Winter is here, and for those of us with natural hair, it can often seem like a never-ending battle against frizz, split ends, and lackluster hair. Yes, a thousand detanglers, hydration, and oils can make our natural hair look and feel its best, but the cold weather can often take away our progress and leave us looking like we’ve just come out of a hurricane.
If you’re looking to shield your hair from winter brutality and keep your mane as beautiful as possible, here are a few natural hair protection tips to make sure your tresses stay moisturized, fluffy, and lovely all season long.
Preserve Moisture
Hey you gorgeous, curly-haired maven! It’s winter, and if your natural hair isn’t feeling the love, don’t fret! Believe it or not, the harsh winter elements can actually be controlled, and you can win the battle of the ‘fros. So, start by protecting your hair with these five tips on how to preserve moisture during the winter so you can rock your natural hair!
First things first: decrease the amount of time you spend styling and manipulating your curls. During the cold winter months, wearing your hair in its natural state or totally up and off the neck is ideal. If you do need to freshen up your style, try pineapple-ing your hair or a soft braid out.
Second, deep condition often. Some naturals suggest deep conditioning once a week, but in the winter, when the air is dry, it’s best to make it a priority to do it every other day. Look for proteins, oils (like avocado and grapeseed), and moisturizing ingredients like Shea butter and aloe vera.
Third, it’s time to break out the creamy goods! For added hydration, transitioning to a heavier, richer shampoo and conditioner should be part of your bedtime routine. Swap out your typical cream-based conditioner with a leave-in conditioner or diluted creamy hair milk.
Fourth, invest in a humidifier. It adds moisture to the air, which means no dry curls for you! Plus, you can use your humidifier for multiple other benefits, including helping allergy sufferers and those with dry skin.
Lastly, don’t forget to change up your nighttime routine! Before bed, when styling your curly tresses, spritz them with water and then add a few drops of light oil to your curls to seal in moisture. This will help keep your natural coils moisturized as you slumber away.
So, if you want to keep your hair protected and moisturized during the winter months, don’t forget these five easy tips! Taking a few extra steps to limit breakage and locking in moisture will have you feeling winter-ready and keep those curls happy.
Limit Washing
You know what? If you want to keep your natural hair healthy in the winter months, limiting your washes is one of the best places to start! But don’t worry, we’ve got a few tips to make sure you’re still rocking luscious locks when spring arrives.
First and foremost, set yourself a strict schedule. Use your best judgment and determine how often your hair needs to be washed—it might be weekly, biweekly, or bimonthly based on your hair type and the products you use. Follow it, and make sure you stick to it! It can be tempting to give in to the urge once in a while— trust us, we get it—but try not to wash unless strictly necessary.
Second, never use hot water when you do wash. It’s much too harsh on your hair and depletes the essential oils it needs. Warm water is good enough, just enough to make you feel clean and refreshed without frying the moisture out of your locks. Whenever possible, stick to cooler temperatures to provide extra protection.
Third, opt for sulfate-free products. Products with sulfates can strip the natural oils from your hair and can even lead to buildup. Make sure to read the labels to confirm there are no sulfates in the products you use, and always use one specifically designed for your hair type.
Fourth and finally, use a deep conditioner once a week. This will make a huge difference in protecting and moisture-locking your hair throughout winter. Deep conditioners contain more moisture and hydration elements than regular conditioners, so apply a generous amount and make sure you massage it evenly throughout your hair.
And there you have it: four simple steps for maintaining healthy natural hair in winter! Don’t let the cold get in the way of your mane-game—follow these tips, and you’ll look lovely all season long.
Embrace Protective Styling
Wow, winter is here, which means it’s time to protect those beautiful curls from the cold weather elements! If you want to keep your natural hair looking luscious and hydrated all winter long, then you need to embrace protective styling! It’s a great way to keep your hair shielded from the harshness of cold winds and other elements without sacrificing style.
Not many people know how to create protective styling, but it’s surprisingly easy. With a few simple steps, you can keep your hair looking healthy, strong and shiny. One of the most common protective styling options is braiding. Braiding your hair is a quick and simple way to keep it tucked away. It’s good for those who don’t want to spend too much time styling their hair, plus it keeps your haircut looking neat and stylish.
Another option is to opt for a scarf or a hat. You can cover your hair to keep it warm and shielded from the cold weather or wind. If you have long hair, you can pull it up into a high bun or half up-half down style and add a hat over that to keep it looking tight. For short hair, a cute little hat with a ribbon or bow should do the trick.
Whatever protective styling option you choose, make sure it works with your hair texture and lifestyle. You don’t want to be stuck with a style you don’t like, so take the time to experiment with hair accessories and products to find what best works for you. But beware! Protective styling can be addicting!
Proper protective styling can help your hair stay moisturized and hydrated all winter long. So, embrace protective styling and enjoy the winter with beautiful, healthy hair.
Use Deep Conditioning Treatments
Winter can be a difficult time for natural hair – but with the right deep conditioning treatments, you can prevent your hair from drying out and looking dull.
It’s a bit like taking care of a pet. Just like you need to give your pet a bath, brushing, and other special treatments, your hair needs love and attention to stay healthy.
The key to keeping your hair healthy during winter is using deep conditioners that go deep into your hair and scalp, saturating it with moisture like a nourishing bowl of oatmeal. Sure, it might take some extra time to pamper your locks – but it beats shelling out a fortune at the hairdresser to get your beauty back, right?
Once you have purchased a deep conditioning treatment, it’s time to apply it. The product should be left in your hair for the duration required by the manufacturer (namely, the directions on the bottle!). Make sure it has covered your entire scalp, from root to tip, and then simply let it sit for a few hours. Get comfortable, set a timer, and voila – you will be giving a “spa-like experience” to your hair.
To get the most out of your deep conditioner, make sure to use a good quality “detangling” shampoo before applying your treatment. It’s kind of like a horse combing its mane – use the detangler to brush out any knots, and make sure no tangles remain before you apply the deep conditioner. Not only will this help the treatment penetrate deeper, but it will also help you to spread the product evenly throughout your scalp.
Once you’ve left the product in, it’s time to rinse. Do it thoroughly and, once again, make sure your scalp is completely clear of any product. For best results, use cold or lukewarm water, as hot water can actually prevent the deep conditioning product from working effectively.
Finally, let your hair air dry – avoid using any heat styling tools that can dry out your hair further.
During winter, deep conditioning treatments are your best friend when it comes to keeping your natural hair healthy, soft, and shiny. So don’t be afraid to give your locks the love and attention they need – they’ll be sure to thank you for it when the weather gets cold!
Avoid Heat Tools
It’s tempting to turn to your beloved heat tools to keep your mane looking fresh. But, don’t even think about it, girl! During cold winter months, these tools can strip your tresses of vital moisture, leaving them brittle and prone to breakage.
Instead, save the curling iron and flat iron for special occasions, where you can wow everyone without sabotaging your mane. You’ll thank yourself later!
Plus, there are plenty of other ways to perk up your look without using heat. For starters, why not try some deep hair masks or conditioning treatments? Lather them on in the shower, sleep with your hair wrapped in a towel, and voila – you’ll wake up with gloriously softened and healthy hair, no heat styling required!
Do braids put you in your happy place? They do us! Incorporate them into your daily routine and you’ll find that cold-weather frizz is a thing of the past. Add some styling mousse while you’re at it.
Need some extra help? Invest in a few lightweight and UV-protectant hairsprays to keep your hair tame and defined, no heat required. That way, your curls and braids will stay intact, even after a long day of bundling up!
Saying goodbye to your electrical tools in the winter months isn’t as scary as it sounds. Not only are you protecting and nurturing your mane – you’ll also have new opportunities to explore different looks and trust us, you’ll be surprised at the amazing things you can create!
Reduce Time Spent Outside
You know that feeling when you step outside in the winter and in mere moments the cold air nips at your nose, makes your eyes water, and your hair starts to freeze? Yeah, no one likes that. Minimizing time spent outdoors during the winter can be a great way to protect your hair from the cold.
Every year you go to the same fight with old man winter. Get your coat, hat, and scarf out and if you’re lucky, you find one of those fancy face masks to protect your nose and mouth from the cold. But what about your hair? You know you probably shouldn’t leave it unprotected, but how can you do that regardless of the weather?
Don’t worry, with the right steps, you can protect your hair from the seasonal freeze. First and foremost, reduce your amount of time spent outside during winter. Grab yourself an insulated hat, preferrably one with a hood. Invest in a headscarf or wrap. Make sure your outerwear has a hood, or a collar that goes high enough to cover your ears and back of your neck. Wear a wide-brimmed hat in order to cover your head and keep the majority of your hair protected.
It is also important to use hair products. For example, invest in a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to prevent and alleviate dryness, especially during colder months. Use a deep-conditioning mask once a week to ensure your hair stays healthy and hydrated. Before stepping outside, apply an oil or light leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair and to the nape of your neck in order to protect your hair from the elements.
The key is to make sure you are taking the necessary steps to protect your hair from the harsh winter elements. Remember, reducing your time spent outside and investing in the right hair care products can go a long way in keeping your hair hydrated and healthy this winter season.
Conclusion
As winter winds settle in, there are certain natural hair protection tips that you should beware of and consider. The harsh weather can often leave your hair dry, brittle, and looking. But with these natural tips, you can keep your tresses looking healthy and nourished during the cold weather.
The first thing to remember is to not wash your hair too often. Washing your hair removes your natural oils, which are necessary to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Instead, try using all-natural shampoos and conditioners, and use only a small amount to cleanse and moisturize your hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
Another tip for winter hair protection is to avoid using hot tools. Blowing dryers, curling irons and other hot tools will damage your hair and remove the balance of moisture your hair needs in order to look shiny and healthy. Instead, opt for air-drying your hair, or using a cold setting on your tools.
Finally, make sure to apply a deep hair mask once a week. This will help to repair damage and add moisture to your hair, while also protecting it from becoming dry and brittle.
Overall, these tips will help to keep your natural hair looking healthy, nourished, and shiny despite the cold winter temperatures. With these tips, you can show off your hair confidently and keep it looking luscious all season!
https://www.oneazul.com/changing-seasons
https://www.directsalesbeauty.com/3-natural- hair-protection-tips-for-winter.html
https://wherecurlymeetscoily.com/blogs/news/protective-styling-for-winter-months
