Nkosi Mpofu 29 August 2022

Winter Hair Care Tips: 7 Easy to Follow Hair Hacks For Healthy Natural Hair (2)

For many people, the winter season is a dread because it leaves their hair feeling dry and brittle. During cold weather, the air is dry which causes hair not to retain moisture for long.

If you have a naturally dry scalp (that does not produce enough sebum on its own), it could be daunting to go through the winter months as your hair loses the little natural oils it produces quite easily. This leads to breakage, frizziness, and a dry, flaky scalp (which can be irritating).

If you suffer from dry hair and scalp during winter, you’re not alone.

These 7 winter hair care tips will ensure your natural hair stays healthy throughout the dry season.

1. Moisturize the scalp with oils regularly

Oils are an emollient- (they create a protective layer to help hair retain moisture.)

Regularly massaging oils on the scalp strengthens hair follicles (part of the hair that regulates growth), improves blood circulation, and nourishes hair roots.

You can use oils such as coconut oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil to mention but a few.

Gentle massage the oil of your choice on your scalp once or twice a week.

Note: When you choose to have your moisturizing routine depends on your natural hair texture and how long your hair and scalp take to feel dry.

2. Avoid excessive shampooing

Excessive shampooing strips hair of its natural oils and moisture.
The following will help your hair retain moisture:

Keep your washes limited to at least once a week.
Use a moisturizing shampoo instead of a clarifying shampoo (the purpose of a clarifying shampoo is to deep cleanse the hair and scalp and tends to strip hair of its natural oils. A moisturizing shampoo on the other hand is a much gentler option).
Massage oils on the scalp overnight before your wash day to protect your hair.

3. Deep condition your hair

The purpose of a deep conditioning treatment is to:

Condition your hair from within the hair shaft.
Hydrate, strengthen, and revive the natural shine and luster of hair.
Promote elasticity (gives your hair body and volume).

Picking a product best suited for your hair type and texture will go a long way in ensuring your hair receives the necessary ingredients and the right amount of moisture it needs.

4. Avoid the heat by all means possible

The heat from styling tools such as hair dryers and flat irons strips natural hair of moisture leaving it dry and prone to breakage.

If you must use heat in the winter season, ensure you use a heat protector always before blow-drying or flat ironing your hair.

If you’re concerned about catching a cold after washing, use low heat, (air drying is a much better option to avoid stripping your hair of moisture).

5. Use a good leave-in conditioner

Lack of moisture during dry seasons causes the hair to be static which leads to breakage when rubbed against material.

Always apply a leave-in conditioner after washing and whenever you feel your hair is dry.

Seal your ends each time you moisturize your hair with the oil of your choice (If you’re coarse-textured, use a heavy oil such as castor oil or shea butter, if you’re medium to fine-textured, use a lighter oil such as sweet almond or coconut oil).

Sealing ends prevents them from getting dry and brittle and will help you retain length.

6. Avoid over-manipulating hair

Everyone loves to have a new hairstyle, but over-manipulating hair in winter when it struggles to retain moisture could lead to breakage.

Choose low manipulation hairstyles such as:

Feed-in braids (if you want to use hair extensions for your cornrows).
Knotless braids (which are light on your hair and less painful).
Twist out your natural hair (or add a natural textured hair extension for a natural look).

7. Pay attention to your diet

Diet plays a key role in keeping your hair healthy. What you consume has an impact on the volume, strength, and growth of your hair.

To maintain healthy hair:

Your diet must consist of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals which are necessary for healthy hair.
Stay hydrated- (water improves blood circulation which aids in carrying the right nutrients to different parts of the body including nutrients responsible for strengthening your hair).

Dehydration affects both hair and skin and leads to dryness. So make sure you stay hydrated always.

Final thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to be a dread. These winter hair care tips will help you take better care of your natural hair and help you retain length over time.

Moisturize, shampoo less, deep condition your, stay away from heat, pick the right leave-in conditioner for your hair texture, choose low-manipulation hairstyles, eat healthily, and stay hydrated.

To learn more about how we can help you on your natural hair journey, book an appointment with us and get a free hair consultation on your first visit.