During the past few weeks Winter has properly set in. Not only in the Nordic countries but even in Paris, where people normally tend to wear almost the same clothes no matter the season, everyone is bundled up under layers and layers of warm clothes normally only seen in Scandinavia (and they are loving the Scandinavian brands) to protect themselves from the biting cold.
The drop in temperature brings about a myriad of challenges for our hair. The cold weather, coupled with low humidity levels, can wreak havoc on our hair, leading to various issues such as dryness, breakage, and overall damage. Understanding the effects of cold weather on hair is crucial in order to adopt preventive measures and maintain optimal hair health during the winter months and we are here to help you out.
Moisture Stripping Effects - The Role of Sebum
The sebaceous glands, crucial for maintaining hair health, produce sebum to create a protective lipid barrier and keep our hair hydrated. Cold weather, however, disrupts this delicate balance. As temperatures decrease, sebum production diminishes, leading to a compromised lipid membrane and these natural oils are often stripped away. The consequence is an increased susceptibility to moisture loss, rendering hair strands prone to dryness, breakage, and a lackluster appearance.
To proactively prevent this, hydration is key! Using French Laundry before bedtime or before heading out in the morning provides your hair with extreme hydration and intense conditioning. It imparts luster and brilliant appearance and feeds the hair just what it requires to stay healthy, soft, strong and beautiful.
Humidity Levels and Static Electricity - The Frizz Phenomenon
Cold weather is often associated with low humidity, exacerbating moisture-stripping effects. The reduced water content in the air, combined with the cold-induced loss of sebum, promotes hygroscopicity in the hair - the ability to absorb water from the surroundings. This heightened hygroscopicity contributes to static electricity buildup, causing the notorious winter frizz. This not only affects the aesthetic appeal of the hair but can also lead to increased tangling and breakage.
Preventing frizz requires the application of anti-static products containing ingredients that balance moisture levels and reduce electrostatic interactions, providing a smoother hair surface. French Laundry, with its proven anti-static properties, improves the hair's own mechanical properties and prevents hair breakage, while improving shine and general strength - just what your hair needs in this weather!
Protein Structure Alterations - The Impact of Keratin on Hair Strength
Hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin, and its structural integrity is essential for strength and elasticity. Cold weather can induce changes in the protein structure of hair, particularly through hydrogen bond alterations. As temperatures decrease, hydrogen bonds within the hair fibers can become more rigid, contributing to increased stiffness and decreased flexibility. This structural modification renders the hair more prone to breakage and reduced resilience.
To prevent protein denaturation, it is important to focus on protein rich formulations to reinforce the molecular structure of the hair and enhance its resilience. Our French Laundry formulation has no less than 13 amino acids (of which 5 essential ones!) and these tiny protein building blocks will maximize the quality, strength, and appearance of your hair.
Read more about the importance of amino acids for your hair HERE
Scalp Microbiome Balance - Holistic Hair and Scalp Health
Beyond the hair strands themselves, cold weather can also impact the scalp microbiome. The skin's microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment for hair follicles. The reduction in ambient temperature can disrupt this delicate ecosystem, potentially leading to dryness and irritation.
Scientific exploration of the scalp microbiome during colder seasons opens avenues for developing targeted interventions to support overall hair health. At Septième, we have done just that. We have created a formula that instantly replenishes the scalp with moisture and keeps it hydrated all day and night while improving the scalps own moisturizing power - protecting the delicate ecosystem that is your hair and scalp.
Understanding the scientific intricacies of how cold weather impacts hair allows us to formulate targeted preventive measures to minimize damage. By incorporating scientifically-driven strategies into our hair care routines, we can shield our locks from the harsh effects of cold weather, ensuring they remain healthy, vibrant, and resilient throughout the winter months.
At Septième, we have been working closely alongside the best chemists and laboratory in the hair care industry to create an innovative problem-solving formula that is gentle for your hair and scalp – with an effortless hair care routine at its core. We believe that there is really one product that can do it all!
Read about all the proven benefits of French Laundry HERE
Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or thoughts on this topic.
Malin & Janina
