7 Natural Hair Care Tips For The Winter

1. Seal & Protect Your Ends: Protective styles does not always have to involve adding extensions to your hair. You should seal your ends properly using a nice heavy oil and then protect those ends especially in winter. Wearing your hair in Buns, twists, and other protective styles can help you achieve this without adding hair extensions. You can also add extensions but it is really important not to neglect caring for your own hair.

2. Wear Protective styles: Wearing Protective styles like Braids, Weaves and Wigs can also be very helpful in hiding and protecting your natural hair from the harsh weather conditions but these should be taken down more frequently so you can give your hair the treatment that it needs. We recommend only leaving your hair in weaves and braids for a maximum of 2 weeks in winter to enable you wash, deep condition and moisturise properly. While wearing braids and weaves, make sure to moisturise your scalp properly to prevent dryness.

3. Use Heavier Butters & Oils: Now is the time you are going to want to add heavier products and oils in your hair care regimen You want to invest in products that have Shea Butter in them and use heavier and thicker oils like castor oil. Most importantly stay away from humectants as you don’t want to attract dry air that will make your hair dry as well.

4. Deep Condition more than ever:  And throw in a good steaming on a weekly basis. I usually deep condition on a 2-weekly basis, but during the winter months I try to do this weekly. It is crucial to deep condition and use a moisture based leave in conditioner afterwards, I usually use my Harmony Naturals deep conditioner and Leave-in Conditioner for this. By adding in weekly steaming sessions as well you are ensuring that your cuticle has been opened to allow more moisture in. You can purchase this low-end steaming cap here if you cannot afford a Hair Steamer.

5. Create a barrier between your Hair and The Environment: Winter can have some harsh conditions that our hair just cannot withstand. The dry frigid air and temperatures can be extremely drying and damaging so it is advisable to wear a hat, or scarf to keep your hair protected when you are out and about.

6. Use Satin Fabrics: The use of satin fabrics has never been more important. In the winter woollen clothes are more common, your jumpers, jackets, head warmers etc. While creating a barrier between you and the environment is absolutely necessary you also want to be beware of winter fabrics as these can be extremely drying and damaging, just like the winter air, you should protect your hair from wool scarves and hats and go for satin-based scarves directly on your head instead, after which you can choose to put your wool hats on the satin, so the satin scarves act as a layer protecting your hair. Fight static electricity under your hat by using a dry oil spray. Dry oils are weightless and contain natural oils that moisturize your hair, bringing back its shine.

7. Use a Humidifier:  Using a humidifier is a very good way to fight dry hair in the winter. Indoor heating causes the air in your home to become very dry, pulling moisture out of your hair. Humidifiers help rehydrate the air to keep your locks looking lustrous.

What steps do you take to prepare your natural hair routine for the winter months? Share them with us in the comment box below!