The harmattan season is gradually coming upon us. The season is synonymous with intense weather dryness, extremes of cold and sometimes heat.

Due to the change in weather conditions, our skin and hair lose its moisture, thereby causing dryness and brittleness. This may lead to hair breakage and dandruff.

Bunmi Romiluyi, a Trichologists at The Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute, Victoria Island, Lagos, gives tips on how to maintain healthy hair all through the intense dryness of the season:

Invest in moisturising shampoo

Avoid ordinary shampoo this season. Invest in moisture care conditioning shampoo that replenishes lost oils to scalp and hair as it cleans. On no account must you go on for two weeks, without shampooing your hair.

Regular deep condition/steaming

Deep conditioning your hair is an essential this season. Weekly deep conditioning will help to lock in moisture and strengthen the hair, to prevent drying out. Leave your deep conditioner to steam for 10-15 (using a heating cap or stay under dryer if desired). You can also cover the hair with a shower cap, using body heat to steam for about 20minutes.

Follow up with leave-in-serum or condition

Applying leave-in-serum hydrates and locks in moisture leaving hair softer and healthier. It provides continuous conditioning treatment as it restores and conditions dry scalp and hair

Invest in a spray bottle

For additional moisture and shine, especially for dull hair, apply hairspray.  A spray bottle is where you have a mixture of water, oil, and leave in glycerin. It is very essential as it will help to make re-moisturising easier through the day. A small spray bottle to take along everywhere with you and be able to spritz from time to time to re-moisturize the hair is recommended.

Protective hairstyles

The importance of protective styles cannot be overemphasised. They help protect ends which are the oldest and most fragile part of the hair, from breakage allowing the hair to grow and stay healthy. There are the usual styles like box braids, Marley and Senegalese twists, cornrows and even wigs. But, don’t leave it on for too long.

Increase water intake

Water is good for the body. Everyone is encouraged to drink up to 8 glasses of water per day for healthy skin, hair and nails. If you have to take 8 glasses of water when the weather is normal then you certainly have to take more during the intense dryness of harmattan to keep your hair moisturized.

Avoid dust as much as possible

If you cannot totally avoid it, then wrap your hair as often as possible. It is almost impossible to avoid dust this period but it’s one of the things you should do to care for your hair. When going out you can wear a hat to prevent dust from settling on your hair.

Vegetables

Eat more vegetables and fruits that can provide you with the daily vitamins and minerals that you need.