Cold weather can make for itchy skin and a dry scalp. Curls can suffer too– from lack of moisture and dried tresses. Knowing how your skin and hair adapt naturally to the cold is helpful. Once you see and feel the changes of the season, begin to make some changes to your hair care routine too.
So, why doesn’t your hair like the cold? Perhaps one of these common reasons.
1. It’s dry out there!
Stay extra hydrated this winter. Curly hair tends to be dry by default, so it needs some extra love once the weather starts cooling down. Start drinking more water. Carry a small spray bottle with you on your commute filled with water and a leave-in conditioner.
2. Goodbye, shine…
Sadly, our hair suffers more when the temps drop and dull hair sets in. Do not wash your hair every day–this will disturb the natural oils in your hair that help promote growth and add natural sheen to your curls. Avoid dyes and fragrances in your product if you notice your hair feeling thinner.
Use a moisturizing cleansing conditioner (co-wash”>. Choose one based on your hair type, porosity, and thickness. For a list of conditioners with reviews from curly members, check the Product Database.
3. Split ends and brittleness
Dryer hair leads to split ends, ultimately leading to breakage. Set aside 30-45 minutes for a weekly deep conditioning treatment. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer. Rinse out product thoroughly with a sulfate-free shampoo or cleansing conditioner.
Look for products containing humectants for your curls during the winter. Puddings, creams and butters are great options. Experiment and find out just how much of the product your tresses can handle without being weighed down, but still moisturized. These types of products are usually heavier in consistency than other stylers.
If you haven’t tried a curl refresher before, you may also want to during this season as well. They are especially helpful for revitalizing second-day hair and beyond without cleansing or conditioning.