Caring for Hair in Winter with Top Trichologist

Hello to all Absoluters out there - it's now December and we're now well into winter so I hope you’re all enjoying cosy days in front of the fire and crisp cold adventures outside!

While winter has many wonderful aspects to it, we need to take special care of our hair through the winter months, especially with the colder weather, so here are my top tips for how to do just that.

Nourish Hair with a Good Diet

Hair is made of protein, and also craves protein to stay healthy. Make sure you have a protein rich diet with at least 45 – 55 grams of protein daily.

A diet that is low in protein can result in weak brittle hair, loss of hair colour, and also loss of hair itself - diet really does play a huge role in hair health!

Absolute Collagen is a great way to top up your protein intake, and is packed with the essential amino acids that really do keep our hair happy.

In particular, Absolute Collagen contains the amino acid Tyrosine, which supports our metabolism and has a positive effect on the hair’s growth cycle and overall condition.

Essential Nutrients for Hair

Low levels of Zinc, Iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and Vitamin D can cause hair to shed, so it’s important to keep these levels up.

Your Hair Care Questions Answered

How often should I wash my hair?

This is one of the most common questions I receive. Generally I advise washing every day or every other day, however if you are lucky and have a balanced scalp and very normal hair you might be able to wash every 3 days! You know your hair best, and should wash it as necessary, but no less frequently than every 3 days.

Which shampoo should I use and why?

• Look for shampoo to suit your hair type and styling needs.
• Volumising shampoos often have wheat, soy, or hydrolysed collagen proteins in them to add a cosmetic volume to the hair.
• If your hair is coarse and dry look for ingredients such as coconut oil and glycerine to hydrate the hair.
• If your scalp is very itchy look for an active ingredient such as Pirocotone Olamine to calm and clear the scalp.
• Try to avoid harsh cleansing agents such as SLS, as these can dry the hair and scalp. Look for TEA or MEA as the cleansing agent - this will be listed on the ingredients.

How should I use conditioner?

Conditioner is used on the mid lengths to ends of the hair to smooth and hydrate, giving the hair a smooth silky appearance when dry.

You should leave your conditioner in the hair for 3 – 5 minutes to allow it to really penetrate. Try not to get it onto the scalp or roots; generally these areas do not need a conditioner as your own natural sebum does the job naturally.

How should I treat wet hair?

• When the hair is wet it is at its most fragile and can break very easily.
• Use a wide tooth comb to gently comb wet hair ready for styling and drying. Scalp brushes can be very good - my personal favourite is the Mantra brush as the action is so gentle yet does stimulate the scalp.
• If you blow dry your hair, try using a lower heat setting and don’t ever put the dryer nozzle directly onto your hair. I also always recommend using a heat protector spray.
• And a general hair care tip - remember to get your hair trimmed regularly to take out any split ends and to keep the hair looking great from root to tip.

Absolute Collagen can be supportive in many different ways beyond the obvious benefits to skin. The amino acids all help with our hair, keeping it feeling and looking great. Having a good diet with the right hair care regime will ensure that you are kind to your hair and in return it will look and feel fabulous.

And remember, if you’re an Absoluter, you can contact me directly with any hair and scalp questions, and I’ll be happy to help!