The weather is warming and the days are growing longer which means it’s time to shed those winter hair regimens in favor of less cumbersome fair. Although many of the steps in most beauty routines will not change – i.e. dial down or eliminate heat styling, condition amply and often, detangle hair only when its wet – the rise in temperature means increased humidity and blustery winds and call for hair care techniques that are spring specific.
For hair that has been in “hibernation” all winter through protective styling, a good end trim is a good place to start preparing for springtime hair care. Even when properly care for, ends can become frayed or split by simply rubbing up against fabric or in dealing with high spring winds. If you’re not confident enough to take the task on yourself have a trusted friend clip your ends for you or visit a professional with experience in styling natural hair, like Dairdre Scriven of Vinyl Hair Studio here in German Village, located at 962 S. Front St.
Employ scrubbing products to help exfoliate the scalp of its final winter “coat”, and apply weekly to give your follicles and invigorating lift. Scrubs need not be expensive or complicated. Simply adding an ample amount of turbinado sugar to your favorite conditioner or hair oil will work just fine. Apply the scrub to your scalp, work gently through and rinse thoroughly when done. Not only will this eliminate dead skin cells an excess product, but it provides a nourishing massage that increases blood circulation.
The rise in temperatures gives rise to open cuticles, which can contribute dry and brittle hair. In addition to the increase in heat, the strong spring winds can be the cause of split ends, no matter how healthy your hair is. If you’ve been in the habit of sealing your hair with coconut or castor oils, you’ll want to keep this practice up each and every time you condition or use a leave in treatment in order to prevent spring’s more subtle influences from robbing your hair of moisture.
More and more natural hair wearers will be shedding the hats used to protect hair from cold and snow. But now protection will be needed to guard against sun exposure by treating your tresses to products that contain UV protection, such as shea butter which can contain up to a 6 SPF rating. Invest in conditioners and oil treatments that provide UV protection and stick to deep conditioning treatments to combat the drying effects of sun exposure.
Since warmer temperatures mean less cover, take some time to spring clean your product closet! Bring those casual leave-ins and moisturizing/holding spritzes to the forefront and pack away the heavier creams and puddings. Just like with skin, hair needs to breathe, and will fare better with the increasing humidity if you use lighter styling and maintenance products. Switch to oils for moisture instead of pomades and lighter gels like aloe for hold.
In addition to changing out heavy winter products for “springier” flavors, this may also be the perfect time to throw out products that might be well past their reasonable shelf life. Typically, commercial cosmetic products are manufactured to last anywhere between 6 and 36 months, even if it’s never been opened, so spring is the best time to check lesser used products to make sure they are still fresh for use. If the smell or look of the product has changed, or the effectiveness of the product has lessened, chances are it’s time to throw it out and purchase a new supply.
Combs or picks with frayed teeth and brush with damaged bristle can snag, tangle and break hair strands. So while you’re cleaning out your product cabinet, inspect the condition of your styling items to make sure they are up to the task of sculpting gorgeous hair. Clean and sterilize all brushes, combs, picks and any other styling implements that were heavily used over the winter, or replace these items that are damaged or “outdated”.
Although spring is a carefree and rejuvenating time for the spirit and mind, it can be stressful on hair. But applying these simple tips to your routine can grant you hair as beautiful as the upcoming days are sure to be.
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