endlessly
March 13th, 2015, 09:49 PM
I don't know if there is a current posting like this, but I thought it would be an interesting topic to start discussing. Depending on where you live and whether or not you are affected by severe seasonal changes, how does your hair respond?
Roughly one week ago, I felt like I had finally gotten my hair through the horribly dry winter - it was full of body, very shiny, healthy, moisturized, and most importantly, manageable. And then within a matter of hours, something changed. This winter was horrible on my hair, I was extending my washes to 5-6 days, over-conditioning, using treatment masks, and slathering on leave-in conditioners, and after all the work and struggle, it finally started to pay off and my hair looked and felt amazing. And then it was suddenly 40 degrees and, pardon the language, my hair went to hell. Now, the ends are too dry, the roots too oily, and it's tangling something fierce. It will probably be a few weeks before I have my hair back to where it was...but then the temperatures will change again because living in Minnesota is a constant battle of the elements and I'll be right back at square one.
Winter: My hair is typically on the drier side, extra fluffy and frizzy. I wash my hair a maximum of 1-2 times per week depending on activities and time, using a mild shampoo bar and an extra moisturizing conditioner. 3-4 times per month, I'll use a deep conditioner or treatment on my hair depending on how it feels and will always finish with a leave-in conditioner. Because it's dry outside and my hair is prone to static, I always wear it up when leaving the house and also cover it with a scarf to try to keep moisture in.
Spring: Humidity is not my friend. My dry hair will turn oily and start to look stringy immediately after a wash, it will still remain frizzy, but will look limp and nothing I do will perk it up. Depending on the temperature and humidity, I have to wash 2-3 times per week or suffer through oily roots. I then have to use a bit of a stronger shampoo, lightweight conditioner, and following with a leave-in conditioner. Deep conditioners and treatments will be reduced to 1-2 times per month only if needed. For styling, I typically turn to buns and braids to keep it up and out of the way because it's too warm to wear it down.
Summer: Humidity one day, dry heat the next. Depending on the year, summers can range from mild to hell fire hot in Minnesota. Weather changes on a daily basis and if there's even a hint of rain, watch out for the oppressing, moist heat. In the past without an air conditioner, I was having to wash my hair every day to every other day, I simply couldn't stand to be around myself by washing it any less. I would have to use a clarifying shampoo, very lightweight conditioner, and if I ever wanted my hair to dry, I'd have to skip the leave-in treatments. Hopefully the air will work this summer - *fingers crossed*. I want to be able to use leave-in conditioner and still have my hair dry on its own, but we'll see!
Fall/Autumn: Hair heaven for me. This is the only season where my hair is at its happiest. I can stretch my washes comfortably to 3-5 days, shampoo and condition my heart out and slather my head in various treatments and leave-in products. No matter what I do, my hair loves it. I can wear my hair down without fear of too many tangles, wear it up without fear of tangles upon taking it down. All in all, my hair loves this time of year. Too bad our Autumn typically only lasts 1 month, maybe 2 if we're lucky!
Do you find that your hair suffers through the seasons? And if so, what are your tips or tricks to battle it out? How does your routine fluctuate and how are you preparing yourself for this upcoming seasonal change?
Roughly one week ago, I felt like I had finally gotten my hair through the horribly dry winter - it was full of body, very shiny, healthy, moisturized, and most importantly, manageable. And then within a matter of hours, something changed. This winter was horrible on my hair, I was extending my washes to 5-6 days, over-conditioning, using treatment masks, and slathering on leave-in conditioners, and after all the work and struggle, it finally started to pay off and my hair looked and felt amazing. And then it was suddenly 40 degrees and, pardon the language, my hair went to hell. Now, the ends are too dry, the roots too oily, and it's tangling something fierce. It will probably be a few weeks before I have my hair back to where it was...but then the temperatures will change again because living in Minnesota is a constant battle of the elements and I'll be right back at square one.
Winter: My hair is typically on the drier side, extra fluffy and frizzy. I wash my hair a maximum of 1-2 times per week depending on activities and time, using a mild shampoo bar and an extra moisturizing conditioner. 3-4 times per month, I'll use a deep conditioner or treatment on my hair depending on how it feels and will always finish with a leave-in conditioner. Because it's dry outside and my hair is prone to static, I always wear it up when leaving the house and also cover it with a scarf to try to keep moisture in.
Spring: Humidity is not my friend. My dry hair will turn oily and start to look stringy immediately after a wash, it will still remain frizzy, but will look limp and nothing I do will perk it up. Depending on the temperature and humidity, I have to wash 2-3 times per week or suffer through oily roots. I then have to use a bit of a stronger shampoo, lightweight conditioner, and following with a leave-in conditioner. Deep conditioners and treatments will be reduced to 1-2 times per month only if needed. For styling, I typically turn to buns and braids to keep it up and out of the way because it's too warm to wear it down.
Summer: Humidity one day, dry heat the next. Depending on the year, summers can range from mild to hell fire hot in Minnesota. Weather changes on a daily basis and if there's even a hint of rain, watch out for the oppressing, moist heat. In the past without an air conditioner, I was having to wash my hair every day to every other day, I simply couldn't stand to be around myself by washing it any less. I would have to use a clarifying shampoo, very lightweight conditioner, and if I ever wanted my hair to dry, I'd have to skip the leave-in treatments. Hopefully the air will work this summer - *fingers crossed*. I want to be able to use leave-in conditioner and still have my hair dry on its own, but we'll see!
Fall/Autumn: Hair heaven for me. This is the only season where my hair is at its happiest. I can stretch my washes comfortably to 3-5 days, shampoo and condition my heart out and slather my head in various treatments and leave-in products. No matter what I do, my hair loves it. I can wear my hair down without fear of too many tangles, wear it up without fear of tangles upon taking it down. All in all, my hair loves this time of year. Too bad our Autumn typically only lasts 1 month, maybe 2 if we're lucky!
Do you find that your hair suffers through the seasons? And if so, what are your tips or tricks to battle it out? How does your routine fluctuate and how are you preparing yourself for this upcoming seasonal change?