Winter hair care do's and don'ts
Daily Shot
When the temperature drops, our hair can take a serious beating. Style maven Gretta Monahan says most people notice a big difference in their locks in the winter months. "The dew point is lower, so your hair isn't getting that natural moisture from the air," she says. "You're also drying your hair more on average. Even your conditioners and shampoos don't absorb as readily." So how can we keep our hair looking shiny and healthy despite the cold? Gretta has a few essential tips: DO condition more frequently, or try using a hair mask to lock in moisture. "If your hair's really brittle, look for key ingredients like soy proteins, panthenol, or shea butter," Gretta says. DO try to go a day without washing to help reduce dryness. If you feel as if you must shampoo daily, try a dry shampoo. DO use dryer sheets. If you get frustrated with flyaways after wearing a winter hat, a dryer sheet tames unruly strands and adds a little shine. DON't wear a ponytail all the time. "If you put your hair up every day, especially in the winter when it's more brittle than dry, your hair breaks more," Gretta says. "If you are going to wear it up a lot, wear it loosely and move it around." DON'T dye your hair. "Back off coloring," Gretta says. She recommends using glazes instead of highlights; glazes often contain lower levels of ammonia and peroxide, which dry out your hair. DON'T wash your hair with hot water. It's a tough rule to follow in the winter, but Gretta says it's important to "rinse hair with lukewarm water. Your hair will be shinier, and you will not have as much dryness or brittleness."