With the first day of winter closing in, Ricky Pennisi, leading stylist and founder of RI CI, wants to make sure your hair is protected from the winter elements-what many don't realize is that the cold winter months cause the most hair damage. Below are Ricky's five go-to tips for healthy, frizz-free, shiny locks.
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Stop Washing
Limit washing your hair to a maximum of three times per week, and never leave your house with wet hair. When your hair is wet, it is very vulnerable to damage. When mixed with the cold air, it leads to dry, brittle hair full of flyaways. Sulfate-based products strip your hair's natural oils, so when you do wash, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like RI CI Splash and Drench.
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Apply Deep Conditioning Treatment
Just like your skin, your hair needs a weekly mask, especially during the winter months. The dry heat in your house, office and at public places (think: restaurants, malls, theaters) mixed with the cold air outside strips your hair's natural moisture. Using a deep conditioning treatment weekly will help replenish the moisture, leaving your hair shiny and frizz-free.
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Eliminate the Heat
With dry heat pumping everywhere during the cold-weather months, try to limit using heat products on days you wash your hair. Heat causes your hair cuticle to split open, which creates frizz and flyaways.
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Sleep in a Scrunchie
It might not be the most fashionable look, but if you sleep with your hair up, use a scrunchie or pins instead of a tight elastic band. The scrunchie is less damaging on your hair since it doesn't pull on your strands. It also won't leave any unwanted creases or dents, making morning styling a breeze.
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Get a Humidifier
Winter is the most damaging to your hair because of the heat that's pumping everywhere, and frizz is your hair telling you that it's dehydrated and lacking moisture. A humidifier will add moisture to the air, which will help your hair and skin from feeling dry.