The Neck and Head Need Warmth Too
With the approach of winter, the leaves fall, the air sharpens, and temperatures drop. While it’s a myth that you lose 40 percent of your body heat from your head, protecting the area is still important, as is protecting your neck. It’s that time of year when we start thinking about equipping ourselves with the essentials for staying warm. Wearing a hat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to retain warmth and protect yourself from the chill.
Why Your Head and Neck Matters
The arteries and veins in your neck and head aren’t as deep or protected by skin and fat as the ones in your torso. When you keep your head and neck warm, you keep your torso warm, which helps you maintain a normal core temperature. Once again, wearing head and neck protection is critical for overall warmth and comfort.
The head is a major source of heat loss due to its high blood flow and constant exposure to the air. Covering it with a hat helps insulate your body, trapping warmth that would otherwise escape. This not only helps you feel warmer but can also reduce the risk of hypothermia in extremely cold conditions.
Keeping your head warm also supports your body’s temperature regulation. When your head gets cold, your body diverts heat from your hands and feet to protect vital organs. A warm head means your body can maintain an even core temperature more efficiently.
Health Benefits
Immune function: Sudden drops in body temperature can weaken your immune system. Wearing a hat keeps your temperature stable, helping your body stay resilient against winter bugs.
Hair and scalp health: Cold, dry air strips moisture from your scalp and hair, leading to dryness, dandruff, and breakage. A hat helps lock in moisture and protects your hair from harsh winter elements.
Protection from the elements: Beyond warmth, a hat shields your skin and hair from wind, snow, and rain — small comforts that make a big difference in harsh conditions.
Don’t Forget the Neck
While the head is key, the neck is equally important maintaining your core temperature and can prevent vasoconstriction from occurring in the more vulnerable parts of the body. It’s one of the most vulnerable areas for heat loss, with major arteries and veins located close to the skin. Keeping your neck covered — with a scarf, snood, or wrap — helps conserve heat and protect your health.
Why It Matters
Maintain core temperature: Covering your neck prevents significant heat loss, helping your body sustain a stable core temperature.
Improve circulation: Cold air constricts blood vessels, reducing circulation. A warm neck helps maintain healthy blood flow.
Ease muscle tension: The neck muscles are sensitive to cold. Keeping them warm reduces stiffness and prevents discomfort.
Support immune health: The neck contains lymph nodes vital to your body’s immune defence. Keeping the area warm supports these natural functions and helps ward off colds and flu.
Traditional wisdom: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the back of the neck is considered a key entry point for “wind cold.” Covering it with a scarf prevents cold air from seeping into the body and helps maintain wellbeing.
In short, warmth begins at the top. Protecting your head and neck not only helps you stay comfortable but also supports your body’s natural defenses through the coldest months. At Aoraki, we design our scarves, snoods, and hats to do just that — combining natural fibres, thoughtful craftsmanship, and lasting comfort. Because when it comes to facing winter, the right warmth in the right places makes all the difference.