We love winter, and why wouldn’t we? The cool temperature and crisp air bring a welcome change from the sweltering heat and blazing sunlight we experience throughout the year. But while winter calls for snug blankets and inviting cups of cardamom tea, it also brings uninvited, frustrating effects on one’s hair, skin and nails.

A much-noticed sign of the change in season is dry hair. Dr Ayesha, a dermatologist at Tasneem Nakhoda’s Lasersoft clinic in Karachi, points out that hair needs to be kept hydrated in winter as it tends to lose moisture and becomes dull and dry. She says a counterbalance for this is to avoid shampooing hair on a daily basis. One should also cut down on heavy heat-styling routines (e.g. blow drying, ironing), as this leads to dry hair and can cause breakages. Dr Tasneem Nakhoda adds that it would be great if hair can be treated to deep conditioning once a week to replenish lost moisture during winter. If one doesn’t want to, or can’t condition their hair, applying a bit of argon oil to damp hair is another way to lock in the moisture.

Nabila Maqsood, at Nabila’s salon, says women need to protect their hair from cold winds and bitter temperatures. Moreover, women with oily hair should invest in dry shampoo or salt spray on the roots to add volume. Frizzy hair actually benefits from the lack of humidity, so women having that hair type can love their hair this season.

Kick the cold weather in the pants with these winter hair, skin and nails tips

Many people prone to dandruff notice it gets worse in winter. Nabila says it could be caused due to dry weather and dry scalp. “If the dandruff is light it can be treated by home remedies like yoghurt, apple cider vinegar, or a reputable anti-dandruff shampoo. However, if it is severe I would recommend seeing a dermatologist.”

Dr Ayesha is of the opinion that the exact cause of dandruff is still unknown. People with seborrheic dermatitis (a condition with irritated, oily skin), people who are sensitive to yeast, and others with dry or eczema-prone skin have a slightly higher chance of dandruff, which can explain why it is worse during the winter months. She recommends a restriction in the use of fatty foods, fried foods, refined sugars, and processed food to reduce flaking. An increase in the consumption of foods with zinc should help as well. Shampoos containing coal tar, salicylic acid, zinc sulphide and ketoconazole are helpful in controlling dandruff that already exists. If you are using dandruff shampoo, alternate it with regular shampoo for best results.

The dryness in winter not only affects one’s hair, but can cause havoc on the skin and nails as well. Dr Tasneem says moisturising is the key to safeguard oneself from dryness. She recommends oil-based moisturisers rather than water based, as oil creates a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than cream or lotion. One can go for natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil, or even simple paraffin. Moisturisers should be applied immediately after bathing. Nabila advocates the use of creams as self-protection: day cream, night cream, eye cream, neck cream, hand cream, cuticle cream … the list goes on.

Hydration is absolutely essential for healthy skin and nails, maintains Dr Ayesha. “Our body hydrates itself from the inside, so make sure you are drinking at least eight glasses of water daily,” she says. “And make sure you are getting enough protein (meat, lentils, beans, eggs) and Vitamin B — Biotin (egg yolks, white meat) to help strengthen nails.”

Moreover, women with oily hair should invest in dry shampoo or salt spray on the roots to add volume. Frizzy hair actually benefits from the lack of humidity, so women having that hair type can love their hair this season.

Facial cleansing helps keep the face hydrated and maintains a healthy look. “Our favourite is the multipurpose cleansing balm by Beauty Counter, but good old-fashioned olive oil will do the job too,” Nabila says.

Dr Ayesha adds that women should not invest in products that are cheap, or ones that have lots of perfumes and preservatives in them. They should look out for hypoallergenic products.

With proper care and devotion to one’s hair, skin and nails, one can watch out for current trends, and style themselves accordingly. Tabesh Khoja, a PR and image consultant at Nabila’s, points out which hair colours are trending this season. “Free hand Balayage is still very popular,” he says. “Mink browns and mauve would be our favourite.”

For nails, Nabila says, “Personally, after doing years of acrylic nails, deep colours and nail art for our clients, this season we are attracted to beautifully manicured, natural nails.” For makeup, though, this season is perfect. “This weather is amazing,” she says. “One gets to dress up and wear clothes and colours that we avoid all summer. This time is filled with parties, weddings and celebration. It’s a good time to have fun with make-up as well. The tone we are promoting this season is ‘festive’ using metallic colours, glitter, confetti, body art, bright colours and quirky placements.”

One can enjoy the full benefits of this season, but guidance and protection is necessary to do so. There are many styles and trends to follow, and limited days to utilise. Stay hydrated, moisturised and protected, and prepare yourselves to welcome winter.

Published in Dawn, EOS, November 26th, 2017