Those of us who have natural hair love a quick and easy style that can keep our hair protected from the bitter cold during winter. However, most of us still lack in the moisture department. What are we doing wrong? Why does our hair feel even dryer when we take our protective styles down?
Here are 6 easy ways to keep your natural hair in tip-top shape during the winter months:
1. Wash and style every two weeks.
I know we don’t want to hear this (especially my 4C girls!), but hey, it’s needed. Our hair loves water. There’s just no getting around it. I know it messes up our curls and shrinks our hair but this is all a good sign!
Just imagine when that day comes that your hair doesn’t revert back after a blowout or press?
Then you’ll have bigger problems. Wash and re-style your hair every two weeks. It gives your hair a break from your tight styles and will help keep your hair moisturized.
RELATED: Healthy Scalp In The Winter
2. Use conditioners only.
Just say no to shampoos. They’re literally not needed until the 2nd month or after you’ve gone product-heavy.
A conditioner might not make suds but they can get the job done while keeping the moisture locked into your hair. After you’ve washed your hair with conditioner go on to deep condition your hair too for double-the-action.
3. Keep a small water bottle on hand.
Our hair tends to dry pretty slow but once it’s completely dry, it’s dry Dry. So, in order to let the moisture last, pour some drops of almond oil or jojoba oil into half a bottle of water and spritz it on your hair throughout the day.
4. Shea butter will be your best friend.
Pure shea butter that is. This stuff loves 4C hair in particular. With the combination of water, once you rub shea butter over your curls, you will instantly feel the moisture locking into your hair.
RELATED: 3 Ways To Winter-Proof Black Hair
5. Protect your ends and edges with loose styles.
Too many times we choose the tightest braids and hairstyles. Try to utilize more loose and tensionless styles like Havana twists instead of individual braids and twist-outs instead of tight puffs or ponytails.
6. Invest in a real silk bonnet.
Not sure how thousands of women are still not privy to this but silk and satin are NOT the same. Satin is simply glossed over polyester or nylon.
In some cases, it is made of silk, however, for $3.99 at your local beauty supply store, I’m sure it is not of the lesser. These fabrics will surely take your edges out and pull at those knots on your ends. Visit your local fabric store or go on Amazon to find you a good deal on a real silk scarf.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.