Not everyone is a fan of winter weather for many reasons, one being because of the number it can do on your hair — especially if you have kinky or curly hair. Truth is, curls already have a tendency to dry out faster regardless of the season (you can thank the natural oils from your scalp, which have a harder time traveling down a spiral strand than they do straighter types, for that), so when you pair that with the cold, moisture-sucking air that tends to come in the winter months, you’re bound to experience even more dryness than usual.
That said, much like you might tweak your skin-care routine in the winter to make sure your skin is staying hydrated and healthy, there are also a handful of changes you can make to your hair-care regimen to ensure your curls retain as much moisture as possible.
If you’re currently looking for ways to winter-proof your curly hair-care routine, read ahead for a few pro tips.
Tip #1: Moisturize Your Hair Often
“The most important thing you can do to protect your natural curly hair in the winter is to make sure that it is properly moisturized,” Annagjid “Kee” Taylor, owner of Deeper Than Hair Salon in Philadelphia, told POPSUGAR. You should be doing your best to moisturize your hair during all seasons, but as Taylor pointed out, it’s an easy problem for people to forget about in the colder months: “Moisture is key for healthy hair. The moisture helps create a barrier between your strands and the cold weather.”
A few of Taylor’s favorite products for moisturizing and sealing hair include the Deeper Than Hair Resurrection Masque ($23) because it’s “fortified with proteins, moisturizing ingredients like jojoba, and other extracts to improve moisture and prevent breakage”; the E’tae Natural Products Buttershine Moisturizing Hair and Scalp Cream ($19); and the Daily Dose Miracle Moisture Spray Leave-In Conditioner & Detangler ($18).
