Colder weather hair care tips
The saying goes, "sweater weather is better weather." But the change in temperature can really confuse your hair—and I'm talking both colour and texture, here. With cooler weather right around the corner, we have to prepare ourselves to make slight changes in our natural hair care routines. Because the air is cooler and has less humidity, it is more likely that our hair will lose some moisture, so we must focus on keeping our hair moisturized and hydrated. Here are some tips that will keep your hair moisturized and breakage free. Lets take a look at a few changes we can make during winter, so your hair stay's as gorgeous as it did during summer.
Amp Up Moisture
You know the itchy, dry skin that naturally comes with colder weather? The same goes for your hair. "The transition between summer to winter is when it is vital to add a hair mask or change your shampoo or conditioner so your hair can adjust to the change in temperature. Look for extra moisturizing when searching for hair care products. (See the many products I recommend on my website)
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Deep conditioners are a necessity for almost every wash to restore moisture. Using a plastic cap or a hair steamer helps the conditioner penetrate the hair follicle even more, making the conditioning process even more beneficial. Do not skip on your deep conditioners. In fact, try keeping the conditioner in for an additional 5-10 minutes, just to make sure that moisture is locked in.
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Remember to oil ends daily. A major cause of hair breakage is lack of moisture at the ends of the hair. To retain length and prevent those ends from splitting, simply apply oil to your ends every day. It will help keep them protected from the harsh cold and winds.
Use Natural Ingredients
Prevent further drying your hair by keeping your products all-natural. "Natural ingredients are the go-to because they won't strip your hair of oils like synthetic and alcohol based ingredients do. Look for gentle products with natural ingredients.
Go Darker
Summer is synonymous with sun-kissed hair, with highlights a staple for pretty much all shades. But as your time spent outside shortens as the weather gets colder, those highlights will fade. I recommend beating nature to the punch by going a shade or two darker for winter. "Colouring it darker allows this transition to happen easier and evens out the colour. This seasons trend is shades of auburn and chocolate brown. See what's trending this season on my website.
Invest in Volumiser
Lots of humidity = big hair. As the weather gets colder, the humidity decreases, which may cause your hair to go flat and limp. So give your roots a much-needed boost. If at first you don't succeed, try another product until you find the right one for your hair type.
Try a Clarifying Shampoo
Summer can leave a lot of build-up at your roots – salt sprays, sunscreens, and sand can all cause greasy, limp roots. Start the new season off right by giving your scalp a good detox by using a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks. Disclaimer: Clarifying shampoos are not made for those with colour treated hair, because it will strip hair of colour. Colour-virgins only.
Materials we ware
A lot of us wear wool or cotton hats to keep our heads and ears warm. Try lining the inside of your hats with non-abrasive fabrics to avoid breakage and dryness. Also, try placing a silky scarf along the top edge of the collar of your wool coats to prevent friction and breakage caused by rubbing.
Reduce our wash days
Because the weather is cooler during the winter months, many of us may reduce our wash days. Because water is one of our hair’s main source of moisture, you might find that you need to moisturise more often between your washes. Remember to continue to use your essential oils to loc in that much needed moisture. A great oil to use is coconut oil. Another option for some of us who reduce our wash days is to dry shampoo. I’m not a fan, but it works for others!
Regular Trimming/Cutting
As we transition into the colder months, trim away the dry and brittle ends that have been damaged by the summer sun. This is one of the best tips I can possible give for all hair types. So simple too.
Diet and Protein
Protein has its place in a good natural hair care regimen, but you have to be more careful about using it when it’s cold outside. That’s because protein can fortify the hair’s structure and cause it to be somewhat hard if you do not balance it with adequate moisture. This is less of an issue if you’re 100% natural (no relaxed hair on your head) but if you’re transitioning, you may still be using protein treatments. If so, be sure to immediately follow protein treatments with a deep moisturizing conditioner, leave-in moisturiser and then seal the moisture in with a natural oil. Also, relaxed hair cannot tolerate frequent wetting like natural hair can, so you may need to rely on quality moisturizing products instead of water alone to keep the hair from becoming dry.
Protective styles!
If there is one thing to know about protecting your hair from dryness and breakage in these upcoming cold months, it is protective styles, protective styles, PROTECTIVE STYLES! Protective styling protects your hair from being exposed to the elements by tucking your ends away. Protective styles can be your best friend during the winter while maintaining strong, moisturised, and healthy hair. Some great protective styles include buns, twists, Bantu knots, braids, and any other creative styles that keep those ends protected.