With the bitter conditions battering the UK, our scalps can become damaged from the freezing cold if we do not protect them.
The cold can take away the moisture from our scalp, which can lead to dryness and irritation which, in turn, weakens the hair. This could cause hair follicles to shred and may make it difficult for them to grow too.
Speaking to GB News, Dr Acar, a medical aesthetics doctor, discussed what the cold weather can do to people’s scalps and how they can prevent the chills from doing damage.
He said the cold weather could: “Reduce blood circulation and limit the delivery of essential nutrients to the hair roots, affecting their ability to grow strong, healthy hair. So the hair looks weaker, less vibrant and this could also cause possible hair loss.”
When checking your scalp’s health, you should be looking for any dryness, flakiness, redness, or excess oil
GETTY
To prevent this, the doctor advised how to check your scalp’s health to see if you need to take steps to protect it during the winter.
He said: “Start by checking for dryness, flakiness, redness, or excess oil. These signs indicate an imbalance in your scalp’s health.
“Hair thinning or shedding beyond normal levels can signal deeper issues, such as inflammation or poor circulation.”
Once you have checked your scalp, there are a series of measures you can take to start looking after it.
One of these the doctor discussed was taking a vitamin supplement to provide your body with the vitamins it would naturally get from the sunlight, which it may not get enough of in winter.
Dr Acar said: “Since we are less exposed to sunlight, especially in winter, our body’s vitamin D production decreases. This, in turn, can affect hair health. Biotin, zinc, vitamin E and B complex vitamins are also important for hair strengthening.”
Simply wearing a hat or a beanie is another way to guard your scalp. When outside in the cold weather, the extra layer can act as a barrier.
The doctor recommended: “Wearing a hat or beanie protects the hair from cold weather and helps maintain moisture balance. However, covering hair indoors for long periods of time can cause sweating and moisture to become trapped, so it’s helpful to remove it from time to time or let it breathe.”
Wearing a hat or beanie protects the hair from cold weather and helps maintain moisture balance
GETTY
Applying a moisture mask with oils such as argan oil or jojoba oil can help your scalp and your hair to be well nourished.
The doctor said: “It is very important to moisturise the hair during the winter months. Applying moisture masks with natural oils once or twice a week can help nourish the hair.”
Other tips the doctor recommended are cleaning your hair well and making sure it has room to breathe naturally.
The doctor did advise people with concerns to contact a specialist for tailored advice.
He said: “If concerns persist, a consultation with a specialist can provide clarity and guide you toward the best treatment options.”
