• Deep condition. If your hair becomes persistently dry during the winter, use a deep conditioner or a hot oil treatment.
These products tend to be ultra-moisturizing and great for Black hair (you can even use a homemade deep conditioner with mayo or avocado). Hot oil treatments are great for replenishing moisture, as well. You can use a variety of different oils for great results, but the best oil to use is jojoba oil, because it is considered to be most like the natural hair oil, called sebum, which is produced from the sebaceous glands in the scalp. Ask your stylist for suggestions regarding the particular products you should use.
III. Protect
The best way to protect your hair during winter is to always try to cover your hair during winter, and include some additional care tips in your everyday routine.
• Do not go outside with wet hair. Not only can you get sick, but this bad habit can also cause breakage. Depending on where you live and how cold it gets, your hair could even freeze.
• Keep your hair wrapped and protected at night. Try wearing a satin bonnet or a scarf to prevent your hair from drying while you sleep.
• Wear protective styles (i.e. buns, braids, cornrows, etc). If you’re going to wear your hair in a bun, try to avoid pulling your hair, thus adding stress to your hairline. Wearing protective styles helps preserve your hair throughout the winter.
• Tame flyaways. Dry air can cause static, making even well-moisturized hair unruly. Carry a few unscented anti-static dryer sheets. Pass one over the top of your head to immediately calm flyaways.
• Wear a hat or a scarf. Wearing some sort of hat or scarf that’s loose enough to allow scalp circulation will protect your hair against cold winds.
Note that some materials, such as wool, tend to be more harmful to Black hair, but since you really shouldn’t venture out into the cold without head protection, try to wear a hat that has a satin lining – or create your own lining.
Following these simple winter hair care tips for black hair during winter will help prevent some of the winter damage and breakage.