Have you noticed that you hair feels and looks different depending on the temperature? If so, that is not your imagination.
Studies show that, during warmer months, your scalp is more effective in producing its natural oils, causing your hair to feel smoother and softer and look shinier.
However, in colder temperatures, the scalp does not produce as much of these natural oils, causing your hair to become drier. Therefore, in the winter, your hair can become more brittle and prone to breakage.Cold weather will be harsh on your tresses. The cold air will deprive moisture from your hair strands which will cause them to become drier than in warmer months. In addition, your hair will become much more difficult to keep moisturized, as well as style. However, caring for your natural hair is easy to do if you know what to do.
Here is a 9-step guide on how to care for your African American hair during the cold weather:
1 – Cleanse Your Hair – Proper cleansing of your hair during colder months prior to any styling is important to provide your tresses a fresh start. Your hair may be suffering from product build-up to keep it your moisturized throughout the season. A product that has the ability to properly and safely remove product build-up, such as the Hair Restoration Laboratories’ Hair Restore Shampoo, will prevent your hair and scalp a fresh start and allow them to be more receptive to the benefits of conditioning products. With proper cleansing, your hair will be in the best position to grow, become thick, have elasticity and be in an optimally-healthy state.
2 – Condition Your Hair – Once properly cleansed, you need to condition your hair to add moisture as well as de-tangle your tresses. African American hair should be conditioned daily to provide sufficient “slip” to remove any knots and/or tangles that you may have accumulated from styling or from the atmosphere. Look for a conditioner that has essential, natural oils, such as peppermint, jojoba, argan and sweet almond oil. The Hair Restoration Laboratories’ Hair Restore Conditioner is an excellent conditioner to use on a daily basis.
3 – Deep Condition Your Hair: Deep conditioning during this season is imperative. Deep conditioning on a weekly basis is a must to preserve the health of your hair You need to apply a conditioner or hair mask that is fortifying to penetrate the hair shaft with moisture, strength and even protein! You can also wear a cap or plastic bag during the deep conditioning treatment, allowing indirect heat to penetrate your strands with the conditioning to revive the health of your hair.
4 – Moisturise Your Hair Consistently – Your hair will need constant moisture especially during the colder months. This will keep your curls hydrated and plump during this cold season. The first option is to use a leave-in conditioner to moisturize your hair frequently. Or you can do the L.O.C./L.C.O. method. For this technique, the product is applied to your curls based on the acronym of the method chosen. Water is layered first which is the liquid. Next, a thin layer oil is used to seal in the moisture from the liquid. Lastly, creams and butter are another level of moisture as well as sheen.
5 – Style Your Hair – Styling your hair will range especially on what you decide to wear for the season. You can choose from a variety of styles such as wigs, weaves, flat ironed hair, low/high bun, twist or even braid outs. The best style to keep your hair protected yet still sleek is to wear a bun. With this style, ensure to slay your baby hairs in order to look chic. The best styling technique that should be used in the “praying hands” method. This allows you to smooth the hair cuticle layers to keep styles in for a long period of time.
6 – No heat – During this season ensure to use little to no heat on your hair. The heat will break down the protective barrier around your strands. However, we need that extra layer of protection during these cold months. Some naturals will flat iron their hair during this time. We still stand firm in this quick guide. There are many fancy heatless hairstyles to choose from for your next look. You can do flexi rods, braid outs, buns, banding as well as a twist out to keep your tresses elongated. During this season avoid the blow-dryers, flat iron, flat iron and curling wand. Any hot tool used on your hair should be treated as if it was the enemy.
7 – Sleep With Satin Lined Items – Satin aids you in retaining moisture into your strands as opposed cotton. If you sleep on cotton sheets or pillowcases your hair is usually frizzy the next day. This can cause dry hair, breakage and many more. Thus, sleep with satin to keep your hair protected from all your future hair issues. You can sleep on satin pillowcases and/or sheets. In addition, you can pull your hair into a pineapple using a satin lined scrunchie. Then, sleeping on the sheets or pillowcase.
8 – Eat Healthy & Exercise – Ensure during this season to consume loads of fruits, vegetables, and protein. These ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals and quality nutrients. They will nourish, revive, moisturize and strengthen your hair shaft, and follicles. You will start to see the overall health of your hair improve dramatically. Next, exercise daily Exercising on a daily basis will keep the blood flowing through the body. Thus, allowing blood to e pumped to your hair follicles. The blood circulation to the scalp will promote healthier, long and strong hair. Also, don’t forget to drink your 8 glasses of water daily.
9- Cover your hair with hat or scarf-Like hats, scarves are not just a fashion trend. They also can protect your hair. By minimizing exposure to harsh, cold air, a scarf can help prevent hair fibers from becoming too dry, which leads to breakage.
Catering to your natural hair during the winter season is not treacherous. Wear a protective style, let it out, wear a cap, do whatever you want just to ensure the hair is moisturized. Once you use the correct steps, as well as products mentioned throughout this article, your hair will be on track and be its absolute best.