Everyone knows the effects of heat on hair: it dries it out, damages it deeply and leaves it parched. But what about the cold? Winter is fast approaching, and in some regions the cold is already here. So we decided to look into the subject to help you get your hair ready for the cold.

Before reading on, it helps to understand the difference between the scalp and the hair. The scalp is alive, since it is the skin at the base of the hair. It is the source of the hair’s health, whereas the hair itself is dead matter.

The impact of cold on our hair

Cold has a beneficial effect on the scalp. According to some studies, applying cold to the scalp could reduce the amount of hair lost. It is, in fact, sometimes used during chemotherapy. (1) Using a cooling cap, cold is applied to the scalp to reduce the amount of hair lost during the treatment.

Cold is also known to improve blood circulation. Good blood circulation in the scalp helps stimulate hair growth and gives you stronger hair. It is also recommended to finish your shower with cold water, as this stimulates blood circulation in the scalp and therefore helps preserve the health of your hair.

Hair itself, on the other hand, isn’t affected by the cold because it is dead matter, as we said above. However, there is indeed a risk of breakage when we go outside with wet hair in cold weather.

At low temperatures, the water around the hair can freeze and break the strands. That’s why it’s important to dry your hair thoroughly before going out in winter.

Protecting your hair in winter

Scarves and other sweaters made of synthetic materials also cause friction, which can create static electricity in the hair, especially in cold, dry weather. This is the phenomenon that makes our hair float slightly and cling to our clothes.

To avoid this, prevent tangling and protect the hair from friction, a simple tip is to wear a braid or a loose bun so as not to damage your hair.

All in all, winter isn’t the harshest time of year for hair. It is, however, worth taking a few simple precautions, as mentioned in this article, to take care of our hair this season and shine through the end of the year!

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