Save hair from pollution this winter

Sweater weather is here. Research has shown that people can experience increased hair shedding in winter months compared to summer due to dry weather and pollution. People regularly exposed to pollutants in their day-to-day lives during winters face the problem of hair fall, dandruff and frizz. If you are already facing this issue, pollution and cold waves can worsen your problems, especially if you're living in urban areas and hilly regions.

The scalp skin is more delicate having a higher number of sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and hair follicles. The pollutants enter the skin barrier and produce free radicals which further aggravate your scalp leading to inflammation, dehydration and ageing. This makes scalp care essential.

Smoky, polluted air, dry climatic conditions can cause hair quality to deteriorate, making it brittle and more susceptible to breakage and split ends . Be extra gentle when styling and always start combing from the ends of your hair, up. Gentle brushing removes old hair, dead skin cells and other chemical products. Brushing also increases blood circulation. Use the nozzle on hair dryers to minimize heat exposure and keep irons less than 400 degrees for fine hair and 410 for thick hair.

Adjust your styling routine

Minimise the amount of heat you use and always use a heat protecting product .If you have long hair, it's better to avoid opening them while you are going out as it will expose all hair with pollutants. Most of us leave home when our hair is still wet from showers due to time constraints and reach workplaces in time . But please remember that wet hair attracts dust and grime even more, and the same goes for applying too much cream and oil-based products. If you don't have time to completely dry your hair with a blower, use paper towels available in your kitchen which are made with highly absorbent material. After gently towel-drying your hair, pat your hair with paper towels. This is one way to protect hair as dust and dirt particles easily stick to wet hair.

Hydration

Your dull and dry locks need to be hydrated for them to look healthy and shiny after being exposed to extreme cold conditions and pollution in cities. Staying hydrated is highly beneficial for your hair follicles from within and for your hair shafts to stay healthy. Ensure that you are drinking a minimum 3 litres water daily to keep your hair properly hydrated and prevent your scalp from drying out.

Another way to help with dryness is with a hydrating mask. Choose a moisturising or reparative formula and use it at least once a week. Oil your hair regularly. This is a serious game changer and will definitely help you get rid of your hair problems.

Nothing works like Champi once every two weeks or so.

Mix one teaspoon each of vinegar and honey with one egg. Massage the mixture lightly into the scalp. Leave on for half an hour and then wash the hair. Rinse well with water. Heat pure coconut oil and apply on the hair. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Leave oil on overnight and wash hair the next day.

The best advice about protecting the hair is cover your head when in open, tone down on the styling and keep it clean.