How to Protect Your Crown During Colder Seasons
Fall is officially here, and we will soon encounter even cooler temps in the upcoming winter months.
The cold, dry air can be quite challenging for the skin during this time of the year. Cold temperatures can cause severe dryness: rough skin, static hair, chapped lips, and brittle nails. Sun exposure can also be intense during cold months, and when coupled with wind chilling weather like rain, sleet, and snow it can have damaging effects.
So how can you protect your crown from this intense weather during these seasons?
First, you should assess if your diet, as well as supplements are present in your current regimen that are needed to support health skin, hair, and nails. Your diet should contain protein and minerals, and enough water should also be incorporated into your daily plan. Common vitamins recommended for hair are biotin, vitamin A, B, C, D, and E, iron, zinc, and protein (i.e. collagen)④.
Biotin converts nutrients into energy can be found in meats, eggs, nuts, and grains. It’s also available as a supplement and the recommended dose is 30 mcg daily for adults only. Disclaimer: this dosage has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and data for biotin’s use is still being researched to determine its exact mechanism of action, but several studies have determined its effectiveness for healthy hair.
Vitamin A helps glands produce sebum that keeps hair moisturized can be found in foods such as pumpkin seeds, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and kale.
B vitamins carry nutrients to the scalp and are found in whole grains, fish, almonds, and dark leafy greens.
Vitamins C and E protects hair form oxidative stressors cause by free radicals which cause loss of hair and changes hair texture.
Iron is responsible for oxygenating red bloods cells, which makes it an important mineral for hair growth. Iron can be found in foods such as eggs, red meat, spinach, and lentils.
Zinc provides tissue growth and repair for hair follicles, and a diet that includes proteins such as pumpkin seeds, spinach, and lentils are good for obtaining this mineral.
Lastly, its import to understand your hair type so that you use topical hair care products that is needed for your hair texture. Products that are thick, rich, and moisturizing (i.e. humectant conditioners) are essential during colder seasons. Shampooing hair less is also recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology so that you maintain moisture, instead of dehydrating the hair follicles. Consider cutting the amount of shampoo’s down to once a week. Also, limit use of heat, and instead towel blot hair, or air dry, then use heat as recommended by veteran hair stylist Sheila Roussell-Best. She also recommends protective styles during this time of year as well that does not put too much tension on the scalp (i.e. ponytails, up do’s, or braids, and weaves that are not too tight on the scalp).
Hopefully, these recommendations will provide you with the tools you need to protect your hair during, the next four more months of cold temperatures, and I will be wishing everyone a healthy beautiful crown during these months.
About the Author
Tayiana J.Reed is a clinical pharmacist and wellness expert dedicated to curating affordable, clean and natural health & beauty products to cultivate a holistic lifestyle. Dr. Reed currently works in public health in the DC area and has dedicated her career to helping patients and clients obtain clinically proficient, cost effective drug information.
