Winter in the hair: care, myths and truths

Characteristics of the winterWhile winter is mainly characterized by low temperatures, other climatic factors such as wind, relative air humidity, sudden changes in temperature (the use of heaters and stoves...), caps and so on, can directly affect hair by being in permanent contact with them.In general, we will establish two big kinds of wintry climates: the humid and dry. In the first type, the high concentration of water in the air causes its absorption by the hair, making it more elastic and permeable. In contrast, dry climates with low environmental humidity tend to dehydrate them, drying them out, making them poorly permeable.In both cases it is necessary keep in mind the time of exhibition to the inclemency, as the effects on the hair are directly proportional to the exposure time. This is especially important in those people that make sports in the open air during the winter.Another characteristic to note during this season is the presence of wind, which can be especially strong and prolonged in certain regions and increasingly intense in most areas. Dry winds aggravate dehydration of hair and skin. We must add the aggression of dust particles that are embedded in the hair cuticle causing injuries as can be seen in the following images:Effects of winter on the scalpOur scalp is a special skin that surrounds part of the head that houses the hair follicles that will make hair. The germinative part or capillary bulb is located in the deepest part or Corion of the dermisBecause of its structure, the skin is itself a bad temperature-conducting organ, but the abundant capillary network of its vascular system has a mechanism that reacts with extraordinary delicacy to the temperature changes of the external medium. By the action of heat the capillaries are dilated, and by the cold they contract, producing a decrease of the blood volume to avoid the excessive loss of body heat.During winter, the scalp is often exposed to low temperatures tempered by the covering hair mass. However, there is a cooling of the epidermis that will contract the blood vessels and that will affect the supply of nutrients to the germ areas. These germ zones will reduce metabolism and hair will grow more slowly in winter. At the same time, the excretory activity of sweat is reduced and sweat pores contract, and consequently the supply of water on the surface is reduced and the scalp is easily dehydrated.Instead, sebaceous glands are activated and the rate of sebum excretion increases markedly in order to protect against low temperatures. This change in the components of the hydrolipid mantle will mean modifications of the superficial microbiome so at this time of year are frequent the appearance of flaking in the form of dandruff and seborrheic eczemas in scalps that have a predisposition to this type of skin manifestations.Thus, they are particularly vulnerable to the cold and windy climate the dry scalps that, by fault of lubrication, can present periods of scabbing or dry dandruff.Effects on the cut It structure cornificate and compacted tends to establish a balance with the conditions of the surroundings. Like this, in wet climates or rainy days, the hairs absorb environmental water that plants between the intermolecular spaces of the chains of keratin. Protein fibers increase in diameter and lengthen by increasing the length of hair (note the difference in length between wet and dry hair).This is the main cause by which in climates very humid it's difficult keep the changes of temporary form during prolonged periods. In the case of the dry climates produces the contrary effect: the hairs tend to lose humidity to the half, with what compact the fibres and lose flexibility although they win hardness. It is precisely in this type of climates that care must be extreme in the stem, since the hair fiber requires a certain degree of moisture to maintain its properties of elasticity and resistance. Otherwise, the cortex fibers will become disorganized and the cuticle will flake, losing its cohesion.Prevention and cares of the hair in winter The strategy to follow during the winter will situate in two fronts: the one of the prevention (or care of the cut preserving it of the wintry aggressions) and the stimulation (of the germinative part to keep the hair mass).From the biological point of view, the wintry period is taken advantage of to take a "metabolic break" before the renewal that will take place in the following months of the year. It is a necessary period to " replace strengths" and prepare for the spring. However, in some occasions, the activity reduce too and prolongs the fall during the winter.In these cases, it is advisable to stimulate the scalp with nutritional preparations based on protein hydrolysates, vitamin complexes, revitalizing etc. that contribute to stimulate the cellular activity of the follicular matrix. We must pay special attention to the hair stem, which, when exposed to changes in temperature, humidity and also to the processes of hairdressing, cosmetics, among others, loses its integrity, dehydrates, becomes rough to the touch and loses shine. It is important to prevent its deterioration. The protective masks, both with rinsing and without it, the re-structuring based on covering assets prevent its degradation. We should not forget the special attention that requires dyed, bleached or permanent hair, since they are especially sensitive to dehydration because they are more porous and less resistant to climate changes.The care and protection of the scalp and hair against adverse weather conditions, delays its aging, makes its renewal faster and looks healthier and brighter.Exposing myths and truths With the cold, has to protect the hair with caps. FALSEHair for its thermoregulatory function needs cold to exercise its function. Care with the ironed intense in the days of wind: TRUEIncrease the dehydration of the stem and therefore its deterioration The hair grows more slowly in winter: TRUEThe low temperatures slow down the metabolism of the scalp In winter it is necessary to wash less the hair: FALSEThis only depends on the type of scalp and of his glands The sports in the open air in winter prejudice to the hair: FALSESince the hair is ready to face them.

Winter in the hair: care, myths and truths

The hair undergoes internal changes and the stem establishes a balance with the climatic conditions of the environment to adapt to the seasons of the year

Eni Gómez

Technical director and R&D in Centro de Tecnología Capilar