Winter Hairstyle Guide

Colder seasons come with challenges for your tresses, the main being dry hair. To protect your mane, no matter the style, we turned to the pros for expert advice

BRAIDS

Braids are a classic protective hairstyle. Forever on-trend, it’s convenience that has us sold as you can just tie them up in a bun, and you’re good to go. The trick is to maintain the sheen of the fibre and

moisturising your scalp.

Bomzi Lekgoro, Hairstylist

– Wash your braids once every second week.

– Base your scalp regularly with hair food.

– Don’t pull the braids too tightly to protect the hairline.

– Don’t keep your braids for longer than six weeks, as that will result in them breaking.

CORNROWS

Cornrows are a neat hairstyle – no wonder it’s the preferred style for moms with school-going kids. Keeping the flaky scalp and runaway hairs at bay presents a slight challenge.

Nonkululeko Mthimkhulu, Confidence Hair Salon

– Commit to oil or protein treatments after undoing the hair to restore hair strength. – Don’t overheat your hair before plaiting – that will lead to unnecessary damage.

– Do apply an oil directly on the scalp to prevent dandruff.

CURLY HAIR

Hands up if you have a wig collection! Wigs really are such life – and outfit – savers. They literally protect your natural hair from drying winter conditions, while accentuating your facial features. Mantaining your wig is also a must!

Thandiwe Nkoana, Love Your Crown

– If you wear your wig every day, wash it once a week to keep the curls bouncy. – Use a wide tooth comb to remove any tangles. Comb from the ends to the roots. – Fill a spray bottle with water and leave-in conditioner to spritz the wig when needed.

BOB We adore big hair as it demands attention and screams confidence. If your own natural hair is not long enough to wear it in a puff, wigs are the simplest alternative. However, keeping it voluminous and full of life can be a hassle. And ensuring that moisturising products reach the roots and scalp can be tricky.

Melford Hlabola, Melford Divas Emporium

– Give your hair a break from blow drying as heat can kill the volume completely. – Wash your hair thoroughly with antidandruff shampoo at least once a week. – Avoid combing your hair when wet, as that will make it susceptible to breakage. – Choose a conditioner specially designed for thick and curly hair. – Wrap your hair with a silk doek before bedtime.

– Trim the split ends as often as possible. AFRO Did somebody say afro? Letting your own hair out and allowing it do its own thing, is great for its health. Just make sure your haircare arsenal is armed with ingredients like castor and coconut oils,

shea butter and lots of patience.

Miss Acalaca, Honour Your Crown

– To prevent dryness, aim to moisturise your hair every day.

– Wash your mane every two weeks to boost hydration.

– Use your fingers to “comb” your hair and to detangle any knots. Do this only after spritzing with a mist.

– Your hairline is very sensitive so treat it with care.

– Follow the LOC method: hydrate the hair with a Liquid (a leave-in conditioner is ideal), apply an Oil of your choice, and seal in the moisture with a Cream or butter.

– Avoid products with parabens. DREADS Dreadlocks don’t require much to look good. The styling options are endless – they can even be dyed. Maintenance depends on how well you treat your locks – when neglected, they can become weak and be prone to dryness.

Bonolo Modise, Dreadlock Influencer

– Avoid colouring your hair in winter. – Go for hot oil treatments using castor oil, coconut and grape seed oils. It will moisturise your scalp, strengthen the locs and neutralise any odour.

– A satin scarf before bedtime will also help to lock in the moisture.

– Winter is no reason to deprive your locs of water. Spray some liquid and apply essential oils before putting your dreads into protective styles. – Never style your locs too tightly.

– Do let them down so the scalp can breathe.