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It’s that time of the year again! You may love the snow angels and winter lights that come with shortened days and cozy nights, but your hair certainly doesn’t. If you’re like most of the women out here rocking your natural curls, then you know that when winter hits, it isn’t easy to maintain them in all their glory. Caring for your curls in the winter becomes quite the task. Here are the best hidden secrets to help you protect one of your greatest assets and put that shine back where it belongs!
Leave the air-drying for warmer months
One of the greatest mistakes you can make is leaving your precious curls to air dry in that cold, dry winter air. While you may think that the heat is damaging, you’re more likely to cause them damage and make them brittle and frizzy by leaving them out in the cold. For best results, blow dry your hair on low heat while gently combing through your hair with your fingers.
Wash less frequently
If you’re a fan of wash and go styles, winter won’t be your favorite season, but you still have to find a way to take care of your curls in a way that works for them. The cleansing agents that go along with constant styling create critical dryness. Moreover, washing less is typically encouraged as your scalp produces less oil and perspiration. What’s this mean? You can get away with washing less frequently and with a low foaming shampoo for dry hair. Try the Clean-N-Curly Hydrating Shampoo.
Say good-bye to the towel
Any normal towel made of terrycloth isn’t doing your curls any favors. Typical bath towels are coarse enough to ruin your hair’s cubical and cause your curls to separate. This separation is what you know as frizz. Say good-bye to your towel if you really want to love on your hair this winter. What you need is an ultra-absorbent microfiber towel designed to reduce both frizz and drying time. Having a microfiber option will help to give you the curls that you so desperately seek — regardless of the season!
Reduce friction, reduce breakage
Alright, so you’re looking to get to the source of the issue. Winter is when you see the most breakage in your hair, and the real reason is because your hair is up against a lot more in the winter months than it is in the summer months. Between hats, scarves, and anything else you pull over your head, your hair goes through it all. The winter materials (think wool in particular!) don’t do you any favors when it comes to breakage. All of this friction requires major intervention if you want your hair to look and feel better. Learning to wear protective styles or protective materials underneath materials known for causing friction and breakage is key.
So, next time you go to buy a wool cap, make sure you invest in one that is properly lined in satin or silk. You’ll be shocked at the difference it makes! You can also find out more about the best protective styles in this blog, Everything You Need to Know About Protective Styles for Natural Hair.
Overdo the deep conditioner
Okay, so maybe do it within reason, but deep condition more than you would at any other time of year. During the winter, you’re exposed to dry air, heated homes and workspaces, blow drying, friction, and all kinds of winter materials that require your hair to need some additional love. Don’t hold out on the deep conditioner! It will be your best friend in caring for your curls.
That said, pick your deep conditioner carefully. A lot of humectants advertise themselves as having the ability to hold onto moisture, yet they also use glycerin. This has water-binding properties that will actually have the opposite effect that you desire for your hair in the dryness of winter. If you’re seeking luscious curls, your best bet is natural oils. They’ll help you hold in that moisture.
Need some help finding the very best products? This Hydrating Curl Shine and Repair and Restore Hair Strengthening Masque will help you bring the curls you know and love back to life. In the end, overdoing the deep conditioner in the winter isn’t really possible. Love on your hair, and your hair will show you love right back!
Final thoughts
And there you have it! It may be an adjustment in the winter, but your curls will certainly thank you in the end.
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