We’ve had a fairly mild winter so far. That doesn’t mean we don’t need to take care of our skin and hair for the season. Being in heated environments that can dry out both our skin and hair, so I decided to ask some local professionals for their expert advice on how to keep both healthy this time of year.
SKIN
I spoke with guide Jon Normolye from Origins at Palmer Square, and he told me to “exfoliate dead skin cells off three times a week so moisturizers can be absorbed.” He advised to stay away from gel-based exfoliants, which tend to dry out your skin. Jon recommends using a hydrating facial mask after exfoliating to get you through the season. He welcomes all to make an appointment to get a complimentary mini-facial that he’ll customize to your needs to combat the harshness of winter.
If you love being completely pampered, schedule a spa or salon appointment for a facial, manicure, pedicure, or a body treatment. See this post for a list of spas in the area. AQUASPA’S Aqua Spa package, and Edan Organix’s Milk and Honey package offer head-to-toe exfoliation and rehydration, including a mani-pedi, facial, body scrub and moisturizer or mask to help keep your skin in check. AQUASPA adds a massage to their package. Others listed also have great packages, or you can choose treatments à la carte.
Courtesy of Great Looks for Less - Owners Chase and Denise Taylor
HAIR
Denise Taylor, co-owner and Lead and Master Stylist of the hair salon Great Looks for Less gave me some good advice for winter hair care. She explained “You need to have your haircut in the winter every 5 – 7 weeks. I feel it is no different in the winter with keeping up with your trims as we still wash, maybe blow-dry and flatiron our hair, so we need to get those split ends off.”
I asked Denise which salon treatments she recommends these days. She told me a deep-conditioning moisturizing treatment is good to help with the dryness.
As for what to do in between salon visits Ms. Taylor says “A deep conditioning treatment at home where you leave a conditioner on for 15 – 20 minutes wrapped in Saran Wrap or foil. Your own body heat will aid in opening the cuticle of the hair to help the conditioner penetrate. Rinse with cool water to close the cuticle, and lock in the conditioner. You want to protect the hair if you will be out in the sun just like in the summer. We see our clients taking winter vacations and skiing trips, and they forget they have to protect their hair from the rays of the sun just like in the summer. There are hair care products that have UVA protection.”