Nordic hair is the most exposed to wear in winter, because it is made up of fine strands.
Struggling with so-called “winter hair”? Many people have trouble with their hair in winter, so we went to see Vilde Jacobsen at Floww Frisør for good advice on how to care for hair during this season.
Floww Frisør is at Briskeby and today has around 10 staff. Here they care about a good atmosphere, about clients having a relaxing experience and feeling welcome. Vilde has worked here for a little over three years, and one of the things she likes best about hairdressing is how sociable it is.
Why do so many people struggle with their hair in winter?
“The air is very dry, which leaves hair dehydrated, and static as a result. It also makes hair more tangled. Nordic hair is also the most exposed to wear in winter, because it is made up of fine strands.”
Vilde stresses that if you get tangles in your hair you have to comb them out straight away. Leave a small tangle in and it will only get bigger and bigger, which can end with you having to cut it out. “Try to brush your hair after you have worn a scarf or been outside, so the hair always lies flat.”
The one thing you must not forget
What is the secret behind fresh, beautiful hair in winter?
“Use the right products, make sure you go to the hairdresser, and always treat your hair in winter. Do that all winter and it will look healthy and fresh, and feel good. Use oil, moisturisers and a hair mask once a week. A treatment mask is incredibly important, but something many people forget. If you are not already treating your hair, start now.”
Vilde also points out that with a good oil you can avoid static hair, because the oil lays the hair fibres together without weighing them down. So you should use a light oil that does not make hair heavy and greasy. Vilde's advice is to apply the oil from the ponytail downwards. Ask your hairdresser which oil suits your hair best.
How often should you trim your hair in winter?
“Every six to eight weeks, depending on whether you have long hair or a cut. Trim it just as often in winter as in summer.”
You should not go out with wet hair, but blow-drying wears hair down. What should you do?
“If you use proper products when you blow-dry, there is absolutely nothing wrong with drying it. Use products that give heat protection and something that gives moisture. Every time you use anything hot you must always use a heat protection spray. That spares your hair a lot of wear.”
Diet and nutrients in winter
What you eat matters all year, and winter is no exception. A varied diet with vegetables, wholegrains, pulses, nuts, eggs, fish and dairy will cover most of what your body needs. Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails, and selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails. If your diet is limited, for example if you do not eat fish or dairy, a supplement can be one way to top up your intake of these nutrients.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Vilde's tips for winter care
- Treat your hair once a week, and add oil where you can.
- Do not go out with wet hair, as it will freeze and break.
- Comb your hair after you have been outside to avoid big tangles.
- Eat a varied diet, and take care of your intake of nutrients such as biotin, zinc and selenium.
- Always use heat protection products before applying heat to your hair, even when you are only blow-drying.
