Curly Hair Care for Winter

Though the winter is the perfect time for hot cocoa and snowball fights, the frigid temperatures, arid wind, and indoor heating can do a number on your curls. People all over find that the winter weather makes their mane dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. But you don't have to grin and bear it! With a little extra TLC, you can keep your curly hair healthy and hydrated all winter long. Here are some curly hair care tips to help you combat the worst of the winter.

Hydrate Your Hair Like It's Your Job

Even in the summer months, curly hair needs moisture to stay healthy. But during the winter months, it's even more important to ensure your hair gets the hydration it needs.

To keep your hair moisturized, you can take the following steps:

• Swap out your lightweight leave-in conditioner for a heavier formula or one that’s buildable. Daily Dose is an ultra-hydrating leave-in spray. What's great about it is that you can control the dose by spraying more or less. In the winter, spray your Daily Dose liberally and enjoy deeper hydration that won't go poof in a gust of winter wind.

• Use an oil or butter-based deep conditioner, like avocado oil or shea butter, at least once per week to further boost your hair's moisture levels.

• Use a gentle shampoo that won't strip all the oil from your strands, and don't forget to follow up with a conditioner.

Avoid Heat Styling Like the Plague

You might be tempted to use hot tools to combat frizzy hair in the winter, but that's about the worst thing you can do. The winter weather is harsh enough on your hair - heat styling can take things over the edge, creating the perfect recipe for stunted hair growth and a plethora of other hair problems.

Instead of using a curling iron or flat iron to style your hair, embrace heatless styles like braids, buns, and twists. They look just as chic and put a lot less stress on your tresses.

Protect Your Hair When You're Out

If you've done any research on curl care, you probably know the importance of nighttime curl protection. But in the wintertime, you should also focus on daytime curl protection to shield your strands from the worst that winter can dish out.

Protect your hair from the elements by wearing a hat or a satin-lined cap. This will keep your curls from coming into direct contact with the cold air and help retain moisture. And as an added bonus, you'll be rocking a cute winter accessory!

Up Your Deep Conditioning Game

Deep conditioning is non-negotiable in the wintertime. Why? Deep conditioning treatments penetrate the hair shaft to provide intense hydration and help restore its natural moisture balance.

So, treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week. Look for a treatment that contains nourishing ingredients like avocado oil, coconut oil, and Aloe Vera to protect and nourish your curls.

Don't Neglect Your Scalp

Up until this point, we focused on hair care - but your scalp needs love too! Now and again, give your scalp a 5-minute massage to improve blood circulation and promote hair growth. Use your favorite hair oil for the massage - if you don't have one, you can try coconut oil or jojoba oil.

Doing this a few times a week will keep your scalp healthy and nourished. A healthy scalp is necessary for hair health.

Taking care of your curly hair during the winter season is all about keeping it moisturized and protected. So, make sure you follow these curly hair care tips to give your hair the best chance of thriving during the season. Good luck! 

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.