Winter Time Natural Hair Care

Hey Everyone....as many of you can see the winter season is quickly approaching.   A lot of you may already know that when the seasons change most of the time you have to switch up your hair care routine in order to adapt to that harsh weather change. If there are any of you that don't know how to care for your hair during this time, I want to share with you some tips on how to keep your hair healthy, moisturized, and weather proof.

Natural Hair tends to be a bit more dry during the winter time due to the dry air, heaters cracking at work, home, and in your car, knit hats and beanies being worn, and the list goes on and on. So, it is very important that you incorporate more moisture into your hair regimen.

Avoid humectants in the winter. Common humectants include honey, glycerin, panthenol, hydrolized wheat protein, and propylene glycol. These ingredients are great during the warmer months, as they draw moisture from the humid air into our thirsty strands. However during the winter, they have the opposite effect, potentially drawing out the moisture from our strands into the dryer atmosphere. So make sure you avoid these ingredients in products that you don't plan on rinsing out.

Since moisture is what you hair needs during this time, here are a few ways to keep your hair moisturized:

Deep Condition

• It is recommended that you deep condition your hair on a Weekly or Bi-weekly basis. 
• Use a product that says it is a Deep Conditioner and one that has Water as a key Ingredient. 
• Create your own DIY Deep Conditioners (there are tons of recipes on the internet)
• Deep Condition With/Without Heat, either way make sure you cover your head with a plastic cap or bag and let it sit for at least 20 mins.

Doing the above will make sure you receive the best benefits from Deep Conditioning.

Water is the #1 and the best Moisturizer for your hair.  You want to make sure you use water frequently. 

• Cleansing your hair more often.
• Use moisturizers and deep conditioners that contain water.
• Trapping more water into your hair using the LOC (liquid oil cream) or LCO (liquid, cream oil) method. LCO is my preferred method as the oils seals in the liquid and the cream.
• Spraying a bit of water on your hair at night when setting your hair for bed.
• Drinking more water is also helpful.

Use more Moisturizers and Butters

• Use creams/butters that have water as a key ingredient.
• Seal in your moisturizer with an oil of choice. (coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, olive oil, etc...)

Incorporate more Protective Hairstyles

• Keeping  those ends tucked away helps to avoid the elements and over drying.
• Helps to Retain Length.
• Helps with saving time on doing your hair daily.

You should also wear a satin cap or scarf underneath your cotton/wool knit caps and beanies to help avoid having the moisture sucked out of your hair.

Lastly, you should avoid using hair gel as it can over dry your hair during these dryer months.  Replace it with a curl cream or a control paste for a more controlled hairstyle.

These things can be easily incorporated into your hair regimen and your hair will definitely see the benefits of adding these extra steps immediately.

I hope this was helpful and provides you with some information to help your hair reach its maximum potential during the winter time.

Until Next Time,
Take Care and God Bless!!!

Tiffany N.