When it is cold, windy, and muggy outside, it is impossible not to catch a cold. But did you know that this weather can also have a negative effect on the health of your hair? What is a “hair cold” and what are its consequences?
On average, you lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. What are the causes? Sudden temperature changes and not wearing a hat are usually responsible. Frozen and weakened hair roots cause hair loss.
In winter, we should first of all wear hats, this is the basic way to take care of our hair at this time of year. The choice of hat is very important because if it is too warm, it will overheat the sebaceous glands, which will result in excessive sebum production. And too thin a head covering during frosty days will not provide us with adequate protection against heat loss. Which hats made of which materials will be the best choice for the winter time? Definitely those made of wool, because they do not overheat the head and in such a hat also work properly sebaceous glands.
Cold air has a very negative effect on the vascularization of the scalp. What does this mean? When we are not wearing our headgear, the capillaries (whose important function is to nourish the hair) shrink and the transfer of nutrients from the bloodstream to the follicle is severely restricted. In this case, the hair follicles are not sufficiently supplied with the nutrients they need to function properly. And as a result, more hair may start to fall out. When our hair follicles are exposed to cold temperatures, they begin to weaken, their quality deteriorates and as a result, they may begin to fall out as well.
The cold winter air is not good for longer hair because due to the cold temperatures, high humidity and heating season, the hair shaft becomes more dull, weak and frizzy. Therefore, always dry your hair thoroughly before you leave the house in winter, because wet or damp hair that freezes is very susceptible to breakage and any mechanical damage. And what effect does hot air from heating appliances have on the condition of hair? Such air, in turn, causes the hair begins to electrify, so it is worthwhile to protect them with preparations with anti-static ingredients
As mentioned earlier, adequate protection of hair in winter is essential, but in addition to atmospheric factors, a balanced diet, which should be rich in vitamins and trace elements, also has an impact on hair condition. It is worth remembering that the basic building blocks of hair are proteins and minerals. Our meals should be rich in vitamins: A, D, E, K and B6 and B12. Their deficiency may weaken the condition of hair and cause its loss.
A well-balanced nutrition is essential. When we eat healthy, our hair is properly moisturized and nourished from within. What are the most important minerals for our lush hair? Zinc and copper. Zinc is found in larger amounts in hair than in the bloodstream, and if we do not supply it in sufficient quantities, the body replenishes it from the hair, which then becomes brittle, fragile and more likely to fall out. Products rich in zinc include liver, buckwheat, eggs, fish, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
During the winter season our body is attacked by many infections, which takes its toll on the condition of our hair. Did you know that diseases manifested by high fever may increase hair loss? This is why it is so important to take care of your immunity during the winter months and protect your hair from the weather and avoid catching a cold.
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