When you’re feeling like a special little snowflake

The thing I absolutely cannot stand about winter (besides the boot wrecking salt) is the dry air that turns my scalp and hair into a static, parched version of the Sahara. Add to that the fact that I highlight my hair, wear volume depleting hats and enjoy a seasonal party circuit, which mandates thrice weekly blow outs combined with a diet rich in sinful dehydrating goodies. Suffice it to say I could very well have a dull, flat, flyaway mane situation with some (gasp!) buzz-killing flakes, in desperate need of first aid.

Healthy soft hair IS achievable in winter months.

After many hours in my lab (okay my bathroom) spent mixing, researching and testing, I do believe I have cracked the code to gorgeous cold weather hair. It’s not a particular shampoo nor a great conditioner…it’s all about a weekly ritual I perform BEFORE I step into the shower.

ONCE A WEEK BEFORE YOU SHAMPOO:

. use an essential oil based scalp treatment to rehydrate an itchy, tight scalp. Remember the scalp is the source for beautiful hair. Essential oils will clarify and boost circulation to reward you with beautiful locks.

The two I swear by are René Furterer Complexe 5 and Phyto’s Phytopolléine. Warning…the essential oils smell strong. I personally love this, as my entire upper floor smells botanically fresh when I do this routine.

. next step, you need to replenish what has been lost. Lightly saturate the lengths (not the scalp) with a 50/50 mixture of jojoba and avocado oils. These two are the oils that most closely resemble your hair’s natural oils depleted by wind, indoor heat and freezing temps.

The Aura Cacia line is my choice but as long as it’s a pure oil, with no additives, any brand will do.I pour my oils into a small spray bottle, shake to mix and spritz till my hair lengths
are lightly oiled. If I have time I comb through and leave in for 1 – 3 hours.

Aura Cacia’s Avocado and Jojoba oils

IN THE SHOWER:

. keep it cool. Do not use hot water as this will only exacerbate the issue. Tepid is best.

. use a moisturizing shampoo on the scalp and the lengths of your hair but not the ends. The amount of residual shampoo that will drift down during the process is enough to cleanse delicate ends.

. use a moisturizing conditioner on the ends only. If your hair is super dry, incorporate the lengths but never ever the
scalp.

OUT OF THE SHOWER:

. never rub your hair with a towel as this will only damage the cuticle. Instead pat and squeeze dry.

. this is a toughy but if you can…do your makeup, run a load of laundry and wait till hair is ¾ dry. Then be quick with blow drying and use a medium setting only.

I swear by this routine and I cannot tell you how much it has impacted my hair, saving it from the winter blues. Now if only I could do something about that 4:30pm sunset…