Revitalize Your Hair: Transitioning from Winter to Spring
Revitalize Your Hair: Transitioning from Winter to Spring
Transition periods can be challenging, affecting us psychologically, socially, and aesthetically. The unpredictable weather of February and March can take a toll on our bodies, and one common issue during this time is the condition of our hair. To help restore your hair’s attractiveness and health, we’ve gathered insights from top stylist and award-winning hair artist, Sergey Lysenko.
The Winter Hair Struggle
During the cold season, excessive friction between hair and clothing can cause damage, leading to split ends. Winter also deprives our hair of essential nutrients, making moisture crucial. The sudden temperature changes, such as using a hairdryer indoors and then venturing out into the cold, contribute to increased dryness.
Many people don’t protect their hair during winter, leaving it exposed to the elements without a hat. This can lead to static electricity, which becomes a nuisance to manage later on.
Hydration: The Key to Healthy Hair
There are several ways to hydrate your hair:
- Daily hydration: Apply conditioner after washing your hair, leaving it on for a few minutes or rinsing it off immediately.
- Intensive hydration: For hair that has undergone lightening or highlighting, apply conditioner for 5-7 minutes and mix in some oils. These oils help transport the treatment deep into the hair structure.
- Deep hydration: Necessary for hair that has undergone drastic color changes or decapitation (a professional term for removing cosmetic color from hair). In these cases, use masks containing natural keratin protein to deeply moisturize and restore the hair’s internal structure.
Oils: Choosing the Right One for Your Hair Type
When selecting hair care products, including oils, consider your hair type:
- Thick, heavy oils are suitable for dense, thick hair.
- Lighter oils are better for fine hair. Rub a few drops between your palms and apply to the mid-lengths or ends, depending on your hair’s condition. Oils can be applied to both dry and damp hair.
Masks: Weekly Treatments for Dry Hair
If your hair is not damaged but dry, use a mask once a week. Apply it to towel-dried hair for 15-20 minutes. Leaving excess water in your hair can prevent the treatment from penetrating the hair structure, causing the mask to remain on the surface. After applying the treatment, put on a plastic shower cap and wrap a towel around your head to keep it warm. For severely damaged hair, repeat this process 2-3 times a week for two weeks.
Restoring Your Hair’s Health
The most crucial advice for hydrating and restoring your hair is to consult a specialist before taking action. With numerous professionals available, you can easily find one whose work resonates with you. From a professional standpoint, pay attention to the condition of their tools, the quality of their cosmetic products, and their behavior during consultations and treatments.
At home, you can use masks and oils. However, if your hair is in poor condition, it’s best to visit a specialist for a comprehensive treatment consisting of 4-5 steps.
Taming Static Electricity
Static electricity in hair is caused by improper care, dryness, excessive damage, low-quality dyes, and poorly chosen treatments. While it’s nearly impossible to eliminate static electricity entirely, choosing the right brushes can help. Opt for carbon brushes, and if you’re blow-drying your hair with a round brush for volume, use a wooden brush with natural bristles. Before blow-drying, remove the nozzle from your hairdryer to diffuse the airflow.
Hold the hairdryer at a distance from your hair and visualize the desired shape. If your hair is hanging freely, direct the airflow vertically downward, parallel to the strands. For fine hair, you can blow-dry with a brush without a nozzle, as a concentrated airflow can over-dry and damage specific sections, making them more prone to static electricity.
Anti-Static Products
Anti-static conditioners are applied after washing, but they may not be suitable for fine hair as they can weigh it down. If your hair looks greasy by midday, it could be due to a heavy mask or conditioner. For thicker, denser hair that can handle excess product, you can use anti-static conditioners, leave-in conditioners, and fluids.
Products that slightly weigh down hair and make the structure denser significantly reduce static. The most sensitive hair type is fine and thin, which is also the most prone to static electricity. Finding the right products for this hair type can be challenging. For lighter, finer hair, consider using a spray.
Sprays distribute evenly on the hair’s surface without penetrating the structure and evaporate during drying, leaving little residue. You can use sprays daily. Oils and fluids are also suitable for fine hair.
Chemical treatments can help if your hair struggles to hold volume or gets greasy quickly. The least problematic hair type is Asian, straight, and thick hair. Due to their weight, they are minimally affected by external factors and rarely experience static electricity. For curly hair, finding a good conditioner with a special molecular structure designed to preserve the beauty of natural curls is essential.
For more information on hair care, visit American Academy of Dermatology.