Winter weather often brings cold, dry air, dehydrating the scalp and hair strands. This can lead to dryness, brittleness, and breakage, which can cause hairs to fall out. Aside from these apparent symptoms, it’s essential to consider your diet and hydration levels during the winter to help reduce hair loss.
A hot shower may feel soothing on a chilly morning, but it can also strip your scalp and hair of natural oils. This can leave your hair and scalp feeling dry, itchy and flaky. Additionally, hot water can rob your strands of the fatty acids they need to stay healthy and strong.
When the temperatures drop, you may find yourself cozying up with a steaming cup of cocoa and a good book while a crackling fire burns nearby. However, the season can also bring various issues to your hair and scalp, including frizz, tangles, dryness, and more.
What causes these winter hair problems? The cold air, indoor heaters, and reduced humidity can all impact your hair’s natural moisture levels. These changes can cause the cuticles of your hair strands to lift ever so slightly, making it difficult for moisture to stay locked in. This can cause dryness, tangles, and even early breakage, leaving you with unruly flyaways and frustrating frizz.
It’s essential to be consistent with your moisturizing routine in the winter. Using a lightweight hydrating shampoo and conditioner can help hydrate your strands from the scalp to the tips of your hair. Additionally, incorporating a hair mask into your routine containing ingredients that lock in moisture can benefit your locks.
Another way to keep your strands hydrated is by consuming more nutrient-rich foods. Foods such as ground flaxseed, nuts, salmon, avocados, and soybeans can provide your body with the necessary fatty acids to create sebum, which helps keep your scalp and hair healthy and hydrated.
In addition to these dietary changes, you should drink more water in the winter to maintain proper hydration. When the temperature drops, most people drink less water due to decreased thirst. Instead, many will turn to beverages like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and soda to quench their thirst, which can dehydrate your body more than drinking nothing. To avoid this, drink enough water throughout the day and try consuming drinks that contain electrolytes and potassium to replenish fluids more quickly.
