Long Island 
The cold winds of winter are not stealing away people’s hair, but many people notice changes to their hair as cooler weather sets in. Increased shedding, dryness, and even dandruff can be signs the season is taking a toll on the scalp. Fortunately, there are simple shifts to the normal haircare routine that can help get you through the winter months.
Is Winter Good for Hair?
There is nothing inherently bad for hair in the colder months, but there are some challenges to be aware of. Both the warm indoors and cold air outside all have generally low humidity, which may affect the moisture of the hair and scalp. It can lead to more brittle, dry hair that can cause breakage. While better for overall health, the hats and scarves common to the season cause increased friction which contributes to mechanical damage if the hair is already fragile.
On the upside, overall hair strength can benefit from reduced exposure to the sun because of a lower likelihood for UV damage. Lack of exposure to chlorine or salt water from swimming is also a benefit.
How Often Should You Wash Hair in Winter?
The key is finding a balance between cleanliness and moisture retention. As ever, over-washing can remove natural oils that help protect the hair and scalp… making dryness and irritation worse. In the winter, most people can get by washing their hair less frequently than they do in warmer times of the year.
Of course, if a person exercises often or has a naturally oily scalp, then more frequent washing will be necessary to maintain their hair health. Finding a balance is important.
Should You Shampoo More or Less in Winter?
Generally, for most people, shampooing should be done less frequently in the winter. It can help to switch to a sulfate-free or moisturizing shampoo to help prevent excess dryness.
You may also try alternating your regular shampoo washing with conditioner-only washing to help reduce buildup without stripping oils. Conditioner helps retain moisture, which is important during these cold, dry months.
Should I Wash My Hair in Hot Water in Winter?
Hot water can actually dry out your hair and damage a scalp that is even more sensitive in the winter. While it is cold out and a hot shower can feel great, for the best hair health it is recommended to use warm or cool water to avoid damaging and drying out hair.
What Causes Dandruff in Winter?
Dandruff irritation is generally caused by an ever-present fungus on the scalp, a microorganism called Malassezia furfur. Changes on the scalp, anything that causes increased amounts of oils or sebum, creates an optimal environment for fungal growth that can result in irritation, itching, and inflammation.
This can happen as a result of wearing hats and other coverings that prevent sweat from evaporating. If needed, this can be preempted by switching to an anti-dandruff shampoo.
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