Keep It Kinky: Natural Hair and Beauty: Fall & Winter Cold Weather Natural Hair Care Tips

For many of us across the world, the temperatures are falling. This is when we break out our stylish boots or scarves and yes, switch up our hair regimen. Your beloved wash n'go may get a bit too icy while you wait in the cold for the train or bus. Here are some ways to keep your hair strong and soft in the cold seasons.

Source – Naptural85

DEEP CONDITION WEEKLY – Moisture retention and hair breakage can be challenging at this time of year. Deep condition regularly to help prevent single strand knots and breakage. I happen to love the Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair deep conditioner. Do this with each You can opt for a ph balanced conditioner like Aphogee 2-Step Conditioner to maintain that pH, protein-moisture balance. Or, you can still use a protein conditioner every 3-4 weeks to maintain the pH balance.
MOISTURISE MORE OFTEN – Especially if you have very kinky hair, you will most likely need to moisturise and seal every day. This will maintain the moisture daily
GO HEAVY – Use heavier creams or butters like Shea butter based products (eg. Jane Carter Nourish & Shine or Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream). These tend to hold moisture well in colder climates and not dry out quickly like some light, water-based products. Hence, your hair will stay moisturised for longer stretches of time.
STYLE WHILE DAMP – If you are struggling with dry hair, style your hair while damp. If your hair is already dry, mist it with water and add oil to make the hair more pliable. This allows you to style your hair without the crack, snapple and pops we often get with dry natural hair.
PROTECT THE ENDS – The ends are the oldest part of your hair and you will find that they do not hold up well in the cold. Give them special attention at night and moisturise your hair and seal in the moisture to prevent them from becoming brittle.
PROTECTIVE STYLE – Protective styling helps to protect your in multiple ways. As mentioned above (5.) this will protect your hair from the cold while maintaining a much more moisture than when wearing your hair out. Also, this will keep your hair off your neck to keep the hair off your thick cottony scarf or felt coat which looks great but will dry out your hair while rubbing against it causing breakage.
WASH N' GOs – This is the season that works well for protective styles but if you opt for a wash n' go, try to dry your hair before leaving home. Sit under the dryer for 5 minutes while having your morning cup of tea or coffee of – catch up on the news and weather forecast on your ipad. Spending and extra 5-10 minutes to dry your hair can make a big difference in the amount of moisture your hair retains after washing. Also, you can add a diffuser attachment to your dryer and use that to add indirect heat to aid in the drying process.
BE CAREFUL WITH COCONUT OIL – If you use a lot of coconut oil, you must be careful in cold temperatures. Coconut oil tends to freeze when in the cold and when you go indoors into heated areas, it melts. So obviously, if too much oil is used, it may drip and your hair may feel hard when out in the cold.
GO SATIN – Cotton and wool products soak up moisture. Many of our scarves are made of cotton. Opt for satin instead or style your hair in updos to keep it away from drying fabrics. For hats, tie your hair with a satin scarf or us a satin cap underneath to prevent the hair from rubbing agains the rough, drying felt or wool.
HEADGEAR HAIR PROTECTION – many hats are made of felt and wool. Simply tie your hair with a satin scarf or cover it with a satin/wig cap before apply your headgear.