Just like your wardrobe, you need to switch up your hair regimen by season.
The same products you use in the summer may not be as helpful to your curls in cold weather. Plus, with the change in season, natural hair becomes more prone to dryness from the brisk air and heat blasting indoors, which sucks moisture from our strands.
That said, hydration is key to keeping your hair healthy not only in the winter months, but also all year-round. Another hot tip? The type of style you try in the winter may need to change, as well.
Wash-and-gos, for example, are less appealing in sub 30-degree weather. "Try roller setting for a hair look that can last," celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble suggests. Instead, protective styles, such as box braids, are a great way to create a barrier for your hair from the cold. Just remember to take care of your natural hair and scalp by cleansing and moisturizing regularly.
Nevertheless, what you put in your hair is equally if not more important than what you do to it — that's why we rounded up the five products you need to add to your winter hair regimen.
Heat Protectant
To shop: $8; amazon.com
"During the winter, you can get away with using more heat," states Kimble. This is true, as the dryer months don't produce as much moisture in the air, preventing your hair from reverting it's straight style back into curls. "You can have a straighter style and play with updo's during the holidays," reveals Kimble. But before you book your next silk press, make sure you have a strong heat protectant to provide a barrier for your curls. Design Essentials Weightless Agave and Lavender Thermal Protectant Serum will protect your hair from heat while leaving it silky smooth.
Hair Masks
To shop: $16; walmart.com
Give your hair a boost in moisture with a hair mask. As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner contains coconut and shea butter for moisture. To increase the potency of the product, help it to penetrate your strands better by sitting under a hooded dryer for 20 to 30 minutes.
Mousse or Cream Gel
To shop: $27; walmart.com
For type 3 textures that are looking for defined curls without the weigh down — try Curl Daddy Hold Me Cream Gel. Lighter than a cream but heavier than gel, this product will leave your hair moisturized. For those of you brave enough to try a wash-and-go (please use a diffuser to dry those curls!) the Hold Me Gel will also combat shrinkage and lengthen your curls. You're welcome.
Leave-In Conditioner
To shop: $13; walmart.com
Leave-in conditioner is a great way to add moisture to your hair, protecting it from damage and breaking. Even if it's a light formula, a leave-in conditioner shouldn't be used daily. Opt for two times a week and no more than every other day — you don't want too much build-up from product on your scalp and strands. A great leave-in conditioner that will leave your strands hydrated is Taliah Waajid Green Apple & Aloe Leave In Conditioner.
And if you want something extra potent, that isn't too heavy on your strands, try Vernon Francois Leave In Conditioner, which contains amino acids and plant-based keratin to help strengthen your hair. Fun fact: both products are Black-owned!
To shop: $18; amazon.com
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Hot Oil Treatment
To shop: $13; walmart.com
If you have type 4 hair, a must-have product for the wintertime is a hot oil treatment. "Hot oil treatments protect hair from drying out during winter, especially when using heaters indoors," shares Kimble. You can try the stylist's Miracle Hair Oil to keep your hair moisturized.
We also like Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Hair Serum — it can be used as a leave-in or heat it up for a hot oil treatment. The shea butter will lock in moisture while the peppermint oil increases circulation to the scalp and promotes hair growth.
To shop: $15; walmart.com
This is All Natural. From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare.
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