HAIR TIPS & HAIR CARE
Hello December! Winter is the season for snoozing our alarms and putting off outdoor chores (who wants to shovel snow anyway?). It’s the season of scarfs, hats, fluffy coats, warm fires and binging Netflix! This is the time of year to ramp up our skincare routine as the dry air can wreak havoc on the skin. Did you know the moisture (or lack thereof) in the air interacts with your hair in the same way it interacts with your skin?
Hair is made up of protein called keratin. Keratin is made up of many amino acids that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules in the air. Hydrogen bonds are responsible for up to 30% of hair strength and 50% of its elasticity.
Hair, much like everything in nature, is constantly searching for balance, or equilibrium, within its environment. In times of high humidity, such as in the summer, there is more water in the air. In high humidity, the water molecules move from an area of higher concentration (atmosphere) to an area of lower concentration of water molecules (cuticle). The hair follicle becomes swelled, causing cuticle scales on the hair shaft to lift and cause frizz.
In times of low humidity, water molecules move from an area of high concentration (cuticle) to an area of lower concentration of water molecules (atmosphere), causing the hair to lose density and elasticity. The process of balancing concentration is called diffusion.
Working against this natural process seems impossible, doesn’t it? Fear not! There are some things you can do to protect your hair from losing its moisture to the atmosphere this winter.
1. Switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
Ingredients like oils, fatty alcohol, silicones, and cationic surfactants give hair flexibility and prevent tangles. Conditioners prevent loss of moisture to the air and help prevent breakage due to the hair tangling and rubbing against clothes, scarves and hats. Go heavier with a moisturizing, oil-infused conditioner. Look for products with Aloe Vera extracts as they act as natural moisturizers and pH balancers for hair. All FRAMESI COLOR LOVER shampoos and conditioners contain Aloe Vera (a hydrating ingredient), while avoiding drying ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). Framesi MORPHOSIS Sublimis Oil Shampoo and Conditioner are also perfect for smoothing and softening the hair during the winter months.
2. Do a deep conditioning treatment several times a month!
What is the difference between a deep conditioner and a mask? A deep conditioner adds moisture and hydration. Depending on the ingredients, a regular conditioner can be used as a deep conditioner if it is left on overnight. A mask is a protein-infused product, meant to restructure or strengthen hair. In the winter, either of these products can be used, however best results stem from a deep conditioning treatment. Mixing a few pumps of the Framesi MORPHOSIS Sublimis Pure Oil with any FRAMESI COLOR LOVER or Framesi MORPHOSIS conditioner can transform a traditional conditioner into a deep conditioner. Apply after washing and leave in overnight. Wash out in the morning and style as usual.
3. Use heat-protective styling products
While the air outside is cold, heaters and furnaces can also contribute to very dry warm air too. Use heat-protective methods to prevent hair from losing water molecules from hair to the dry heat. FRAMESI COLOR LOVER Flash Dry, Primer 11, Primer 11 Intense, and Volume Boost 2-Phase Conditioner are great options to protect hair, depending on hair needs and hair type. These products form a protective barrier over the hair cuticle (with no build up) which prevents the loss of moisture due to heat styling or dry air.
4. Cut back on heat styling
Even when using protective styling products, heat styling every day causes stress to the hair. High heat stimulates the evaporation of water molecules within the hair cuticle, which is why we sometimes see steam while styling. Can’t live without your blowout? That’s okay, this same concept can be implemented by skipping a few days between washes. FRAMESI COLOR LOVER BOUNCE Curl Rejuvenator can be used between washings to revitalize curls and add moisture, maintaining some of the hair’s natural lipids! A light spray of Primer 11, Primer 11 Intense, or Volume Boost 2-Phase Conditioner can also be used to keep ends feeling conditioned and protected between washes.
5. Use a humidifier!
While you may not be able to bring a humidifier to work (or even have one follow you around during the day) you can use one in your room at night to bring balance to the hair. The optimal humidity level is between 35% – 45%. In a room with central heating, the humidity level can drop to just 10%! That’s a huge difference! Keep in mind that moisture-deficient, dry hair takes less force to break; so in an environment with insufficient humidity, even simply brushing your hair can cause damage.
6. Use silk pillowcases and wear silk-lined hats
With dry hair also comes static! Static, or scientifically speaking, static electricity, occurs when two unlike objects rub against each other, causing them to swap electrons e.g. your hair and your pillow (or even your hat!). One way to avoid static is to switch to silk pillowcases and line your hats with silk. This will eliminate friction to minimize frizz and bed head.
The environment around us is constantly changing with the seasons. The minute you feel like you finally tailored your hair routine, the weather changes and then it’s time to pin down another routine! We’re here to take the guessing out of hair healing, and to help keep you and your hair in perfect balance this season! Did any of these tips surprise you?? Leave a comment and let us know what you want to see next!
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