5 tips to avoid frizzy hair in winter

If you often find yourself reaching out for that woollen cap or scarf to hide the winter frizz in your hair, you might want to stop! While you may feel frizzy hair happens in humid weather, the harsh winter winds, lack of moisture and, just about anything, can leave you with your hair all over the place. And taming this frizz is no cakewalk! Let us tell you some effective tips to avoid frizzy hair in winter.

Why does hair get frizzy in winter?

Frizzy hair happens in humid weather, but cold and dry weather are equally conducive for hair to frizz. Dr Suruchi Puri, dermatologist, explains that this is because of the lack of moisture in the air. “In dry environment, there is less water in the air. Electrostatic repulsion happens between the hair fibers. And if there is extra friction, this leads to the appearance of frizz.” So, the prolonged use of caps, hats, jacket hoods, that also cause more friction and these actually increase the frizz!

Besides this, there are many hair treatments such as bleaching, perming, and other relaxing treatments that can also cause frizz in hair. “The hair becomes weak, brittle and the cuticles get damaged and there are more chances of frizzing,” says Dr Puri.

Does frizzy hair mean unhealthy hair?

Frizz in hair does not mean that your hair is unhealthy and needs to be treated. Dr Puri says that frizzy hair does not in any way indicate the health of the hair, and it can happen to any kind of hair. “Frizzy hair does not always mean that the hair is unhealthy. Frizz can happen in healthy hair as well because of rubbing, friction or moisture loss, or when the weather is extremely dry or extremely humid,” explains Dr Suruchi Puri.

5 tips to avoid frizzy hair in winter

While it may seem impossible to control the frizz, there are actually many ways that can prevent your hair from getting frizzy. Apart from home remedies to tame frizzy hair, try these to fix the problem from the root!

1. Regular haircut:

Getting those split-ends out is always a win-win situation. Very often these split-ends up at the upper portion of the hair as well, causing frizz.Coating your hair: Coating your hair with oil is a great way to repel water. Coconut, olive oil and almond oil are some of the best options that one can use to get rid of frizz. Coconut oil has a smaller molecular size and goes into the hair and prevents protein moisture loss.

2. Using conditioners, hair products rich in silicon and cationic polymers

These cationic polymers create a positive charge, and minimise frizz. These are present in certain hair serums too. So, when we are coating the hair with these serums or using a leave-on conditioner which contains these cationic polymers, you are reducing the frizz.

Also read: 5 best anti-frizz hair serums to get silky and smooth hair

3. Have a diet rich in protein, omega 3 fatty acids

Protein and omega-3 fatty acids help in nourishing your hair follicles. If you are non-vegetarian, fatty fish like salmon is a good option. Biotin and vitamin D and E supplements are also a great option if you are unable to get these vitamins through your diet. Biotin is known to reduce frizz in hair as well as repairing damaged hair, while vitamin D and E help healthier hair growth.

4. Using lukewarm water and a microfibre towel

Very hot water opens up the hair cuticles and makes hair frizzy. Hot water also strips the hair of moisture and dries them out. This can also lead to hair breakage. Instead, opt for lukewarm water. Finishing off with a cold-water rinse also helps. Not only do microfibre towels help in drying out the hair faster, these are actually great for reducing the frizz and help in preserving the hydration in the hair.

5. Use natural hair masks and leave-on serums and shampoos with glycerine or hydrating agents

These attract moisture and help in hydrating the hair better. This also helps in restoring hair’s natural moisture. There are lots of hair packs that can be made using curd, eggs and apple cider vinegar which will really help moisture-deprived hair. These are rich in vitamins A and E which is a great cure for dry hair.