For those who live in colder climates (including myself), all know that winter will soon be approaching. The heavy winds, snow, and drier air can take a serious toll on our hair if we don't take the necessary measures to protect it.Here are several tips to help you prepare your hair to withstand the harsh winter weather:
- Cut down on Wash N Go's & Co-washes (walking outside with a wet head will probably get you sick). Co-washing 1-2x/week should be sufficient.
- Wash your hair in the evening so that your hair air dries overnight as opposed to when you're outside.
- Wear your hair up! Winter calls for thicker clothing, so wearing your hair up will protect your ends from snagging on wool coats, turtle necks, or sweaters you may be wearing.
- Moisturize more often! Ever notice how your skin needs more moisture in the winter? Well so does your hair. Moisturizing morning and night will help combat dryness.
- Bring out the heavier products! For example, Cholesterol Conditioners, Pomades, Butters (Shea, Cocoa, Mango).
- Increase and Intensify your Deep Conditioning Sessions. The dry heat inside the house and the cold air outside can pull moisture from the hair. Remember to deep condition with a heat source (steamer, hooded dryer, heat cap) for at least 30mins.
- Seal in your moisturizers with heavier oils. For example Castor Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil, or an Oil Based Moisturizer. This will provide extra protection from the brisk weather.
- Try Hot Oil Treatments. You can do them as a pre-shampoo treatment (20mins with heat) or after you shampoo. For an extra kick, mix oils into your deep conditioners for a 2in1 treatment.
- Add a satin/silk lining into your winter hats. You can even wear a satin or silk bonnet underneath your hats to prevent your hair/ends from drying out.
- Hide your hair! Increase your protective styling. This will help retain length and lock in moisture. You can try buns, French Twists, Braids, Wigs (Half or Full), Weaves etc.