Every winter my mom’s voice can be heard in my brain telling me that we lose most of our body heat through our head. Although I have read the internet and Web MD and have learned the head loses the same rate of body heat as every other body part in winter, mom’s words of wisdom still echo.
Like me, you probably spent grammar school, middle school and high school with your fair share of winter “hat head.” Let’s be honest, hat head is the #1 reason we rarely wear a hat to work or out socially in winter. Unless Al Roker repeatedly tells us we are in a polar vortex our cutest winter hats reside in the back of the closet.
Why does hat hair happen? What can we do to avoid this? Why does my hair go wonky in winter? These questions have plagued me every winter of my existence.
Like me, you probably spent grammar school, middle school and high school with your fair share of winter “hat head.” Let’s be honest, hat head is the #1 reason we rarely wear a hat to work or out socially in winter. Unless Al Roker repeatedly tells us we are in a polar vortex our cutest winter hats reside in the back of the closet.
Why does hat hair happen? What can we do to avoid this? Why does my hair go wonky in winter? These questions have plagued me every winter of my existence.
Why does “hat hair” happen?
We just discussed how the head doesn’t lose heat any faster than legs or arms. So why does "hair” happen? The key is the word heat. Heat holds styles – think about your hair dryer, curling iron or flat iron. When you wear a hat, you keep your head warm by TRAPPING heat, therefore a hat “sets” the style or forms aka “hat hair.” In winter, we need to add volume and body to our roots of our hair so it’s not pushed flat by the trapped heat.
Cosmopolitan Magazine recommends the following for long hair styles: Twist hair into a bun high at the crown of your head, secure with a fabric covered hair elastic and put on your hat. Once inside again, just shake out the bun.
For short hair styles pull the front section of your hair into four mini bumps and secure with bobby pins before you put on your hat. Once you’re inside again, remove the pins, flip head upside down and restyle with your fingers.
We just discussed how the head doesn’t lose heat any faster than legs or arms. So why does "hair” happen? The key is the word heat. Heat holds styles – think about your hair dryer, curling iron or flat iron. When you wear a hat, you keep your head warm by TRAPPING heat, therefore a hat “sets” the style or forms aka “hat hair.” In winter, we need to add volume and body to our roots of our hair so it’s not pushed flat by the trapped heat.
Cosmopolitan Magazine recommends the following for long hair styles: Twist hair into a bun high at the crown of your head, secure with a fabric covered hair elastic and put on your hat. Once inside again, just shake out the bun.
For short hair styles pull the front section of your hair into four mini bumps and secure with bobby pins before you put on your hat. Once you’re inside again, remove the pins, flip head upside down and restyle with your fingers.
Why is my hair a science experiment in static electricity?
Hair picks up an electrical charge from dry air. In cold months, air is less moist and more dry, both outside and inside. With the change in seasons and conditions, we need to change to hydrating shampoos and conditioners. Then use a tourmaline or ionic hair dryer, which differ from regular hair dryers, as they do not suck the moisture.
Cosmopolitan Magazine recommends that those with fine or straight hair use anti-frizz cream but JUST on the tips of your hair to avoid greasy build-up. For medium/wavy hair, if your hair is thick, it can handle a rich conditioning spray to lock in moisture. Apply it on damp hair before drying with a hair dryer. Curly hair needs a heavier, leave-in or overnight cream. Avoid alcohol-based gels which can dry-out curls.
Hair picks up an electrical charge from dry air. In cold months, air is less moist and more dry, both outside and inside. With the change in seasons and conditions, we need to change to hydrating shampoos and conditioners. Then use a tourmaline or ionic hair dryer, which differ from regular hair dryers, as they do not suck the moisture.
Cosmopolitan Magazine recommends that those with fine or straight hair use anti-frizz cream but JUST on the tips of your hair to avoid greasy build-up. For medium/wavy hair, if your hair is thick, it can handle a rich conditioning spray to lock in moisture. Apply it on damp hair before drying with a hair dryer. Curly hair needs a heavier, leave-in or overnight cream. Avoid alcohol-based gels which can dry-out curls.
If your hair is brittle and you’re getting breakage and split ends . . . hydrate, trim and eat well!
A humidifier in your bedroom will boost the moisture level in the air and help prevent severe snapping. Additionally, routine trims by your stylists, every six to eight weeks, are mandatory in winter. Diet also plays a key role in keeping hair strong. Try adding fortifying protein such as an omelet for breakfast, a handful of almonds for a snack or adding leafy green vegetables to your diet to provide building blocks for your hair.
A humidifier in your bedroom will boost the moisture level in the air and help prevent severe snapping. Additionally, routine trims by your stylists, every six to eight weeks, are mandatory in winter. Diet also plays a key role in keeping hair strong. Try adding fortifying protein such as an omelet for breakfast, a handful of almonds for a snack or adding leafy green vegetables to your diet to provide building blocks for your hair.