Just when you’ve perfected your wash and style routine, winter comes along and messes with your natural hair. Cold, often dry air outside combined with artificially heated dry air inside causes a combination of moisture loss, tangles, breakage and general lifelessness. Here are 6 Ways to protect your natural hair in winter.
6 Ways to protect your natural hair in winter
1. Ease up on washing
Winter is not the time for wash and go styles. The cleansing agents and frequent styling (whether it’s by means of products or tools) will dry out your hair and leave it vulnerable to damage. Washing your hair a little less frequently is perfectly ok since your scalp is perspiring less and producing less oil. If you haven’t yet, switch to a gentle low foaming or non-foaming shampoo specifically formulated for dry hair.
2. Protective styles
Take advantage of the protection braids offer against the elements. These styles minimise handling of your hair for a couple of weeks at a time, which reduces breakage. Choose a style that completely tucks in the ends to prevent as much moisture loss as possible. Refresh your protective style every couple of weeks to prevent hair loss and damage from tugging and pulling.
SEE ALSO: 6 Ways to maintain your braids so they last longer
3. Cut down on chemicals
Keep chemical treatments like colouring to a minimum as it’s not ideally suited to dry or damaged hair.
4. Book a salon visit
If you invest in one thing for your hair this winter, make it a salon visit. If you’ve been postponing a trim, now is a great time – your hair will instantly look and feel healthier. Also, book a professional hair treatment and discuss the right home care options with your stylist.
5. Get the balance right
Caring for natural hair means a good balance of moisture, oil and protein – of which moisture is most often neglected. Your hair needs all three components in order to be strong and healthy. While we’re talking products: deep conditioning treatments and sealing products are vital, even more so in winter. Don’t skimp on either of these.
SEE ALSO: 6 Celebrities style their doeks for different occasions
6. The doek look
We see fashionistas wearing wraps on runways and all over the streets of the world’s fashion capitals. A doek will smooth down your hair to prevent moisture loss and any type of friction that can lead to damage. If possible, invest in a satin or silk doek – otherwise, any soft, smooth fabric will do. Be careful with coarse knitted fabrics as they can snag and break your hair – bear this in mind with hats, beanies and even the scarves around your neck too.
This post first appeared on All4Women.
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