Caring for Hair During the Winter Months

Due to the weather patterns created by La Nina, this winter is predicted to produce cooler temperatures and more snow than the Chicago area is used to. Whatever the cause of our bone-chilling winters, our nails, skin, and hair are moisture-starved and prone to damage. Since a vacation to a humidity-rich tropical island isn’t feasible for most people, the only reasonable alternative is to find ways to prevent the chapped skin and from split ends from which we often suffer. While there are a host of solutions your Derick dermatologist may recommend to combat dry skin, it may be less intuitive to ask about solutions to protect your hair. Before the harsh Chicago winters begin to affect your blow-out, use the three tips below to prevent damaged winter hair.

1. Shampoo Less Often – Instead of washing your hair daily, try going two or three days between washes. The natural oils produced by your scalp will coat your hair and prevent excessive dryness. Start with shampooing every other day, then gradually increase the number of days between washing until you and your hair reach a happy medium between lustrous and greasy.
2. Skip the Heat – One of the perks of washing your hair less frequently is that you also avoid having to use the hair dryer, flat iron, or curling wand every day. Using such tools sucks the moisture right out of your hair – especially if it is chemically treated (think of the steam you see coming off of the flat iron when you glide it down your ‘do). Even if your hair requires daily washing, consider skipping the heating tools as often as possible to avoid over-drying.
3. Deep Condition – Once or twice a week, use a deep conditioner or hair mask and don’t rinse it off until the very end of your shower. The longer you keep it in, the longer your hair has to absorb the product. For extra-dry hair, consider using a leave-in conditioner or overnight hair mask to add extra moisture.

If your go-to remedies don’t work for you this winter, let Derick Dermatology come to your rescue. They may not have the power to change the weather, but they have over fifteen skilled professionals who are ready to help you be more comfortable in your own skin, no matter what the temperature. Contact our offices in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Crystal Lake, or Elgin to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists.