No matter the season, hair needs care around the clock. Act + Acre’s Helen Reavey, co-founder and celeb stylist shares her top tips for kicking the cold to the curb and letting your hair thrive whatever the weather.
Much like our skin, hair responds differently to sudden changes in temperature and climate conditions which is why people can experience drastic changes in the texture of their hair or their scalp health. As temperatures continue to drop in the coming weeks, you may start to find your hair feeling more brittle and damaged, frizz may wreak havoc and you may find your skin becomes drier and flakier than normal. It’s important that we think about what the main problems are, what is causing them and how we can remedy them in the best and, of course, most natural and planet-friendly way possible.
Problem: Itchy Scalp and Dandruff
In autumn, the weather gets cooler and dryer leaving our scalps itchy and lacking in moisture. The worst case scenario? Dandruff collecting on our shoulders, which is never a good look.
The Expert’s Advice
Giving our heads that much-needed boost of TLC is vital during this transitions in weather. Investing in products that stimulate and balance the scalp, such as our Scalp Detox, is a good step to avoid flakiness.
The Eco Fix
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo, or massage into your scalp while damp for a quick natural remedy. Alternatively, combine one part of apple cider vinegar with three parts of water. Spritz through damp hair, leave for five to ten minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Repeat once a week, or as necessary, to help reduce dandruff.
Problem: Sun-damaged Hair
It’s time to let go of summer, and that means dealing with the effects the season had on your hair. Extended exposure to sun, salt water and lots of humidity means your mane may have taken quite a beating, and visibly so.
The Expert’s Advice
Literally let go of summer hair by chopping it off! Get a slight trim or, if you’re really adventurous, a drastic cut, leaving your locks looking fresh and new. If you’re considering a change in colour, make sure to add extra nourishment to your hair for it to adapt seamlessly.
The Eco Fix
A natural, DIY mask or deliciously revitalising serum can help to rejuvenate your hair and rebalance it to a happier, healthier state.
Problem: Dry and Dehydrated Hair
While dry and flaky patches on your facial skin are more noticeable, don’t forget that your hair is experiencing the same amount of loss in moisture. No one likes the feeling of brittle hair, especially when it leads to breakage.
The Expert Advice
Condition, condition and condition again. Leaving your conditioner in for longer will make up for the lack of moisture, while simultaneously giving you an excuse to wind down and light a few autumnal candles as you wait for it to sink in. Additionally, you may want to purge your vanity of any hair products containing harsh-alcohol or harsh-chemicals that strip your hair of its natural oils.
The Eco Fix
Once you’ve packed your hair with extra moisture, review your current washing routine to make sure you’re not cleaning it too often unnecessarily.
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