And just like that, Summer ’16 is over!
Fall is slowly creeping upon us, which means colder weather and shorter days. Now it’s time to adjust your haircare routine if you want to keep those curls healthy throughout the season.
Fall is the perfect time for you to begin taking extra care of your hair. During this season you curls are more likely to be prone to dryness from the change in temperature, use this opportunity to retain your length and focus on growing your hair (if that’s a goal of yours”>.
Pre-poo
Since I suffer from dry and itchy scalp during the colder months, I go the extra mile to prevent and manage it. Pre-pooing with a hot oil treatment is a great way to help moisturise the scalp and rid of dry flakes and dandruff.
I like to create a mix using olive oil, 2 drops of peppermint oil and coconut oil and warm it for 30 to 60 seconds in the microwave. Then, massage it directly into your scalp. I do this for 5 to 10 minutes and then go forward with my wash routine.
- Product Recommendation: Root 2 Tip Grow It Long Serum (available on the company’s website in the UK”>
During the week, I apply this oil blend to the dry parts of my scalp. It contains Rosemary, which helps to soothe the itching and other amazing oils that stimulate the scalp to help it grow.
Cleanse
Due to the brittle, colder months, I have to use a sulfate-free cleanser and co-wash weekly in place of a shampoo. This is to give my hair as much moisture as possible:
I have found that apple cider vinegar (ACV”> and peppermint oil are the best combination for my hair because they cleanse my dry scalp and soothe it at the same time.
- Product Recommendation: NYC Curls The Curl Cleanser
Thanks to the peppermint oil, this product refreshes and cleanses my scalp without drying out my curls. I also use The Curl Cleanser as a detangler because of its amazing slip and is moisturising properties.
Deep Conditioning
The next step is my Holy Grail and favourite part of wash day, deep conditioning! I like to use products that contain natural moisturisers like coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil and so on. During the winter I make sure that I keep up with weekly treatments and go the extra mile by adding heat during process.
- Product Recommendation: Hot Head Thermal Haircare Deep Conditioning Cap
This bonnet is a must-have for those who like to use heat for treatments. It uses beads that can be warmed up in the microwave for a better deep conditioning experience. Place the cap over your head while deep conditioning to allow your treatment to penetrate into the hair follicles and soften the hair.
Styling
Natural hair has a lot of room for diversity during the winter, and I definitely take advantage of this! I enjoy doing twist-outs and braid-outs to seal much-needed moisture into my curls while giving them a break.
When wearing protective styles I use the LOC method: I apply water, coconut oil then a hair cream or butter to my hair.
- Product Recommendation: Big Hair Moisture Me Whipped Butter (available on the company’s website in the UK”>
I have found that my most moisturised twist and braid-outs are when using this all-natural product. It comes in a big enough tub to last me the whole autumn and winter; it is a great addition to your LOC method as the cream option.
How does your fall routine differ from your summer hair routine?
Let me know! Follow me on Instagram @UKCURLYGIRL
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