Celebrity hairdresser explains why hair becomes so dry and static in winter
Hair is as individual as the person. While some of us are blessed with healthy, luscious hair, others struggle with hair issues like thinning hair, lack of volume or excessive frizz. To combat all our hair problems, countless products on the market promise us amazing results because at the end of the day, all we want is healthy, beautiful hair.
Hair products are not enough because lifestyle choices such as nutrition can also affect hair health. “Make sure you’re eating a healthy diet, including plenty of leafy greens and sources of iron,” board-certified dermatologist Ainah Tan told Byrdie. Dr. Tan added that the iron and vitamin D in the greens make your hair stronger.
Hair thinning is a big problem and although some of us can blame it on our genes, sometimes it can be a health issue. People with thyroid problems (such as hypothyroidism) cause extra hair loss, resulting in thinning hair, according to Everyday Health. Get a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test to find out.
While we work on our diet, take medications and use strengthening hair products to get healthy hair, some hair problems are out of control; such as those caused by the weather. In winter, we see a lot of dry, stiff hair. To learn why it happens and what we can do about it, The List spoke exclusively with Hollywood’s finest celebrity hairstylist Marco Pelusi. Pelusi helps us put an end to those pesky hair problems so we have a little less to worry about this winter.
This article originally appeared on thelist.com
Marco Pelusi says you can blame the changing temperature for dry and frizzy hair
Previously, celebrity hairstylist Marco Pelusi told us all about how to keep your summer hair color fresh, and now he switches gears and tells us about winter hair care.
Pelusi told The List, “The hair and its moisture content will try to mimic the environment it’s in. If your hair is in the cold, humid winter weather, it will try to match that. So, if you go into a dry, heated home, it will be drier.” So it’s not your fault that your hair feels a little blah or extra frizzy in the winter, as you can blame it on the cold, cold air outside and the toasty indoor heat.
He also told us, “Hair’s moisture content typically reflects the environment it’s in. This environment can contribute to dry hair and static in the hair.” As your skin needs extra moisture in the colder months, so does your hair. Always use a conditioner to combat dryness and “seal the hair’s cuticle” so it’s less static, per
But what if you have an oily scalp? Pelusi added, “Regarding an oily scalp: it can’t be all bad during these months to have some oil on your scalp; unless it’s causing a scalp problem.” He added that you may need to see a dermatologist if it’s a scalp condition. Otherwise, Pelusi says it’s good to have some natural oils on the scalp, as they can combat dry, stuck-on hair.
Best products for dry, frizzy hair
We love wearing woolly hats and scarves to keep us warm in the winter, but then, the moment we take them off, it’s hello static hair. Although your hair can be dry and stuck all year round, it’s worse in the winter and the lack of moisture can have a lot to do with it. Hairstylist Miko Branch told Mind Body Green, “Electrical charges don’t flow through water, so atmospheres without moisture will result in much more static hair,” and that’s exactly how the air is in the winter—dry.
No one wants dry, stuck hair, but it happens. Unfortunately, we don’t have much control over outdoor humidity. Fortunately, some hair products can give you smoother and hydrated hair. For example, try switching to moisturizing shampoos and conditioners in the winter because “dry hair equals static” (per Good Housekeeping). They recommend Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner, which are safe for color-treated hair and have no sulfates, parabens, silicones, or dyes that can cause dry, static hair. In addition, your hair will feel extra moisturized after each wash. As for the conditioner, one happy reviewer on Amazon said, “My hair has never felt softer! […] My hair is no longer frizzy or static!”
For even more help, Bustle recommends trying the R+Co Foil Frizz & Static Control Spray because it has panthenol, which helps your hair lock in moisture so it’s frizz-free for longer. It is also so light that it will not weigh down even thin hair.