Dr Balwi, a leading hair surgeon at Elithair has shared why wet hair is more prone to damage during the winter and how to prevent hair breakage as temperatures drop.
With the Met Office predicting snow this October, temperatures are set to continue dropping.
As the seasons change, many people experience dryer skin and cracked lips, our hair can also be impacted by the colder weather.
Dr Balwi said leaving the house with wet hair during the colder months is detrimental to hair health.
He is advising people on what haircare products can be used to replenish hair that has been damaged by the cold weather.
Why is wet hair more prone to damage during the winter?
“Hair is more prone to damage when it is wet”, Dr Balwi explains. “Hair is made up of proteins better known as keratins which sit within the hair cuticles. When the hair is wet, the protein bonds are weaker, making the hair easier to damage.
“Cold air can cause the water in your hair to freeze and expand; in turn, hair fibres expand as well. This expansion can damage the hair cuticle, resulting in split ends and hair breakage. Wet hair is far more sensitive to environmental damage and therefore when temperatures drop, it is wise to dry your hair before leaving the house to avoid impacting your hair health.
“Moreover, cold and windy conditions strip wet hair of moisture, once again making the hair dry and brittle. As the hair cuticle opens up more when the hair is wet, it allows cold air to extract the hair’s moisture. This causes the hair to become dry and coarse making it tangled and difficult to manage.”
How to prevent hair from becoming damaged in the winter?
It is important to make sure your hair is dry before leaving the house in cold weather conditions to prevent the hair from becoming dry, brittle and dull.
Dr Balwi also recommends that people include more moisturising products in their haircare routine during the colder months, this includes hair oils, hair masks and leave-in conditioners. These will help to seal moisture into the hair and replenish any moisture lost as a result of the weather.
How to treat damaged hair?
People who think their hair is damaged due to leaving the house with wet hair this winter, or if finding the cold weather is making your hair feel dry and bristly, there are some key haircare ingredients that you should consider adding to a haircare routine to help restore moisture.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is an essential component in a good haircare routine if people want to achieve glossy, glass-like hair, it can help smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, enhance shine and provide intense hydration. Like glycerin, it attracts moisture to the hair, helping to maintain its moisture balance and improve elasticity.
Argan oil
Argan oil is lightweight and non-greasy, making it ideal for providing shine and smoothness without weighing down the hair. It absorbs quickly into the hair shaft, helping to hydrate, nourish and tame frizz, resulting in a glossy, sleek finish. Argan oil also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that promote overall hair health.
While coconut oil, jojoba oil and avocado oil are also beneficial for hair, argan oil is particularly well-known for its ability to enhance shine and manageability, making it a great addition to a hair care routine.
Silk proteins
Silk proteins have a lightweight molecular structure that allows them to penetrate the hair shaft easily, providing deep hydration and strengthening the hair from within.
They also create a protective barrier on the hair’s surface, helping to shield it from environmental damage and heat styling.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps to moisturise the hair and scalp, preventing dryness and enhancing shine. It also promotes healthy circulation to the scalp, which can stimulate hair growth and improve the overall condition of the hair.
Additionally, vitamin E has antioxidant properties that help to protect the hair from environmental damage and free radicals, which can cause dullness and breakage.
