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When it comes to winter, many of us often think of snow, ugly sweater parties, winter breaks, and holiday jams. However, for the majority of us naturals, we think dry, damaged natural hair, and how to protect natural hair during the winter.
Why protect natural hair during winter?
This season is mostly harsh winds, cold air (which pulls moisture from natural curls), and constant contact with fabric from scarves and hats, all of which cause tangles and dryness to those beautiful coils and curls of yours.
What makes things worse is the holiday stress — that affects our hair pH change on the hair scalp.
But don’t get the winter blues! Here are eight tips on how to protect and grow your natural hair during the winter.
Deep Condition to protect natural hair during winter
I’m sure dry and brittle hair is not news any curly head wants to hear. So to combat the harsh winter from wreaking havoc on your mane, expect to speed some time giving your strands some love with deep conditioning.
Some favorites are TGIN (Thank God It’s Natural) Miracle Hair Mask, Alikay Naturals Repairing Hair Mask, or try an at-home DIY Deep Conditioner with Olive Oil + Honey.
It’s best to Deep condition once a week to help replenish any lost moisture.
Steam hair (especially when deep conditioning)
Imagine your hair being a piece of spaghetti noodle-fresh out the box-if you handle it too rough, and it’ll break. However, placing it in water helps soften it, making it edible.
Steaming your hair works the same. The water/moisture creates a humid environment on your scalp, making absorption possible by penetrating your hair’s roots, making your hair strands soft, which helps improve scalp health and overall hair elasticity.
The KingSteam is one of the more popular ones out right now as well as the steam cap.
Low Maintenance Hairstyles
Let’s be honest, who has time to do day-to-day hairstyles? Exactly, so let’s give your biceps a break and lean into protective styles.
There are so many benefits to having low manipulation styles while learning how to protect your natural hair and gain length retention during the winter.
The best way to keep them in tack and your hair underneath well moisturized is by following steps 1 and 2.
Whether you’re going for the long braids like Brandy or a short bob like Nia Long, low maintenance hairstyles can be so much fun! There are so many different protective styles that you can install, like box braids, twists, and many more, leaving you with many ways to slay.
If you need ideas on what type of styles or even where to start, check out TiffNicole’s blog post on Protective Styles!
Don’t neglect your hair underneath
There’s nothing easier than having a protective style, but it’s also important to protect your scalp nightly while learning how to protect your natural hair and gain length retention during the winter.
The best way to do this is by moisturizing your scalp and covering your style nightly to maintain your style’s fresh look. Don’t forget to wash and condition when necessary.
Check out this video for more ways to sleep with your curls and protective styles.
Save time during the winter season
You should know installing your protective style not only helps keep your fingers out of your hair, but it also saves you time, especially on those mornings where you could use a little more sleep!
Avoid excessive heat
If you have an urge to straighten your hair during the winter, remember to follow steps 1 and 2 above along with condition your hair with a preheat serum or oil.
Are you looking for a heatless way of straightening your hair? Check out this video below.
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Silk or Satin
Although staying warm during this time of year is necessary, you also need to beware of winter fabrics like wool.
Constant friction from woven or wool fibers can easily damage natural curly hair. Opt for satin or silk-lined hats, scarves things to that nature when out in the cold.
You are what you eat!
Making sure you’re eating a well-balanced meal with a variety of fruits & veggies.
Lastly, avoid sodas and sweets at all costs, more importantly, don’t forget to drink tons of water!
Much love till our next curl talk,
*All items were personally selected. Though none of this content is sponsored, TiffNicole may receive a commission for being an Amazon affiliate from some sales on this page at no cost to you. All prices were checked before publishing but may change throughout the year.
