Woman in green hat (Photo credit: iStockphoto)

Scarves protect tendrils from frigid temps

By Ashlee Clark, My Salon Scoop writer

Winter can wreak havoc on a woman's hair.

The winds are fierce and the air is dry—conditions that mean trouble for all hair types.

Stylists recommend topping your crown with a hat and wrapping yourself in a scarf when the weather turns cold. But winter accessories also can damage hair if you don't take the proper precautions before you head out to brave the harsh winter weather.

Take care of your hair before you walk out the door. Keep your hair well conditioned if you're going to wear hats, which can soak moisture out of your hair, said Yolanda Johnson, a stylist at Turnin Heads salon in Lexington, Ky.

"Wearing hats can be like a nuisance to your hair" if you don't regularly visit your stylist and keep your hair moisturized during the winter, Johnson said. To protect hair from frigid temperatures and in between salon visits, she recommends using a leave-in conditioning treatment or a protein conditioner for your hair.

But if you want to wear hats, look for those lined in more hair friendly materials like acrylic or satin.

Women should also keep their ends neat and trimmed during the winter. Dead ends can get caught on coats and scarves, causing even more damage to the very porous ends, Johnson said. "Keep those dead ends snipped." Visit your beauty shop for a trim every six to eight weeks.

Silk scarf is a must-have (Photo credit: iStockphoto)

Wrap your hair in a silk scarf before you put on a hat. Line the inside of coats made of abrasive materials like wool with a silk scarf.

Go forth and accessorize. As long as you properly moisturize your hair beforehand, women should feel free to wear just about any hat or scarf they choose, said Erica Lyvers, a stylist at Hair Sensation in Lexington, Ky.

"Yes, hats can be worn," she said. "I am a big hat wearer."

If hats aren't your style, try wearing the hood of your coat or earmuffs to stay warm.

Layer different silk scarves to complement your coat while you protect your hair, Johnson said. "You can use it as a fashion statement."

Or wear a silk scarf under another scarf that is made of harsher materials. "I prefer silk compared to anything else," Lyvers said. Silk glides against your hair, so your hair doesn't get caught in the silk fibers and break off.

Ashlee Clark is a writer based in Lexington, Ky.

Copyright 2009 © My Salon Scoop, LLC

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