curly cool weather tips
As cooler weather begins to creep in, it is necessary to modify your haircare routine in order to accommodate for the drier conditions. You can add and subtract, reduce or increase your use of specific products and ingredients in order to find your perfect formula for beautiful curls. Here are seven curly hair tips for cold weather to get you started:
1. Lay off the glycerin
While it has a reputation for smoothing and de-frizzing, glycerin can actually be detrimental to hair in colder weather. In hot and humid climates, glycerin is beneficial because it pulls moisture from the air and adds it to your hair. Unfortunately, it can have the opposite effect in cold weather, pulling moisture from your hair instead. If you do use it, make sure to use it with water or water-based products.
MORE: Glycerine-Free Products
2. Use more leave-in
After leaving your glycerin-based products behind, replace your moisture source by doubling up on leave-in conditioner. Most curlies consider a leave-in their main staple anyway, so take this time to try out new products. Try Original Moxie Everyday Leave-in Detangling Conditioner or CURLS Cashmere Curls Leave In Conditioner for extra moisture!
3. Try softer hold gels
Gels that hold firmly will dry feeling too stiff in cold weather, so go for a lighter hold when choosing gel for fall and winter months. There will be no need for a thick gel to fight humidity, so apply lightly and add more as needed. DevaCurl Light Defining Gel, Mop Top Light Hold Anti-Frizz Gel and Curl Junkie Aloe Fix Lite Hair Styling Gel are all great options for de-frizzing and adding just enough hold to hair.
4. Go protein free
While we need protein in our diets, it may not be necessary to add extra proteins to the hair. Products containing proteins can protect damaged hair, but they can also cause build-up and may make hair dull and brittle. Avoid these or use less during the months with harsher weather.
MORE: Protein-Free Products
5. Use more conditioner
Get into the routine of using extra conditioner to counteract damaging cold weather. Not only should you condition more often, but if your hair is dry and thick enough, you may want to start co-washing and skipping shampoo altogether. Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner is a popular multi-purpose conditioner, and try sulfate free shampoos such as DevaCurl No-Poo or Original Moxie Get Clean! No Foam Shampoo.
6. Seal with oil
Coat hair with a light layer of oil to seal and protect it from the elements. Jojoba and almond oils will add shine, and coconut oil and shea butter are perfect for coarser hair types. Add a few drops of lavender or rose oil for a sweet scent!
7. Treat your hair
Cooler months provide the perfect time to use intense, reparative masks. Apply a generous layer of a deep conditioner on dry hair, and leave it on for at least 20 minutes to fully absorb, or sleep with it in for best results. Both Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment and MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner will get the job done!
MORE: 6 Tips for Deep Conditioning Your Curls
What are your favorite cool weather hair fixes?
