Philip Pelusi, Internationally recognized stylist and product artist12.12.11
As we head into winter weather, the air around us starts to change and this greatly affects our hair and scalp.So we need to winterize our hair and scalps by insulating them with moisture.The change is the amount of moisture that is in the air around and this greatly affects the level of moisture in our scalp and hair.The level of humidity starts to drop and the air begins to be much drier.A little known fact is that our hair takes on whatever environment it is in.For example, in the summer when the air is more humid or more filled with moisture, our hair takes on that moisture and then can become frizzy and limp.In turn, as the humidity drops as in winter, the air becomes drier and then it literally pulls the moisture out of the hair and the scalp causing a variety of seasonal problems such as static, seasonal dandruff and much more.
When the temperatures drop outside, we also turn up the temperature on our heaters inside.This creates even drier air surrounding our hair and scalps.Dry heat literally sucks the moisture out of hair causing our hair to be dull, dry and lifeless.Plus, the lack of moisture in the air also causes scalps to become dry and often itchy and flaky bringing on seasonal dandruff.Here are a couple of tips to keep your hair and scalp properly hydrated during these drier winter months.
First increase your moisturizing content.During the day try keeping heat on a slightly lower setting if possible and get on a regular deep conditioning program by using a product that helps to hold moisture in the hair and scalp.Apply a deep conditioner that contains the moisture binding powerhouse hyaluronic acid.We use a plant-derived version that penetrates to bind moisture into the scalp and hair, thus preventing the dry air around it from pulling out that precious moisture.Try shampooing hair before going to sleep with a slightly more hydrating shampoo and then apply a deep penetrating moisturizing conditioner and plastic cap.Then wrap head in a towel.Get your sleep and then simply rinse hair in the morning and style as usual.
If you don’t have time for a nighttime treatment, try instead to go for a quick in-shower shot of moisture.Simply replace your daily instant conditioner with a deep hydrating conditioner once or twice a week.Even applying a bit to your fingertips and distributing all over the scalp area will make a big difference.Allow to penetrate a few minutes and then rinse and style as usual.Or add a few pumps of this deep hydrating treatment to your regular instant conditioner, mix together in your hands and apply.This will give hair and scalp the ability to hold onto moisture longer when exposed to drier winter air.Also, when rinsing the hair, only lightly rinse the hair and scalp with cool water.This will leave more of the treatment behind and increases hydration.
Try P2 by Philip Pelusi Deep Moisturizing Treatment for Hair and Scalp, containing nature’s supermoisturizing hyaluronic acid, along with the moisturizing pro-vitamin B-5 (panthenol) and a rich infusion of gluten-free wheat protein to moisturize hair and scalp.This treatment also includes the potent yeast derivative, TRF and biochelated copper and zinc to help support and maintain a healthy scalp.
With cooler temperatures outside and higher temperatures inside, dry scalp is often a problem that comes along with the fall season.A build up of dry skin cells on the scalp not only cause itching and flaking but also impede moisture molecules from penetrating deeply into the scalp tissue.Try alternating with a moisturizing and strengthening dandruff exfoliating treatment shampoo.This way you can eliminate your flakes and add moisture and strengthen to your hair and scalp.Look for one that is color safe and contains the dynamic exfoliating duo of both salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione.If flakes are a big problem, switch to this as a daily shampoo or if they are more on the mind side try alternating with this exfoliating treatment shampoo.If you need more flake relief, try gently brushing hair and scalp before showing and leaving the shampoo on under a plastic cap for a few extra minutes while you shower.Remove cap and gently scrub scalp with fingertips.This loosens flakes and gives the product more time to work!To keep flakes from forming during the day, make sure to follow with a hydrating or deep conditioner to help lock moisture into the scalp.
Try P2 by Philip Pelusi Exfoliate Treatment Shampoo.This unique shampoo exfoliates using biochelated zinc to assist in the removal of dead skin cells from the scalp in a moisturizing shampoo base infused with panthenol, silk amino acids and sodium PCA, one of Mother Nature’s natural moisturizing factors, to gently cleanse, moisturize and revitalize hair and scalp during dry winter months.
Switching or alternating with a slightly more hydrating shampoo will also help lock in more moisture into the hair and scalp.Look for a shampoo that contains organic, weightless moisturizers organic marshmallow root, plantain, mountain ladybell and Solomon’s seal.If your hair is fairly thick and a little more on the coarse side, you can switch shampoos for the winter without greatly affecting your style.However if your hair tends to be somewhat fine or medium density try alternating with this type of shampoo a few times a week for a boost of hydration here and there.Also check for the ingredient cassia angustifolia seed.This is a powerful but completely weightless humectant.So it is great for binding moisture on any texture or density of hair without weighing it down.This way you won’t greatly affect your level of volume.
Try Tela Beauty Organics by Philip Pelusi Curly Shampoo, a lavender scented, sulfate-free paraben-free and fragrance-free shampoo enriched with an infusion of certified organic herbs as well as moisturizing and conditioning agents that gently and effectively cleanses the hair and scalp.
The lack of moisture in the air also causes another winter hair enemy, static.Static means that the hair is literally reaching out for moisture.It won’t find any in winter air and that’s gives it its fly away appearance.So give hair and scalp a shot of a moisturizing hair groom before styling our hair and then a bit more whenever static acts up during the day.Lightly massage this weightless hair groom down at the roots and throughout your entire head.Look for a weightless groom that contains organic fig, plum and pomegranate as these will help instantly hydrate the hair and scalp and smooth and eliminate static.Another bonus to look for is one that protects the hair from ultra violet rays even in the winter.Carry a bottle in your purse and apply a few drops as needed.Treat brushes with this groom too!Brushes will glide thru hair and help control static while styling.
Running late for work or working out at the gym on your lunch hour and too cold outside to leave the gym with wet hair?Skip the shampoo and instead refresh hair with an anti-static, anti-frizz dry shampoo.Look for one containing organic bergamot, sunflower and lavender to add weightless hydration to help eliminate static, add shine and protect from thermal styling tools.Simply mist into hair, brush thru and touch up style with blowdryer or flatiron.You’ll be at work in no time.Another fast style tip is to mist on the dry shampoo and then brush hair up in ponytail, and flatiron the ponytail area.So look for one that is an ozone-friendly spray that can multi-task as a dry shampoo and as styling touch up tool.
About the Author
Philip Pelusi is an internationally recognized stylist, photographer and product artist. Having gone from one salon to 13 locations as well as a magnificent industry centerpiece in New York City, Pelusi has created a philosophy, a product line, P2 by Philip Pelusi and systems for success.Philip created and trademarked, within the industry, the phrase “A Cut Above The Rest” to coincide with his creation of the registered Volumetric haircutting technique around which he built his empire.
More info: www.philippelusi.com