Winter hair care: Expert tips to combat dryness, breakage, and hair loss

With the cold season and polluted atmosphere round the corner, it becomes hard to maintain good hair health. Problems such as hair fall and dandruff can take a toll on an individual mentally as well as physically.

During winter, washing hair daily becomes a task, and covering it with a scarf or a hat becomes a necessity, but both can have an impact on hair health. With the season’s harsh conditions causing hair to become brittle and prone to breakage, hair care specialists are offering essential tips to keep your locks healthy.

Harsimran Kaur, a dermatologist and medical advisor at Kaya Clinic in Delhi, advises people to adopt oil-based treatments, trim their hair regularly, and wash it less frequently. She also suggests using sulfate-free products and applying a hair mask weekly to maintain hydration and manageability.

She cautions that hot water can strip hair of its natural oils and increase frizz. Instead, water should be warm enough to remove dirt and residue, but not so hot that it irritates or damages the hair. A temperature just above body temperature is ideal.

Kaur also recommends using products that contain hyaluronic acid for added moisture and better hair manageability. She highlights the benefits of products with argan or almond oil for nourishment.

Additionally, she stresses the importance of using a heat-protectant spray before styling. Staying hydrated and incorporating nuts and seeds into the diet can also benefit hair health. She adds that seasonal winter greens can help boost immunity and prevent hair loss.

“Actually, hair becomes dry during winters; oiling can be beneficial,” said Kavya, a dermatologist from Oasis Clinic, Delhi. “Always use lukewarm water only, neither too hot nor cold. We have different therapies available to improve hair health; we can do PRPs, LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy), or Meso-Peel for dandruff. We can take supplements like omega-3, vitamin D capsules, which help in improving hair quality.”

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Hair health is a complex interplay of nutrition, care, and lifestyle factors that significantly impact hair’s appearance, strength, and growth.

Proper nutrition forms the foundational cornerstone of healthy hair, with protein being the most critical element in hair structure and regeneration.

Dr Geeta Grewal, Founder and CMD of 9 Muses Wellness Clinic outlines how environmental changes during colder months can lead to reduced moisture and increased frizz, making proper hair care essential.

“Cold air in winter strips moisture, while the sun’s heat and UV rays in summer can cause dryness and split ends. It is important to keep your locks nourished and your scalp happy. To protect your hair, use moisturizing products, avoid excessive heat styling, and cover your hair to shield it from the elements,” she advises.

Dr Grewal emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy scalp through regular washing. “Washing your hair regularly is essential for scalp health. It helps remove dirt, pollutants, and excess sebum, which can lead to bacteria buildup and scalp irritation. A clean scalp creates the perfect foundation for healthy hair growth,” she explains.

Consuming a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals directly influences hair quality and growth. Proteins provide the fundamental building blocks for keratin, the primary structural protein in hair strands.

Vitamins like biotin, vitamin A, C, and E play crucial roles in maintaining scalp health and promoting hair follicle strength. Nutritional deficiency may impact both hair structure and hair growth. A lot of research has proven the relation between nutrition and hair health.

Dr Danish, a dermatologist from Kashmir, explains that during winter, cold temperatures and dry air strip the scalp of its natural moisture, making hair more brittle and prone to breakage.

He emphasises that winter causes hair to lose its moisture, and the most effective way to preserve hair health is through consistent care. For optimal results, he advises applying shampoo to the scalp and roots, not just the ends of the hair. Conditioner should be applied only to the hair, not the scalp, and should be used after towel-drying.

Danish also recommends consuming nutrient-dense foods and exercising regularly for better hair health. He highlights the importance of adequate sleep and stress management in maintaining strong, healthy hair.

Hair follows a natural growth cycle involving Anagen (growth)—the growth phase, when hair grows at a rate of 1 to 3 centimetres per month, Telogen (resting)—the resting phase, where the hair does not grow, and Exogen (shedding)—the shedding phase, where hair falls out and is replaced by new hair. During winter, more hair strands simultaneously enter the shedding phase, creating an illusion of excessive hair loss. The average person typically sheds 50-100 hair strands daily, but winter conditions can exacerbate this process.

To protect hair from harsh winds and indoor heating systems, wearing hats or scarves is essential. However, be mindful of tight-fitting hats that can cause friction and breakage. Opt for loose-fitting options made from soft materials like silk to prevent damage.