Winter is upon us, so to lift your spirits we’re bringing you our third installment of Ask Luxy, an advice column for your hair. The cold temperatures bring a host of hair-related problems from dryness to a lack of volume, so we’ve called in the experts to help you solve your hair woes. At Luxy Hair, we’ve tried and tested everything so we can pass on what we’ve learned to you. Wondering whether trimming your hair really makes it grow faster? Not sure how to salvage volume when you’re dealing with hat hair? Read on to see if your question made the cut.
Is trimming my hair actually going to help it grow or is that a myth?
Hair expert: Azra Kassam, Editorial Coordinator
Hair type: Normal
Hair length: Medium
Hair texture: Thick, wavy
Luxy Hair Extensions: 220g Off-Black Classic
Okay we get it, trimming an inch or two off your hair every six to eight weeks seems counterintuitive if you’re trying to grow your hair out, but is this really a myth? For years, I tried to grow my hair out with no luck. My hair just wouldn’t grow past a certain point, no matter what I did. I would often skip regular trims in the hopes that it would help my hair grow faster but instead, my split ends worsened and my hair became so damaged, I’d end up cutting it anyway.
The truth is, while trimming your hair may not help it grow faster, it will help it grow stronger. In other words, getting regular trims will prevent split ends from traveling further up the hair shaft, resulting in flyaways, frizz, and brittleness overall. Think about it like this: when you trim your hair regularly, you’re nipping the problem in the bud. This allows your hair to grow because it will be stronger and won’t break off mid-shaft.
Why does my hair get oily so quickly?
Hair expert: Takara Wong, Senior Customer Experience Specialist
Hair type: Oily
Hair length: Long
Hair texture: Thick, straight
Luxy Hair Extensions: 220g Jet Black Classic
Your hair can get oily for a number of reasons but it basically comes down to the fact that some people just produce more oil than others. Oil is secreted by the sebaceous glands on your scalp; it keeps your scalp healthy and moisturized and your hair soft and shiny. However, if your hair feels greasy not long after a wash, or if you find it consistently looks flat at the roots, your scalp is likely producing too much oil.
Straight hair gets oily more quickly than wavy or curly hair as the oils from your scalp can travel to the lengths and ends more easily than if your hair is coiled. Also, overwashing your hair can also cause a vicious cycle as your scalp may be compelled to produce more oil if you’re stripping them away. If you’re a compulsive hair toucher, beware! Constantly playing with your hair causes the oils from your hands to transfer, so it’s a good idea to try to be as hands-off as possible and avoid fidgeting with your hair.
To keep the oiliness at bay, try training your hair by washing it less often. You can also use a dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oils and give your hair some volume at the roots.
How do I keep volume and texture in my hair during hat season?
Hair expert: Rachel Passarelli, Influencer Manager
Hair type: Normal
Hair length: Long
Hair texture: Thick, straight
Luxy hair extensions: 220g Chestnut Brown Classic
Tired of dealing with hat hair in the winter? I know the feeling! It can be so frustrating to spend hours in front of the mirror styling your hair only to discover your hair looks flat once you take your hat off and are back indoors.
My favorite way to preserve the volume and texture in my hair is by using a texturizer or dry shampoo at your roots, even if your hair is freshly washed. A good product will help give your hair some hold, almost like a memory foam, so when you take off your toque or beanie, you’ll be able to zhoosh up your hair with your fingers and reignite the lift! You can also try out a hat-friendly hairstyle to keep the maintenance to a minimum. Not only are they super easy to achieve, they also look totally polished and are perfect for the winter, whether you opt for earmuffs or a knitted hat.
What foods should I eat for healthy hair?
Hair expert: Elisabeth Huynh, Graphic Designer
Hair type: Normal to dry
Hair length: Long
Hair texture: Thick, straight
Luxy Hair extensions: Classic 220g Off.Black
It probably isn’t surprising by now that what you put in your body affects everything from your hair to your skin. You can use all the right products and minimize heat styling, but if you’re not nourishing yourself properly on the inside, you’re not living your best hair life! I noticed a huge change in how quickly my hair started growing once I started eating the right foods.
If you want to help speed up hair growth, try incorporating healthy proteins in your diet like eggs which contain biotin, one of the primary proteins in your hair. Berries, sweet potatoes, and spinach are also beneficial for fostering hair growth along with healthy fats like avocados and nuts. Need some more inspo? We’ve compiled the top 5 foods to promote healthy hair.
My hair gets dry in the winter. What can I do?
Hair expert: Stephanie Ahn, Social Media Coordinator
Hair type: Oily, Split Ends
Hair length: Medium
Hair texture: Fine, straight
Luxy Hair extensions: 180g Seamless Ombre Chestnut
We get it, everything from your hair to your skin gets dry in the wintertime due to the lack of moisture in the air. Although my hair is naturally oily, I struggle with dry, brittle hair in the winter. So, what’s a girl to do? I’ve found that using a hair mask at least once a week coupled with a hair oil daily, helps keep your strands hydrated and soft. It’s also a good idea to avoid heat styling your hair whenever possible as this dries it out further and opt for a heatless hairstyle instead. For an intense boost of nourishment, apply some coconut oil on your mid-lengths and ends and leave it on overnight while you sleep. Rinse it out in the morning for hair that feels instantly soft and shiny!
Well, that’s a wrap for us. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to our Instagram by following us @luxyhair for lots of hair styling inspiration and tips.
Take our hair advice? We’d love to know how it worked for you! Snap a photo and share it with us using the hashtag #myluxyhair or talk to us in the comments below.