As temperatures drop, curly-haired womxn must brace for the harsh treatment our tresses will receive from the cold weather. Due to its texture and porosity (ability to retain moisture), our hair tends to get extremely dry and brittle during cold winter seasons. Dry hair can lead to frizz, dullness, and even breakage. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks that can help keep our hair healthy and moisturise
Deep Condition Hair Consistently
Different from a regular conditioner, a deep conditioner penetrates the hair follicles, which helps hair retain moisture and stay hydrated. Depending on the individual’s hair needs, deep conditioning can be done as often as once a week, or twice a month (bi-weekly).
I highly recommend the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque for curly womxn with damaged tresses, as it has done wonders for me.
Wear Protective Styles
Alongside the cold weather, the constant manipulation of fragile curls can lead to significant breakage. One of the best ways to keep hair moisturised is to get a protective style. There are a variety of options to choose from, such as braids, twists, faux locks, frontal lace weave, wigs, up-do (also known as a pineapple), and much more.
My favorite go-to hairstyle is mini-twists, which I install myself at least once a month during the winter season. The best protective styles are typically those that keep the ends of the hair securely tucked in. The tips of the hair are often the first points of breakage for many.
Get a Hot Oil Treatment
Another great addition to a natural hair care regime is a hot oil treatment. A hot oil treatment can help revive dry and brittle hair by sealing the hair follicle, which can help our hair retain moisture for longer periods of time. It is recommended that synthetic oils are avoided, as they won’t provide the same results as plant-based oils such as avocado, almond, coconut, and olive will. Hot oil treatments can be done at home or by a professional hairstylist.
Avoid Using Heat
Given how fragile our hair can be, it is best to avoid any form of direct heat as much as possible. Direct heat includes styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, curling wands, etc. An excessive amount of heat can lead to oftentimes irreparable damage to natural curls.
An alternative method is to use low heat or cool air, or if high heat must be used, a heat protectant spray that is applied before styling hair.
Don’t Leave the House with Wet Hair
Many of us love a good wash-and-go style, but this isn’t the best option during the winter season. Leaving the house with wet or damp hair in the cold weather can lead to more excessive damage to our curls than dry hair.
For those who don’t want to stop rocking their wash-and-go style, it is best to air dry at home or use a hairdryer to dry the hair quicker.
Conclusion
Our hair is very fragile and requires a lot of additional care to keep it healthy. During the winter season, it’s essential that a good hair care regime is undertaken in order to reduce breakage and retain length and moisture. With the increased embrace of our natural tresses over the years, we must also take on the responsibility of maintaining our hair properly.