Winter can be tough on curly hair, with cold air, indoor heating, and dry conditions all conspiring to leave curls frizzy, dry, and brittle. Here are some tips to keep those curls hydrated, defined, and healthy all season long.
1. Deep Condition Weekly: Winter air lacks moisture, so it’s essential to replenish it with a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week. Look for conditioners rich in ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil, which lock in moisture and add shine. Some of my favorite deep conditioners are* Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque Pantene Gold Series Moisture Renewal 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner, & Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
2. Maintain an Adequate Washing Frequency: While over-washing can strip natural oils from your hair, leaving it even drier, you should wash often enough to give your hair a chance to be deeply conditioned. Try to wash once or twice a week and opt for a co-wash (conditioner-only wash) if you need to refresh in between.
3. Lock in Moisture with Leave-In Conditioner: After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture. This will provide a protective layer, especially when braving winter winds. Apply it to damp hair and follow with a curl cream or light oil to seal it in. Some of my favorite conditioners are Luster’s S Curl No Drip Activator, Mielle Organics Pomegrante & Honey Leave-In Conditioner, Kinky Curly Knot Today, and Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leave In Conditioner
4. Protect Your Hair at Night: To maintain curls, sleep with a satin or silk scarf or pillowcase, which reduces friction and helps retain moisture. You can find many options on Amazon or Etsy
5. Embrace Protective Styles: Low-manipulation styles like braids, twists, or buns help reduce exposure to cold air and prevent breakage. They’re stylish and allow your hair to rest. To minimize traction alopecia, I suggest these styles be done without any added hair. If added hair is your preference and you have no prior history of traction alopecia or thinning edges, then I suggest medium to large size box braids, which can ensure your hair stays as moisturized as possible.
Want a full list of Dr. Aguh's product and styling suggestions? Check out 90 Days to Beautiful Hair here
By following these winter care tips, your curls can stay healthy, hydrated, and beautiful all season long!
*Dr. Aguh is consultant for Proctor & Gamble and serves as the scientific advisory board for Olaplex. She does not receive any payment for product recommendations
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