The winter air can be particularly drying. In the winter months, many naturals struggle with retaining moisture and preventing breakage.  With a demanding schedule — work, school, family — keeping natural hair healthy during the winter months can be even more daunting.  But just because you are busy, does not mean you have to fall victim to winter breakage.  Here are some tips for winter care, even a busy natural can use

Use A Milder Shampoo

If you’re not already using sulfate-free shampoo, then you may want to make the switch during the winter months.  If you’re still having issues with dryness, consider adding cleansing co-washes to your hair regimen.  They are even milder than sulfate-free shampoos, especially if they are non-sudsing kind.

Try these mild and gentle shampoos

• DevaCurl OneCondition and No-Poo Decadence Cleanser
•  Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Wash
• Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing Co-Wash

Deep condition for 20-30 minutes.  Too often, busy naturals forego deep conditioning because they “don’t have enough time”.  But all you need is 20-30 minutes and even less time with Aphogee Intensive 2-Minute Keratin Reconstructor.  You don’t need to condition overnight or an all day conditioning session. 20-30 minutes — preferably with heat — will suffice.  If you buy a product like the Hair Therapy wrap, you can condition your hair while completing your house chores.  

Wash Your Hair Less Often

 Are you using a milder shampoo and deep conditioning, but still experiencing dry hair? Then try washing your hair less often. If you’re shampooing twice a week, try once a week, but no less than bi-weekly.

Pre-Poo Before You Wash Your Hair

To protect your hair from the drying wash process, pre-poo your hair with your favorite oil and/or conditioner. A coconut oil pre-poo is the best and prevent damage during your shampoo session.  Read other ways Coconut Oil Can Prevent Hair Damage.

Here’s more info on how to pre-poo + a diy recipe

Invest In A Good Deep Conditioner

 If you’re attempting to deep condition your hair with a washout conditioner, then you are wasting your time. When searching for a deep conditioner, look for the words “treatment” or “masque”. Read more on the effectiveness of deep conditioning.

Deep Conditioner Favorites:

• Aphogee Intensive 2-Minute Keratin Reconstructor
• Kinky Curly Stella Strands Hydrating Deep Treatment
• SheaMoisture SuperFruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Hair Masque
• Green Tea & Carrot Deep Strengthening & Restore Mask Treatment

Steam Your Hair

 The key to moisture is water.  During winter months, the dry, winter air (with no humidity) leaves our strands thirsty.  To avoid saturating your hair on a regular basis, try steaming your hair.  You don’t even have to sit under a steamer. You can simply steam your hair while taking your shower just forget about that shower cap.  Alternatively, you can use a handheld steamer, like the QRedew.

Wear A Hat (With Silk Lining Or Silk Cap)

Protect your hair from the cold, winter hair by wearing a hat.  Just make sure that you either line with silk or wear a silk cap when wearing wool or cotton hats.

Trim Your Ends

 The dry, winter air can result in dry, brittle hair.  Make sure that your ends are healthy by trimming away any split ends.

Do you know the 4 Signs That It’s Time For a Trim?

Seal Your Ends

After you’ve trimmed your ends, don’t forget to seal your ends to reduce splitting and breakage.  Use a heavy oil or butter to seal your ends to protect them from the dry air. My personal favorites are shea butter and castor oil.

 

 

 

 

 

Protect Your Ends

When using protective styles, remember to tuck your ends away.  Buns and updos are great in the winter time. Remember: If you braid or twist your hair, you must also tuck your ends away for ultimate protection.

Massage Your Scalp With Oil

 Are you suffering from a dry, itchy scalp? Consider doing scalp massages with an oil like jojoba oil or Jamaican black castor oil.

Here are 3 Ways to Treat Dry Scalp, Naturally

Avoid Blow-Drying Your Hair

 Although winter is officially “straight hair weather”, it’s important to note that blow dryers rob your hair of a moisture. So if you are already battling excessive dryness, then you may want to avoid using your blow dryers. Consider heatless options like Curlformers or Caruso Steam Rollers.  If you do use a blow dryer, make sure that you deep condition first & use a quality blow dryer with ceramic-ion technology.

Read 4 Ways to Stretch Hair Without Heat

Drink Water (And Eat A Balanced Diet)

Hydrate and nourish your body from the inside out.  Healthy hair starts from within so drink up!

Avoid Humectants In The Winter Months

 Humectants are designed to draw moisture from the air, but when you use them in the winter months they have the opposite effect… dry hair. Avoid humectants like honey, glycerin, panthenol, and hydrolized silk protein. More about Humectants

Use The L.O.C. (Liquid, Oil, Cream) Method To Properly Moisturize Your Hair

During the winter months, it is especially important to properly moisturize your hair.  (More information about the L.O.C. method here.)

I have a list of some of the best natural hair products for LOC or LCO.

Wear A Silk Bonnet At Night

Protecting your hair at night is important all year round, but it is especially important during the winter months.  Your home’s heating system will cause a lot of dryness in the air at night.

Handle With Care

In the winter months, your hair may be a bit more dry.  Dry, brittle hair is more fragile. Even if you are properly moisturizing your hair, you should take the time to properly detangle your hair.  Try finger detangling and/or the use of a of seamless comb. Only handle your hair if it is pliable.  If your hair feels dry and brittle, first spritz with water or steam before handling.  More Winter Tips Here

So, there you have it! 17 easy winter hair care tips that even the busiest naturals can follow.  What are some of your winter hair care tips?