Lipstick Masala

.

Below is a contributed post by fellow blogger, Leia. Along with her best friend, she currently runs a fashion site from London that regularly updates readers with the latest high fashion looks and must-haves. As she was one of our first followers here at Lipstick Masala, I am honored that she has kindly taken the time to share some of her favorite beauty techniques with us. If your hair is suffering from winter woes, this post is for you! Leia has outlined some fantastic tips and tricks that have left her hair beautifully thick and silky. Check out her fabulous site over at http://hifashionsl.blogspot.com/!

.

.

For most of us, winter has finally arrived. Whether you love the season or the cold makes you depressed and homesick, one thing is for sure: winter wreaks havoc on your hair! Wind, dry air, and central heating can cause dryness and split ends. Here are some of my tips for keeping your hair luscious when the temperatures drop.

.

Deep Treatments

Extreme cold can suck the moisture out of your hair: combat this by applying deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair soft and healthy! Some ideas…

1) My favorite store-bought conditioner is Lush Henna & Jasmine Fluff Eaze (Click HERE for link) It smells divine and makes my hair feel amazing!

2) To add extra moisture to your usual conditioner, add some honey. I roughly use the proportion 1 part honey/2 parts conditioner. Make sure you mix the two before applying it to your hair. I know it sounds sticky but it’s a quick fix and works really well!

3) If you have a bit of extra time, why not consider making your own hair treatment?

Natural Hair Treatment

- 1 tsp olive oil (or whatever you prefer: almond and coconut also work well)
- 1.5 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp coffee (optional, but it brings out the dark tones of brunette hair)
- 1 egg

If you’re worried about egg smells, you can add a drop or two of some essential oil (e.g. rosemary, lavender – whatever you like!) Mix the coffee with boiling water, add the oil and honey, and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. When it cools, add the egg and the yogurt. Apply to your hair and leave on for as long as you like – then rinse and shampoo!

4) Do you suffer from dry scalp? Try this…
- Massage some oil into your scalp
- Prepare a bowl of conditioner and brown sugar. After shampooing the oil out, scrub the conditioner/brown sugar mixture into your scalp
- Rinse
(Make sure you use a weak conditioner with the brown sugar if you’re prone to an oily scalp or if you don’t usually use conditioner on your scalp).

.

.

Protect Your Hair

We often forget to protect our hair from the brutal wind and dry air. Personally, I look ridiculous in hats! So I wear a knitted snood: it doubles to keep you warm and to keep your hair from flying all over the place. Also consider putting your hair in braids and buns or tucking it into your coat if you just can’t deal with hats!

.

.

Limit Heat Styling

I know you may be addicted to your blow dryer or flat iron; winter is shaadi season and you want to look your best! But this is the time to treat your hair gently. If you simply must look perfectly primped, consider using rollers instead.

- Use big velcro rollers for loose waves. If done properly, it can look like you have just had a blow dry. Comb your hair while it is damp (be very gentle, your hair can break easily when wet) and roll up separate sections. Once you have had a bit of practice, it only takes 10 minutes. I usually leave them in overnight, but you can just take them out in a couple of hours when your hair is dry! For more defined curls, put the rollers in when your hair is quite damp.

- Wrap, snap & go (click HERE for link) curlers are great for messy, tight curls, and are really comfortable to sleep in, as well.

.

Static Control

I’ve never tried this myself, but I’ve heard that if you suffer from static or flyaway hair, you should rub your hair between two dryer sheets.

Happy holidays, everyone, and don’t forget to treat your hair well this winter season!