing that is essential to retain moisture is to make
sure that it is replenished on a regular basis. Depending on
the quality of the weave, it's a good idea to run water through
the hair on a regularly, followed with a good moisturizing
spray.
Regardless of which protective style you chose to rock during
the winter, it's important to make water your best friend;
drink plenty of it and let it run through your hair often. You
don't have to shampoo your hair every time you get it wet, but
just letting water run through your hair will restore lost
moisture. When I wear braid extensions, I let water run through
my braid every other day; although I wash them only once a
week. I also try to kick up my water intake to no less than
sixty or so ounces a day.
The best way of all to combat winter damage is to be proactive.
If you start out with your hair strong and healthy before the
winter, it will be a lot easier to maintain and preserve during
winter. Adopt a weekly routine of washing with a moisturizing
shampoo void of SLS and SLES; a good deep conditioner, and good
moisturizer that does not contain mineral oil, petrolatum or
paraffin, as these ingredients lead to dryness.
About The Author:
I am a healthy hair care specialist, creator of Sweet Nature by
Eddie comprehensive healthy hair care system, author of Relaxed
or Natural, You Can Have Beautiful, Healthy Hair, and the owner
of http://www.fabulousblackwoman.com
By Eddie Simpson
January 15, 2009
Source: Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Simpson
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