I stay in a very cold climate area with heavy snowfall. I have to use hot water and electric hair dryer, but if I treat my hair with tonics and other things will it help?

Extreme weather can sap the hair of its moisture and hence it is extremely important to condition the hair regularly with the help of deep conditioning treatments. Opt for a highly intensive daily conditioner, especially if you are in the habit of using dryers. Most people commonly make a mistake of rinsing their hair too often during the dry winter months and this is exactly what leads to a dry hair condition. Cold weather tends to dry out the hair and the scalp more easily and quickly. At best, refrain from shampooing your hair more than once a day. Using the right kind of products makes a huge difference in the overall health of your hair and scalp. Speak with your hair stylist or professional hair expert on the best kind of products suited for your hair type.

Although both summer and winter can have damaging effects on the hair, winter is often worse as people do not generally take as much precautions as they need to, to protect their hair. A blustery winter wind can cause as much damage as sun exposure, while indoor heating during winter months can be as damaging as spending an entire afternoon under a hair dryer.

It is best to avoid using cosmetic appliances as much as possible, due to the extreme temperatures that the hair has to undergo, from the coldness of the winter to the intense heat of the electric dryer, as it can cause the hair to dry out even more. Overusing the hair dryer will lead to damaged hair and cause brittleness in the hair strands. If you must, use the 'cool' settings on the dryer, even though it may take a little longer to dry the hair but will not cause as much damage as the 'high heat' settings on the dryer. Also refrain from using hot curling irons during winters, especially if you have dry and dull hair.

Also refrain from clarifying your hair too often as dry hair tends to become sensitive to the effects of silicone buildup. Although certain hair tonics that contain silicone can make the hair soft and silky at first, it can bring about a drying effect on the hair and is also very difficult to get rid of during hair wash. If you are going to spend time outdoors, it is best to cover the hair with the help of sun protective clothing such as hats scarves or caps. Also remember to avoid using hot water when you rinse your hair as hot water can have a drying effect on the hair. Lukewarm or tepid water is best to rinse out the hair. It is believed that hair moisture can be locked in by running your hair through cold water.

answered by G M

Unfortunately, all the three conditions you face are very bad for your hair. Cold weather, hot water and electric hair dryers are known to be the biggest reasons that strip your hair of moisture causing problems like dry and brittle hair as well as split ends. But then again, if you take a little more care of your hair than you usually do, the damages could be reduced to a larger extent. Follow regimes like not washing your hair everyday or even on alternate days; this would automatically lessen the use of hot water and a hair dryer. Actually use the dryer as sparingly as possible and let your hair dry naturally. You can dry it thoroughly by wrapping a towel around your head. The towel will help soak the water and protect your hair from the cold dry atmosphere. Even when you do wash your hair, wash them with mild herbal shampoos so that harmful chemicals in other shampoos don't damage your hair further. Also, after washing your hair don't comb or brush them immediately because hair is at its weakest when wet. Avoid perming or coloring your hair as much as you can. You must also drink lots of water and eat a balanced diet, which is not only good for your hair but also for your general health.

And, yes, you can treat your hair with natural tonics and other remedies. Firstly keep your hair moisturized at all times. Oiling your hair regularly would help you a great deal. You can use two-three teaspoons of warm coconut, olive, avocado or mustard oil and massage your scalp thoroughly. This will stimulate sebum production and strengthen the hair follicles. Do this at least twice a week. Perhaps the best tonic that you can use all year no matter what the season is a mix of equal proportions of around one teaspoon each of almond oil, castor oil and olive oil. Massage your scalp once a week and apply the same to your strands and shafts too. You can keep it overnight or even for 30 minutes before taking a shower. Wash it off with a mild herbal shampoo. Because of the cold weather you have to take care that your hair doesn't become dry. Applying generous dollops of mayonnaise also moisturizes hair well. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash it off thoroughly. Another very effective tonic would be half a cup of yogurt mixed with one tablespoon of honey. Apply this mixture on the scalp, hair strands and hair ends for 20 minutes before shampooing. It will nourish your hair and make it both - healthy and shiny.

answered by G M

Climates play havoc with hair, and cold climates even more so. Your hair dries up quickly and loses its shine. So, the first step towards beautiful hair would be to stop using the dryer that often. Also, once you're done with washing your hair, just let the hair be. Don't attack it with the comb and start brushing. You'll do more harm than good if you do so. Hair when wet is at its weakest. And one furious brush stroke is enough to let a handful of it fall.

Try to avoid washing your hair frequently as well. The reason again is that frequent washing causes hair to dry up in cold climates. However, if you think your hair does need to be washed daily, use a herbal shampoo that nourishes your scalp and agrees with your hair. Opt for a shampoo that isn't harsh in its treatment. If you have dry hair, look for a herbal shampoo that includes a conditioner.

Oiling your hair helps to a great extent. Take about two to three teaspoons of oil and massage your scalp vigorously. Oil nourishes the scalp and strengthens the hair follicles. This leads to better, stronger hair. Repeat the oil massage at least twice or thrice in a week. If you do value your hair, try to make time to massage it daily. Lastly, make it a rule to avoid perms and hair coloring. They do provide glamour but that glamour can also cause damage to the hair and lead to hair loss.

answered by G R