If you didn't already know, NYM offices are in warm & sunny Florida. It's a beautiful place to live; a place where people come to vacation. We're lucky! Most of the time it stays pretty warm but there are a few times a year where the temperature dips below the 60s (brrrr *wink*) and we have to change our hair routine. For those of you who are, basically, anywhere North of us you know you have to constantly be ready for changing weather. Including the harsh winters that come your way.
So to help you maintain your winter time hair, and to educate those noobs like us here in Fla., we've compiled a list of things to do to keep your hair healthy and cooperative... even in the coldest of temperatures.
1. Wash your hair less.
Yes. We said less. You know they say that washing your hair every day is bad because it strips your hair of its natural oils, but it can also dry out your hair, especially if you use shampoos that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates. No one will think you're gross either because, think about it, it's not hot so you don't sweat as much. Less sweating = less scalp oil. So save your hair (and some time!) and wash your hair less.
2. Condition, condition, condition.
This seems like a logical idea, but it's one that is overlooked, especially if you follow idea #1 and wash your hair less often. When it is time to wash your hair, shampoo first then immediately coat your hair in a heavy conditioner or hair masque. Put your hair in a cap or up in a clip while you finish the rest of your shower routine. The longer it stays in your hair, the more hydrated your hair will be. When you're finished in the shower, rinse. (You can even do this step in between washings if you have extra dry hair and the time...).
Our Way to Grow Long & Strong Conditioner is great for winter time hair. It's heavy enough to really condition, but light enough to not weigh your hair down.
One of our sister brands, Hi-Pro-Pac, also offers a full range of hair masques and conditioners for extra hydration. There are five different formulas suited for your individual hair needs. Check 'em out: customnails.com.
3. Use a leave-in product post-shower, pre-style to keep your hair healthy but cooperative.
We know this is a lot of steps to go through BEFORE you even style your hair, but trust us, you'll be glad you did. Once you're out of the shower spray or saturate your tresses with another conditioning type item. We recommed a cream for those of you with thicker/dryer hair and a spray for those of you with thinner/finer hair. But it's really just personal preference. (You know what works best for your hair.) This will make styling easier and it will help to maintain all that work you did it in the shower.
We have both items for both hair types: Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream & Knotty to Nice Conditioning Detangler
4. To tame static: hairspray + brush.
Static: It's an issue in the winter time... no matter what you have on. Coats, glove, mittens, scarves, beanies...Wool, leather, cashmere, faux fur.... everything makes your hair stand on end- like you just put your hands on one of those static electricity lighted ball things from 5th grade science class.
To keep this from happening spray some hairspray (not too much!) on your brush and brush through your hair once more when you're done styling. We recommend using a round brush. And be sure to get the underneath of your hair by the back of your neck- this is where a lot of the static happens.
NYM's All Eyes on Me Shape & Shine Hairspray is a perfect spray for this winter issue.
5. Keep an emergency-winter-hair-kit in your handbag.
Finally, keep an emergency hair kit in your bag. This little cosmetic bag should consist of a travel size hairspray, a compact brush, a mirror, some no-metal hair ties (and if you're like us a quick and easy hair accessory, i.e. headband, bobby pins, sparkly barrettes or clips). If you don't have these things already, you can pick them up at any drugstore around town.
Have a happy hair day,
NYM Team