Winter hair care tips: Preventing dried-out hair and an itchy scalp (Part 1)

By Olly Lee　Translated by Angel Pu

GAVIN HAIR 02-8771-3719
Stylist: Max, 7 years experience as hair designer

Q1: Why is my hair getting dry in the winter?
A: The main reason is the changing temperature. During winter time, the average outdoor temperature is lower and usually indoor temperatures are higher. This temperature difference can cause dry hair. Winter air is also drier and colder, affecting hair's moisture content as humidity levels drop. Normally, moisture content for our hair should be 15% and, if it falls below 10%, it becomes dry, causing split ends.

Q2: How do I prevent an itchy scalp in winter?
A: In the dry winter, our scalps easily to lose their moisture balance, causing the epidermis (outer skin layer) to begin flaking. As flaking accelerates, pityrosporum ovale--a naturally-occurring skin fungus--begins to multiply, and eventually you will find yourself dealing with irritating dandruff and an itchy scalp.

Hair designer Max suggests that in order to prevent winter dandruff problems during dry winters, we should choose a more gentle herbal shampoo, avoid using overheated water to wash our hair, and keep a regular daily schedule.

Q3. Basic winter home hair treatment
A: After understanding why your hair is dry in winter, also learn from a professional how to keep your hair beautiful, starting with every time you wash your hair.

1. Choose a more gentle herbal shampoo and clean your hair thoroughly.
2. Completely towel-dry your hair and spread a hair mask evenly on hair ends.
3. Put on a hair cap or wrap a hot towel to help your hair to absorb the nutrients.
4. After waiting for 10 minutes, gently press your hair to get the water out and then only use a wide-tooth comb. Also remember to not brush too quickly or your hair might be damaged.
5. At the same time, you can apply some protein treatment to replenish the moisture content of your hair.
6. Next, blow-dry your hair at the roots and remember to keep the hair-dryer at a 30-centimeters distance. After the roots are dry, blow dry the rest of your hair from top of your head.
7. When your hair is almost dry, you can apply some leave-in anti-frizz products --either gel or cream is okay--and you hair will be moist and shiny.