The founder and mastermind of the Beauty Essential Lab Organic Skincare cosmetic line, a graduate of the London School of Organic Cosmetics Victoria Plotnikova told me about how to take care of your hair in the winter season:
– Internal beauty and external are interconnected. I am a passionate believer in the power of plants, natural beauty and energy balance. And I believe that our cosmetics, like our food, should only consist of natural ingredients. To keep your hair soft and manageable during winter, stay away from sulfates and silicones. Buy oil-based shampoos and conditioners. Silicone gives hair a soft look, but it dries hair in the long run. The more silicone you use, the more you will need it.
Tips:
- If your scalp is flaky, try washing your hair with cooler water and faster than usual. Massage your scalp with olive or coconut oil.
- Try not to wash your hair every day or even every other day. Use dry shampoo to refresh your hair. Or rinse them with a cool shower and apply only conditioner, especially to the ends.
- Use a natural bristle brush to get rid of static electricity. You can also lightly moisten your fingertips with oil and run them through dry hair. Avoid wool and acrylic hats.
- Cover your hair outdoors to protect it from cold, wind, and snow.
- Dry your hair thoroughly before going outside, or it’s best to try washing it overnight so it can dry completely by morning.
- Moisturize your hair even if you don’t normally do it. Use moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and masks.
- Beautiful hair starts with a balanced diet. Healthy and fresh foods provide them with essential nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in tuna, herring, mackerel, nuts, nourish and restore hair. In addition, fish, dairy products and eggs are excellent sources of protein that strengthens hair follicles. And all of these foods are rich in iron, a very important mineral for hair. Finally, eat lots of fruits and vegetables: they are full of vitamins needed for healthy and shiny hair.
I also want to tell you about a deep spa nourishment and treatment that keeps hair soft and strong, even in winter. Do a warm oil wrap once a week. This is to reduce or prevent damage to weakened or colored hair. Also, such wraps are great for moisturizing dry hair and protecting from the harsh environment. The warm oil opens the hair cuticles, and nutrients easily penetrate into each hair.
Oils can be divided into two types: some penetrate into the upper layers of the hair, others cover the hair.
Oils that can penetrate the hair structureif the hair needs additional nutrition and treatment due to dryness and damage:
- Coconut oil strengthens hair, reduces dandruff;
- avocado oil contains a cocktail of vitamins, amino acids and proteins that stimulate growth, strengthen and moisturize hair;
- olive oil strengthens and improves general condition, reduces the appearance of split ends.
Oils that coat and seal hairneeded for those suffering from dry and damaged hair:
- Castor oil promotes hair growth and keeps hair hydrated;
- jojoba oil most of all resembles oils produced by the skin – sebum – and has antibacterial properties;
- grape seed oil protects hair during heat treatment, keeps the scalp healthy, prevents dandruff.
How to make a warm hair wrap with oils
- Shampoo your hair to open the hair cuticles. This makes it easier for the oil to penetrate.
- Choose the oil or oil combination that works best for your hair. Heat the oil in a steam bath to 40 degrees to avoid scalding. Do not heat oil in the microwave!
- First, apply warm oil to your scalp and massage gently with your fingertips. Then apply the oil to damp hair and cover it with a heated towel, for more effect, put on a shower cap on top.
- Leave the mixture on your hair for half an hour to an hour so that the oil is well absorbed into the skin and hair.
- Rinse hair thoroughly with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and dry.
You should not resort to wrapping for pregnant women, those with severe hair loss or allergies.