Ideal Winter Gear To Protect Your Hair

No one wants to think about winter right now, but the truth is that it’s right around the corner. It’s about that time again to start buying hats, scarves, and coats, but before you invest in those items, it’s important to know how they may affect the health of your hair.
Coats Cause Chaos

While coats may protect your body from the winter weather, they can also be very damaging to the hair. Coats with a high collar can rub against the nape of the neck, which cause breakage to the hair at the back of the head. Not only can the height of the collar cause this to happen, but also the coat material. Wool coats can cause a lot of snagging and the constant friction can cause the hair to become dry and brittle. To prevent breakage, choose coats with hoods versus collars and choose coats that of a softer material, such as cotton or soft leather. Avoid wearing rough wool fabrics. And if you are going to wear wool because it tends to be the warmest, be sure to protect the neck area with a soft scarf.

Scarves Create Shedding

The best type of scarf to wear to protect your nape hair from damage is a soft cotton or silk scarf. Stay away from scarves made of rayon because rayon absorbs moisture, so it can leave the back of the hair dry. Materials such as polyester and nylon do not absorb moisture well, so they will not strip the hair of its moisture. Wools should also be avoided, unless it is pashmina, which is a form of cashmere wool. Also, how you wear your scarf can cause breakage. Wearing the scarf tightly, right at the nape of the neck can cause friction that will break the hair. To avoid this problem, wear your scarf loosely, either below or above the back of the neck. Also, keep the hair tucked in the scarf instead of hanging over the scarf. This will keep the nape hair from coming into direct contact with the scarf.

Hats Wreak Havoc

Like scarves, the best type of hat fabric for your hair is soft cotton or silk or satin. When choosing a hat, it is important to wear a breathable material, so that air can circulate to the scalp. It is also important to wear hats that do not come down tightly on the head, as this may create tension that can stress the hairline and clog the pores. It can also strip the hair of moisture, causing the hair to become brittle and dry. So wear a soft, loose-fitting hat. For a warmer option, you can wear a satin or silk bonnet under a wool hat.

In sum, softer, breathable materials are the best way to go when choosing coats, scarves, and hats for winter. While these are not the warmest fabrics, they are the fabrics that are best for the hair. So to have the best of both worlds, be sure to wear layers underneath those soft fabrics. It’s important to stay warm during the winter, but your hair’s health should not be compromised in the process. So stay warm, and stay pretty.