6 Haircare Mistakes Turning Your Hair Into a Bird’s Nest This Winter
Riya Kumari | Dec 03, 2024, 20:16 IST
We’ve all been there—you step outside in your cute winter coat, your hair looking like it just stepped out of a shampoo commercial, and by the time you reach the office (or worse, that cute coffee shop), your hair has morphed into a tangled, frizzy disaster. You try to pass it off like you meant for it to look that way, but deep down, we all know what’s happening. Your hair just turned into a bird’s nest, and it’s not cute.
Now, you’re thinking, “Why does this happen every single winter? I just want to have good hair days. Is that too much to ask for?” No, it’s not. But it’s about time we talk about how to keep your hair from looking like it’s been through a tornado. And no, the solution is not more buns, braids, or desperate prayers. Here’s the lowdown on how to keep your hair looking cute in winter and not like something the birds left behind.
1. Over Washing
You’re washing your hair every day? I know, I know. You love the fresh, clean feeling after a good wash, but here’s the harsh truth: over washing is ruining your hair. The result? Dry, brittle, frizzy hair that definitely isn’t Instagram-worthy. Shampooing your hair too often strips it of its natural oils, and that’s a one-way ticket to frizz and dryness. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week. If you feel the need to wash it more often (because life happens), dry shampoo is your best friend. It adds volume, freshens up your hair, and saves you from the frizz that comes with over-washing.
2. Not Locking in Moisture
Winter is the ultimate thief of moisture, and if you’re not locking it in, your hair is crying for help. The secret here? A good leave-in conditioner. It’s not optional, it’s non-negotiable. Think of it like the security guard for your hair’s moisture—keeping everything locked in and in place. Apply it after washing your hair, focusing on the ends. Those ends are the thirsty ones, they’ll thank you for it. And don’t skip the deep conditioning treatment. A mask once a week is like a spa day for your hair—it’ll leave your locks feeling silky smooth.
3. Not Oiling the Ends
Listen, the ends of your hair are the oldest part. They’ve been through a lot, and they need love—seriously. Skipping oil on the ends will lead to breakage and frizzy tips. You don’t need to slather oil everywhere, just a drop on the ends in the morning and again at night. Yes, it’s that simple. Your hair will be smoother, shinier, and less likely to break. Don’t mess with your roots or the lengths too much, just focus on those ends. Trust me, this little step is a game-changer.
4. Using Too Much Heat
You know that straightener you’ve been using like it’s your personal stylist? Well, winter already dries out your hair, and adding more heat is like rubbing salt in the wound. I’m not saying give up heat tools altogether (I’d never take away your straightener, we both know that’s asking too much). But give your hair a breather. When you must style, always use a heat protectant spray. It’s like sunscreen for your hair. Protect it, and it will thank you by not looking like a fried mess by noon.
5. Not Using a Silk Pillowcase or Scrunchies
If you’re still using a cotton pillowcase, you’re doing it wrong. Seriously, cotton causes friction, and friction causes frizz. Enter: silk. Silk pillowcases are the secret weapon to waking up with smooth hair and fewer tangles. Plus, they help retain moisture in your hair while you sleep. And don’t forget silk scrunchies. They may sound extra, but they’ll help prevent hair breakage. They keep things soft, cute, and most importantly, damage-free.
6. Dehydration
Let’s be honest, we all know that hydration is the key to glowing skin, but did you know it’s just as important for your hair? You can’t expect your hair to look good if you’re walking around dehydrated. Drink water like it’s your job—seriously. The more hydrated you are, the less your hair will resemble a straw in winter. Plus, omega-3 fatty acids and biotin can work wonders for your locks. Treat your body right, and your hair will follow suit.
Winter doesn’t have to be the season of hair disasters. The days of looking like a bird’s nest in public are over.
1. Over Washing
Shampoo
You’re washing your hair every day? I know, I know. You love the fresh, clean feeling after a good wash, but here’s the harsh truth: over washing is ruining your hair. The result? Dry, brittle, frizzy hair that definitely isn’t Instagram-worthy. Shampooing your hair too often strips it of its natural oils, and that’s a one-way ticket to frizz and dryness. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week. If you feel the need to wash it more often (because life happens), dry shampoo is your best friend. It adds volume, freshens up your hair, and saves you from the frizz that comes with over-washing.
2. Not Locking in Moisture
Leave in Conditioner
Winter is the ultimate thief of moisture, and if you’re not locking it in, your hair is crying for help. The secret here? A good leave-in conditioner. It’s not optional, it’s non-negotiable. Think of it like the security guard for your hair’s moisture—keeping everything locked in and in place. Apply it after washing your hair, focusing on the ends. Those ends are the thirsty ones, they’ll thank you for it. And don’t skip the deep conditioning treatment. A mask once a week is like a spa day for your hair—it’ll leave your locks feeling silky smooth.
3. Not Oiling the Ends
Hair Oil
Listen, the ends of your hair are the oldest part. They’ve been through a lot, and they need love—seriously. Skipping oil on the ends will lead to breakage and frizzy tips. You don’t need to slather oil everywhere, just a drop on the ends in the morning and again at night. Yes, it’s that simple. Your hair will be smoother, shinier, and less likely to break. Don’t mess with your roots or the lengths too much, just focus on those ends. Trust me, this little step is a game-changer.
4. Using Too Much Heat
Heat Tools
You know that straightener you’ve been using like it’s your personal stylist? Well, winter already dries out your hair, and adding more heat is like rubbing salt in the wound. I’m not saying give up heat tools altogether (I’d never take away your straightener, we both know that’s asking too much). But give your hair a breather. When you must style, always use a heat protectant spray. It’s like sunscreen for your hair. Protect it, and it will thank you by not looking like a fried mess by noon.
5. Not Using a Silk Pillowcase or Scrunchies
Pillowcase
If you’re still using a cotton pillowcase, you’re doing it wrong. Seriously, cotton causes friction, and friction causes frizz. Enter: silk. Silk pillowcases are the secret weapon to waking up with smooth hair and fewer tangles. Plus, they help retain moisture in your hair while you sleep. And don’t forget silk scrunchies. They may sound extra, but they’ll help prevent hair breakage. They keep things soft, cute, and most importantly, damage-free.
6. Dehydration
Water
Let’s be honest, we all know that hydration is the key to glowing skin, but did you know it’s just as important for your hair? You can’t expect your hair to look good if you’re walking around dehydrated. Drink water like it’s your job—seriously. The more hydrated you are, the less your hair will resemble a straw in winter. Plus, omega-3 fatty acids and biotin can work wonders for your locks. Treat your body right, and your hair will follow suit.
Winter doesn’t have to be the season of hair disasters. The days of looking like a bird’s nest in public are over.