WINTER HAIR, WINTER CARE
Joan Hillman from Jems of A Natural shares tips to hydrate and protect your curly hair this winter.
CONSCIOUSLY LOVING AND
understanding why and how your hair behaves and interacts with the environment goes a long way in nurturing it (and retaining its length). Knowing how to protect your hair from losing vital moisture (water) is especially important in cold weather when the air is drier and takes moisture from where it can, your hair included. There’s an increase in the use of heaters, which saps moisture from your hair and over time can leave it extremely dry and prone to breakage.
THE THREE PS OF WINTER HAIR PROTECTION
Together with healthy eating and drinking enough water, the products we use, hair care techniques (steps), hairstyles and headgear we choose to wear can protect our hair in winter. Always ask, “is my hair protected?” and “does my hair need moisture?”
PROTECTING WITH HAIR PRODUCTS – Ensure you use a deep-conditioner or mask treatment after every shampoo, especially before installing a protective style. Try the Imbue Curl Restoring Intensive Mask, which restores, nourishes and hydrates hair, or the
Hask Curl Intense Deep Conditioner to deliver long-lasting moisture to dry curls. Use a leave-in conditioner such as the Cantu Shea Butter Leavein Conditioner for added manageability and shine. Follow with a thicker or denser hair cream or hair butter such as the Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Seal It Up Hydrating Sealing Butter for long-lasting hydration in any protective style. End with a little of the ORS Black Castor Hair Oil for extra sealing, repair and strengthening. Keep it light; a little goes a long way.
PROTECTING WITH TECHNIQUES OR STEPS - Effectively applying and layering products onto the hair helps lock in moisture and extends the time it takes before our hair loses moisture.
PROTECTING WITH HAIR STYLES OR HEADGEAR - There are numerous short-to-medium to long-term styles that you can maintain, from a few days to a recommended maximum of six weeks. Use the Afri True Naturals Hydrating Foaming Wrap & Set Mousse to set braids and twists, seal in moisture and control frizz and y-aways. For moisturising the hair in protective styles and soothing the scalp, spritz a little water rst, then the Naturally Africa Braid Moisturizing Spray or use the Perfect Hair Hairline Repair Serum, which helps decongest the scalp. You can also use satin-lined head wraps, doeks, beanies or wigs to help protect the hair. Nurture and care for your hair beneath any headgear or wig and have fun with winter hair care.