Does cold weather affect hair growth?
When it's cold, blood circulation to the scalp can decrease because blood vessels constrict due to low temperatures, which can hinder the supply of essential nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles, slowing hair growth.
According to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, less sunlight in the winter reduces vitamin D levels, and without enough vitamin D, hair growth can be affected. The scalp can also become dry and flaky due to cold air and indoor heating systems.
3 Ways to Boost Hair Growth in Winter
To limit the effects of low temperatures, here are 3 effective ways to care for your hair in winter.
Proper scalp care:
Moisturize your scalp: Use coconut oil, argan oil, or castor oil to massage your scalp 1-2 times a week to help promote circulation and nourish hair follicles.
Exfoliate your scalp: Use a gentle exfoliating product to remove dirt, skin, and excess oil, helping hair follicles clear and grow better.
Supplement necessary nutrition:
Protein: In winter, to have strong hair, you should eat more protein-rich foods such as eggs, salmon, chicken, beans and nuts because hair is weakly based on keratin (a type of protein).
Vitamins and minerals: Make sure you get enough biotin, iron, zinc and vitamin D, which can help stimulate faster hair growth. Foods like broccoli, spinach, eggs and chia seeds are all good for your hair.
Regular hair care:
Protect your hair from cold weather: Wear a soft hat or warm scarf when going out to prevent cold air from drying out your hair.
Shampoo and scalp care: You should shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week with a mild conditioner, combined with conditioner to keep your hair moisturized.
Pay attention to the temperature when drying your hair: When drying your hair, you need to pay attention to the temperature of the dryer. Do not dry your hair at too high a temperature as it will dry your hair and affect your scalp.
