Managing your hair in the winter

Winter is in full swing and unfortunately so is dull, dry, lifeless hair. Sound familiar? Just like we change our clothing in the winter, it is important to change our hair care routine. It's important to begin at the source of the winter blues. Indoor heat is running and showers are warmer. Who doesn't like a hot steamy shower in the chilly winter mornings? I know I do! Check your heat source to make sure the humidifier is working properly. If all is good with that and your hair, skin, and sinuses are still dry you may want to add a portable humidifier to your bedroom. Make sure you get an antimicrobial one. If you must take a hot shower, start out steamy and lower the temperature by the time you are rinsing your conditioner. This is good for many things, not just your hair and skin. Check out www.wimhofmethod.com about the benefits of cold water exposure. He takes it to another level but you can see why turning the water temperature down even 10 degrees is beneficial.

Got your sources under control? Now to look at your products. Starting with a good clarifying shampoo is key. If your hair is coated in products, wax, even natural oils, no conditioner will break through to give benefits. I recommend Eufora Urgent Repair Shampoo. It deep cleanses using organic ingredients to remove impurities with out stripping color from your hair. Please purchase in a participating salon not off Amazon. The efficacy cannot not be trusted (more about this later). https://eufora.net/salon-locator/ will take you directly to a reliable source.

Now that your hair is fresh and ready to go, make sure you towel blot (not rub) your hair so that it can absorb the conditioner better. Choose a mask that is designed for your hair type. Many companies now make masks in many different varieties that will work best for your hair. I will list my favorites below. Apply the conditioner from 3 inches off your scalp through the ends. Unless your scalp is really dry and doesn't produce enough oil (this is only about 10% the population and you know who you are). Gently comb through with a wide tooth comb starting at the ends and working your way up. Be gentle and kind to your hair, take 2 extra minutes to reduce breakage and split ends. The whole reason we are treating our hair in the first place right? Cover your hair with a plastic cap or bag to keep the moisture in and prevent it from drying out. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time or longer. You will continue to receive benefits unless the conditioner starts drying out.

Kerastase Masuintense for fine or thick hair

Kerastase Cronologiste-- great for all hair types! Not only is this one good for moisturizing, it also smoothes while maintaining body. http://www.kerastase-usa.com/hair-masque

Ekatala Organic Meditation Mask http://www.ekatala.com/collections/hair-bath-body/products/organic-meditation-hair-mask

Shu Uemura Ultimate Remedy http://www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/ultimate-remedy

If this all seems like too much work for at home and you prefer a more pampering experience, make an appointment with your stylist for a treatment. He/she will make sure your treatment is properly applied and many offer an extra scalp massage with treatment! Many in salon treatments are stronger containing even more benefits than at home treatments.

Once the time is up and you're read to see your results, throughly rinse the product out and towel blot. Choose your leave in product. This is just as important as the conditioner itself. It creates easier style ability and locks the conditioner into your hair. Ask your stylist to help you choose one for your hair type. I will list some below. If you use a dryer or iron on your hair, make sure you have a heat protectant. If your hair is fine use something lighter like Bumble and Bumble quench or Ekatala organic detangling spray. If your hair it thick and or frizzy be sure to use cream or oil based products not silicone. Silicone can be beneficial in the summer to repel moisture. In the winter we need to hold the moisture in your hair! My favorites are Kerastase Keratine Thermique and Ekatala Organic silk serum-- this one smells so amazing you'll want to put it all over your body!

I hope this helps!! Stay tuned for more tricks of the trade.

XO,

Ariel