As the temperature drops and winter sets in, you might begin to notice your natural hair going through a few unique challenges. The colder months bring about a shift in atmospheric conditions, leading to increased dryness, frizz, and breakage for those with natural curls and coils. In this blog post, we'll explore the specific hurdles that natural hair faces during the cooler months of the year and discover effective strategies for adjusting your natural routine to keep your curls nourished and moisturized.
What Does Cold Weather Do To Natural Hair?
Cold, dry air tends to sap the moisture from natural hair, causing it to become brittle and prone to breakage. The lack of humidity in the air can make natural hair prone to cuticle damage, increased frizz, rough texture, split- ends and even an itchy scalp. To help counteract these effects, it’s crucial to focus on incorporating more moisture-rich products into your natural hair care routine.
How To Keep Natural Hair Hydrated In Cool Weather?
Before moisturizing your natural hair there must be hydration of your natural hair. What's the difference you ask? Moisturizing your natural hair is about preventing water from escaping the hair strand. When hydrating your hair is all about attracting moisture into your hair. Both are very important.
Regular hydration and gentle care become crucial to maintaining the health and manageability of natural hair during colder, drier months. The use of moisturizing shampoos, deep conditioners, the layering of moisture-rich products, and hydrating from within are just a few preventative measures to protect your hair from the cold harsh elements.
The Right Hydration Habits
Water intake
Avoiding overall dehydration helps tremendously for overall health but is also a great strategy for ensuring your curls are well-hydrated. It's recommended that the average person needs 2 Liters or roughly 8 cups of water per day to stay optimally hydrated. Keep in mind, this can vary from person to person.
Just in case you need a few more reasons to fill your water bottle, proper hydration also encourages better blood circulation. This aids in the delivery of nutrients to the scalp, which benefits the hair overall. It also encourages healthy hair growth and minimizes scalp dryness and irritation.
Choosing the best products for winter
When choosing the right products to boost the moisture in your natural hair routine use shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate-free. Sulfates are a common ingredient found in some shampoos. They are used to aid in removing excess dirt, oil, and product buildup from the hair, but can also strip the hair of much-needed moisture. Going sulfate-free is the best option for preserving moisture.
Mielle Organic’s sulfate-free shampoos are gentle, moisturizing, and very effective at removing unwanted dirt, and build-up. I love that they offer an array of different shampoos to meet your hair’s specific needs. If you need to strengthen weak curls, there is the Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo. To help work through tough tangles with ease; use the Pomegranate & Honey Detangling Shampoo, and one of my personal favorites is the Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Shampoo for a boost of moisture.
When choosing other products for your wash day lineup, look for hydrating ingredients that condition the hair and provide long-lasting moisture such as:
· Aloe vera
· Avocado
· Honey
· Glycerin
· Coconut oil
· Babassu oil
· Mongongo oil
· Shea butter
*For those with low porosity or fine hair, a protein-free conditioner tends to work best. Be sure to give the Mongongo Oil Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner a try.
The Right Styling Strategy
The best styling options to help minimize your hair’s exposure to harsh cold elements are protective and low-manipulation styles. Both types of styling help to preserve moisture and prevent breakage. Protective styles can include braids and twists. Any style that allows you to tuck your ends away can be considered a protective style. Some low manipulation style examples can include twist-outs, braid-outs, buns, and bantu knots. These styles you may not leave in as long but still give your hair an element of protection.
Once your hair is styled, continue to nourish the scalp with essential oils like the Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, and protect your style at night with a satin bonnet. Make sure you check out Mielle Organic’s Reversible Satin Bonnet! The adjustable drawstring creates a comfortable fit and helps reduce breakage, tangles, and hair thinning.
Remember, if you’re experiencing seasonal changes to your hair due to cold weather, always start by adjusting your natural hair routine. Mielle Organics makes it simple to do, with their amazing selection of products that nourish, strengthen, and protect your curls. CLICK HERE to Shop by collection or based on your hair’s unique needs to create the perfect natural hair routine year-round.
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