Important tips to protect your hair in winter

PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLES ARE THE WAY TO GO IN WINTER

The cold weather can wreck havoc on our hair in winter and we all know that protective hairstyles keep all the negative impacts such as drying, listlessness, brittleness and cutting, at bay.You should also consider protecting your hair with a satin-lined winter hat when you’re outdoor. It is also important to ensure that you moisturise as often as possible. Avoid rough fabrics (sleep on silk if possible) and make sure that you trim your hair ends at least twice in a month. Also make sure that continue to follow a healthy diet and drink a lot of water. Most importantly, to protect your hair in the winter, you can wear protective hairstyles such as box braids, two-strand twists or crochet braids hairstyles.

This season the hairstyles in fashion include Bantu knots, cornrows such as six lines and the popular carrot, as well box braids and twists. Before braiding your hair, make sure that you wash and condition it. Also ensure that you continue to moisturise your hair with oils and hair food even when it is plaited. Bantu knots and cornrows can be kept for an average of two weeks, while braids can be kept on for 4-8 weeks.

To maintain a good hair care routine and ensure your hair remains supple, consider the below tips:

DOUBLE UP ON YOUR USAGE OF DEEP CONDITIONER

According to renowned hairstylist Larry Sims, rebuilding is something to keep in mind as you shape your winter hair care routine. “Your cuticle gets damaged from chemicals, and wear and tear from daily styling,” he explains.“This creates pockets and holes in the cuticle that can eventually result in shedding and breakage.” To stop breakage in its tracks, Sims says that adding a nourishing deep conditioning mask to your routine can drastically strengthen your curls.

MAKE SURE YOUR HAIR IS DRY AFTER STYLING*

Most curly-hair experts would say that the best time to apply styling products is when the hair is drenched; that remains true even in cooler weather. However, while many of them would encourage air drying in the summer, they advise against going outside with wet hair when it’s cold. Sims suggests dusting off your diffuser to dry your curls without disturbing them. “Moisture can escape from the hair as the air becomes dryer.” Devachan Salon Senior Stylist, Mia Emilio, has also told her clients to invest in a microfibre towel to protect and define curls. “Be sure to remove as much excess water as possible to ensure maximum volume and to reduce frizz. Use a microfibre towel like Devacurl’s new DevaTwist or any microfibre towel wrap to create less friction while removing extra water out of your hair.”

USE THICKER STYLING PRODUCTS

Cold weather can quickly absorb all the moisture out of once-juicy, hydrated curls. To keep your hair from getting dull and frizzy the moment you step outside (or put on your hat), start practicing the LOC method if you’re not already.After washing and conditioning use a leave-in conditioner, followed by an oil, then seal in your moisture with a cream.

USE SOFT HAIRS AND PILLOWS

Materials don’t only matter when it comes to the type of towels you use on your curls. They’re even more critical when you’re looking to protect them from the elements. Most experts recommend trading your cotton pillowcase for a satin or silk option to avoid drying out and snagging on your natural hair, especially during the winter months. Satin is your secret weapon to protect your hair from bedhead and breakage. Fabrics like cotton and wool suck the moisture right out of the hair strand, causing dryness and damage.Winter hats are a huge friction culprit since most of them are made of thick wool and cotton materials.

Additional reporting: Refinery.com