Winter may enhance nature’s beauty in a way unlike that of other seasons, but it can wreak havoc on the skin and hair. The dry, cold weather combined with hours spent indoors with skin-drying heaters can lead to itchy, cracked skin and a dull pallor. There are ways to ward off these effects so that you and/or your clients can remain radiant throughout the season.
Reduce Static Electricity
Winter hats can be cute, but they also can cause static electricity
The dryness of the weather and indoor heat combined with wool hats and other articles of clothing can lead to static in your hair. Not only can this lead to a shock, it can also ruin your perfect hairstyle. The way to prevent static electricity in your hair is to ensure that your hair is properly moisturized by incorporating a deep conditioning treatment to your hair once to twice per week. People with fine hair will do better with using a daily conditioner or a leave-in conditioner instead. When you are in the moment and need to quickly decrease some static cling, reach for a dryer sheet and simply rub it in your hair.
Fight Hat Hair
Another problem your hair faces in the winter is hat hair. Hats may keep your warm and add some pizzazz to your wardrobe, but when you get inside and have to take it off, it can leave your hair looking flat. To combat this, simply take measures before you put on the hat. If you or your client has straight hair, it helps to brush the hair straight back. Those with curly hair can secure a small section of hair in the front with bobby pins. When you remove the bobby pins after taking off your hat, your hair retains its volume.
Moisturize Your Skin
The worst part of winter is the dry skin, which can turn into flaky, cracked, and irritated skin. The dehydrated skin cells also lead to a duller complexion because it slows down cell turnover. The secret to combating this is to moisturize, even if you have oily skin. It is important to use a heavier moisturizer during the winter than you would in the summer, since your skin needs the extra moisture. Your hands will get the bulk of the effects due to being exposed more than other areas of your skin, wearing wool gloves, and frequent hand washing. Therefore, apply special hand cream multiple times a day, especially right after you wash them, to keep them adequately moisturized.
It is also important to continue to moisturize from the inside: drink lots of water. You may also find it beneficial to use a humidifier in your home or office. It is also helpful to use warm rather than hot water for your baths and showers and limit the length of your showers. Although it may feel warm and relaxing, the extra hot water dries out of your skin, leaving an already dry skin even drier.
Fight Chapped Lips
Your lips are probably the first to feel the effects of the winter weather. This is because they have no oil glands, unlike other areas of the body, and they lack any protective outer layer. To combat this, it is important to use a good lip balm, rather than relying on licking your lips, which dries your lips out even faster. Look at the ingredients and choose balms that have petrolatum and dimethicone, according to WebMD.
Wear Sunscreen
It may be cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get a sunburn
Although the sun may not feel very powerful during the cold days of winter, the UV rays can still damage your skin and cause sunburn. It is important that you continue the habit of wearing a daily sunscreen on your face for protection. If you go outside and participate in winter sports, such as skiing or snowboarding, it is even more important that you slather on the SPF before hitting the slopes.
With the right practices in place, you can easily protect against the effects of winter on your hair and skin. For cosmetologists, winter is the perfect time to treat your clients to an extra intensive conditioning treatment and discuss the benefits of more intense moisturizers.
Cosmetologists may also need to complete some continuing education Cosmetology courses during the winter. Beauty Academy offers approved, online courses to make it easy for you.