As much of the country will be bracing for cooler temperatures and blizzard like conditions, clients will be taking steps to prepare their car, boat, and home for the winter months ahead. It should be no different for taking steps to winterize clients’ hair to ensure it is ready to battle the winter elements.


It is important for women to adopt a different hair care regiment in the winter as hair looks dry and damaged when the cuticle on the outside of the shaft is not lying flat. This can happen naturally with curly hair or as the result of chemical treated hair or winter dry weather hair. Hair needs to be hydrated with extra conditioners or a conditioning mask in the winter months so the hair stays healthy and not dry. Stylists also need to incorporate a shampoo and conditioner products that put moisture into the client's hair during visits and recommend the same for at-home maintenance.


The most important factor affecting the hair in the winter months is the dry heat. When switching from air conditioner to heat, your hair, as well as your skin, may become very dry. There being no humidity in the air also affects the condition of the hair and skin.


To ensure clients maintain healthy, hydrated hair in the winter, my number one tip is washing hair less often. If blow dryers and flat irons are used too often, they can damage and dry out hair as well. Skip blowout once or twice a week to keep the cuticles smooth.


Once women leave the salon, there are two simple at-home hair treatments they should incorporate into their beauty routine to help further combat the effects of winter conditions. The first home treatment is to mix a quarter spoon of grape seed oil with moisture conditioner in a bowl and apply to wet hair for 10 to 20 minutes then rinse. This will give the hair the moisture it needs.


The second home treatment is to put two tablespoons of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of avocado and one tablespoon of olive oil then mix them together until they form a smooth light green paste. Apply the mixture onto wet hair, cover with a shower cap or a plastic wrap. Heat the hair for about 10 minutes and then let it cool down for 10 additional minutes. Rinse and shampoo as normal. The mayonnaise, avocado and olive oil have natural oils that are great for dry hair, and the avocado is loaded the vitamins B6 and E which increase strength and shine.


Despite seasonal changes and the damage temperatures and weather elements can have on hair, these steps can ensure hair is safe year-round.


About the Author
Joey Noufal is an award-winning hair stylist and makeup artist. Founder of Noufal HairColor Studio in the Washington DC Metropolitan area and the newly-released salon franchise, he has celebrity styling experience including local politicians, television stars, rock musicians, foreign dignitaries and Royal Family members and more.


More info: www.noufalhaircolorstudio.com