The cold, icy winter air can put our beautiful, textured tresses to the ultimate hair care test. Between intensely dry air causing static electricity flyaways, moisture-sucking frigid temperatures leading to parched strands, and wooly hats giving you dreaded hat hair matting, it's incredibly tough keeping your thirsty curls, coils, and waves optimally nourished, defined, and frizz-free when there's a frosty chill in the air.
But never fear! We've put together some of our very best pro hair tips and advice for protecting your textured hair from winter damage and properly protecting and styling your textured hair all winter long. Get ready to completely wow this winter with expert strategies for achieving sleek, smooth, ultra-shiny, non-crispy curls that are touchably soft and free of debris and split ends all season long - regardless of the weather or activities!
Armed with this moisture-locking, damage-preventing guidance, your hair is guaranteed to not just survive the harsh cold but to thrive and flourish with some of the healthiest strands you've ever had. No more weak, breaking tangles for you! Just strong, supple, frizz-free locks that dazzle under winter hats and shine even in the iciest blizzards.
Prepare Strands Before Winter Arrives
Having a comprehensive haircare routine focused on preparation and protection is vital for keeping textured strands healthy and fabulous all winter long, when hair is most vulnerable.
Be sure to begin using intensive, deep conditioning treatments at least once a week several weeks before winter starts. The extra dose of hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and aloe will proactively nourish and fight dryness before it begins. Keep strands touchably soft by continuing weekly treatments all season.
We also strongly suggest using leave-in conditioners containing humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid after every wash to attract and seal in moisture. Follow leave-ins with curl creams, butters, or styling custards containing moisturizing oils and waxes to create a protective seal that locks hydration into the hair cuticle's interlocking layers.
Sleeping on satin bonnets or pillowcases prevents vulnerable hair ends from rubbing directly against cotton and absorbing even more moisture overnight. Reduce that tension and friction leading to breakage by enveloping hair in slick satin while restoring hair as you sleep.
You may also want to switch out lighter summer products in your rotation for richer formulas specially made to nourish dry or damaged hair back to health. Look for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners packed with oils, butters and ceramide proteins that deeply nourish and reverse winter hair damage.
And absolutely do not skip thermal protectant sprays and heat styling primers before using hot tools! They provide a protective barrier against heated styling damage for ultra smooth, frizz-free, winter hair that gleams.
Protective Styles to Prevent Damage
One of the secrets for thriving winter hair is keeping hands away from it! The less manipulation from daily styling and combing, the better for retaining moisture and preventing breakage during cold months. Styles like braid outs, twist outs and bantu knot outs are perfect low-maintenance options, especially if you prep hair beforehand with the right deeply moisturizing products. Simply twist, knot or braid damp hair after washing, allow it to fully dry overnight with a bonnet, then gently separate curls in the morning and off you go! This creates a gorgeous definition that lasts for days without having to constantly redo your hair and cause damage from excessive handling.
We also adore a classic head wrap when giving hair a break from manipulation and products. Wrapping hair in a comfy silk or satin scarf helps nurture strands by preventing moisture loss, friction and rub-off onto clothing during the winter. The smooth fabric also means you avoid imprints and dents on hair from knits and wool. And don't underestimate the updos potential of voluminous textured hair! For special occasions, buns, pinned back puffs and playful faux hawks utilizing hair pins, ribbons and accessories allow you to elegantly showcase winter-protected natural texture and length while keeping stands bundled up and safe from the elements.
Determine Optimal Wash Schedule for Your Hair
Determining the right washing frequency is crucial for textured hair health during harsh winter weather. Washing too often with shampoo strips vital moisture from strands, leading to parched, damaged locks. But extending time between washes longer than your scalp and hair can tolerate allows buildup of products, oils and flakes, plus it prevents your scalp from getting the deep refresh it needs.
Finding the perfect balance is key. For most curlies and coilites, washing 1-2 times per week in the winter months with a cleansing co-wash or gentle shampoo is ideal. Pay close attention to your scalp and the look/feel of strands, then tweak your wash schedule as needed. If your scalp itches or strands become limp, it’s time to clarify and cleanse. If ends seem dry or hair looks dull, focus just on conditioning hydration.
Be sure to thoroughly detangle hair mid-wash while conditioner is on strands, and avoid scrubbing ends with shampoo which can worsen winter dryness. Although it's tempting to want to wash hair immediately after wearing a hat all day, opt instead for a targeted refresh using just water, conditioner or hydrating sprays between full washes to retain needed moisture.
We also recommend supplementing wash days by oiling your scalp 1-2 times per week in the cold months. Using a lightweight oil will keep your scalp nourished, exfoliated and promote healthy hair growth, without requiring full-on shampooing. Finding your own customized wash and oiling cycle is the best recipe for scalp freshness plus restored, vibrant winter hair!
Protect Strands from Winter Accessories
While those warm beanies and earmuffs are essentials for bundling up, they can cause mayhem on textured hair! The rubbing from hat materials leads to breakage and tangles, not to mention dreaded hat hair matting. So how do you keep those precious locks while still staying cozy? We suggest layering a satin lining underneath winter accessories. Silk and satin offer a smooth barrier preventing snagging and locking in moisture.
Buy hats and wraps with satin already sewn in, or simply line gear with a satin scarf or bonnet first. Slip the scarf on to cover hair before layering on winter accessories to prevent moisture loss and hat hair woes. Your lovely locks will thank you once winter gear comes off!
No matter the weather, with a little extra love and the right tricks, textured tresses will continue looking marvelous all winter long. Show off those resplendent coils and curls regardless of what the thermometer dictates! Just remember to add ample moisture, keep manipulation minimal, take hats on and off gently, and utilize protective accessories.
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