Washing our hair becomes a chore especially in winters amid the drop in mercury. And even after we shampoo our hair, we want to dry our hair quickly. To make matters worse, we often wash our hair with lukewarm water in winters. However, excessive use of heat can be very bad for hair health, and experts say that even in winters, we should let our hair dry naturally as much as possible. Dr Neha Dubey, Consultant Medical and Cosmetic Dermatologist, Medical Director, Meraki Skin Clinic, Gurugram, tells Zee News Digital about the harmful effects of blow drying, do’s and don’ts of shampooing and using heat, and much more spoke about.
What are the harmful effects of blow drying?
The human hair shaft consists of a central medulla and a cortex with an outer cuticular layer, shares Dr. Dubey. She says that frequent use of a blow dryer damages the entire hair structure and changes the color of the hair. “The surface hair of the hair is like a barrier and it protects the cortex from daily wear and tear. But if we constantly apply heat to dry or style our hair, this will damage the surface and the cortex as well. ” Dr. Dubey.
Hair Care: Do’s and Don’ts for Blow-drying, Shampooing
of:
1) Before shampooing your hair, apply oil to the entire length of your hair. It forms a protective layer, and ensures that the hair is not stripped of that extra moisture by the use of shampoo and excess water.
2) Apply the shampoo to your scalp and use just a little on the lengths of your hair to wash it out. Our scalp is the one that needs to be washed and cleaned with direct use of shampoo to remove dirt and grease. The length of the hair, most of the time, is not that oily, and when we use a lot of product, our hair tends to lose moisture.
3) Seal that moisture back in using a conditioner.
4) Allow hair to dry naturally after most washes as this will help in maintaining the natural shine.
5) If blow drying is necessary, prep your hair by using a heat-protectant spray.
6) Use a hair brush made of soft pliable plastic.
7) Maintain a safe distance of – 6 inches between the dryer and your hair.
Also read: Winter can be bad for the heart, see these 4 symptoms and consult a doctor immediately
what not to do:
1) Do not over dry when using a blow dryer, always leave your hair slightly damp.
2) Using hot water to wash your hair is equally harmful, so keep the water temperature either normal or lukewarm.
3) The correct way to towel dry your hair is to use a lightweight towel made of a material like bamboo or microfibre. Do not rub while doing this; Gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb. When done correctly, towel drying can help reduce frizz.
4) On the day you plan to air-dry your hair, use a nourishing hair mask that will prevent hair fall.
How to let your hair dry naturally in winter and monsoon
Dr Neha Dubey agrees that letting hair dry on its own can be difficult during the winter and monsoon season. “Especially in winter, some people get cold easily if hair is left wet for long periods of time. Using a dryer to semi-dry hair is the best option for extreme weather and a nourishing mask Using is a great way to let hair dry naturally without getting frizzy during monsoons,” says Dr Dubey.