Recently I have received some HHL reader emails asking if I would share my hair care tips for curly hair in the winter and what products I'm using.
Like most women with naturally curly hair I have always had a love hate relationship with my curls. A good blow out is my first choice - but there are times when one just has to go au natural. And the dryness of winter can be just as frustrating as the humidity of summer when it comes to curls.
Here are my tips for keeping your curls looking healthy and bouncy during winter:
1. Save Some Water:
Over washing hair actually strips it of its natural oils which curly hair requires to help reduce frizz. In winter I will reduce my hair washing to 1 once a week and no more than 2 times if I decide to get a blow out. To help extend the time between washes I grab a dry shampoo. Klorane has been my go to choice since I discovered it a couple years ago.
2. Wash, Condition:
Choose a shampoo that is free of harsh ingredients such as sulfates, that rob hair of moisture and nutrients. Moisture rich conditioners work best when left on hair for a least 2 minutes. I apply to ends and about half way up then pile hair on top of my head - and leave it there while I finish showering. Working into scalp with a gentle massage during rinsing.
I'm currently giving Pureology hydrating shampoo and conditioner a try - so far seems to be working well - will keep you posted.
3. Cool Rinse:
Hot water opens the hair cuticle leaving it dry and brittle. Cool water helps to close the cuticle leaving hair shinier and healthy looking. To ease into this I started with a cool bottle of water and poured it on my hair with head tipped down... after a while reducing the water temperature gradually as I shower helps the body get use to the cooler temps.
4. Seal in the Moisture:
Conditioning alone will not seal in moisture. Oil will help to seal it all in - some great options out there are : olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil. Follow with a rich moisture cream. If you have thin hair like me you will want to experiment with the amount used as using too much can leave hair limp and lifeless. I use a "tiny" drop of oil rub into my palms and start half up my hair bringing it to the ends ... the moisture leave in cream I apply just to the ends. And scrunch my hair in my hands as I go along. The Moroccan oil treatment and intense curl cream have been my go to for a few years. I'm currently giving the smoothing lotion a try for at home blow outs - so far it has not disappointed.
5. Fingers Only:
When working with curly its best to leave brushes and combs in the drawer. And if you must use a comb make sure it is a WIDE tooth and use only in shower with conditioner. Curly hair is fragile and brushing and combing can cause breakage and damage. Scrunch hair in your hands when its damp to give curls and extra boost. When hair dries I tip my head upside down and gently lift at the roots with my fingers to give some volume.
6. Cool Down:
Air drying curling hair is always the best way to go. Try to plan your hair washing so you don't have to rush out of the house when its still wet. If you must, always use a diffuser to dry on the mid to cool setting to minimize frizz.
7. Sleep Smart:
Curly hair can easily become trapped in cotton and other fabrics causing breakage, tangling and damage. Choose either a satin scarf to wrap your hair in at night or sleep on a satin pillow.
8. Trim and Color:
During the harshness of winter a trim every 6-8 weeks will help to get rid of the dry ends. Curly hair looks shinier and rich when its darker - so darken your color through winter.
Bonus tip:
Use a shower cap that is lined in satin this will also help to maintain your curls from going frizzy in the shower on non-hair washing days. Alternatively you can wrap your hair with a satin scarf before placing a plastic shower cap on. I've when using just the plastic shower cap that my hair still gets frizzy.
Shower cap with satin interior; Klorane dry shampoo; Moroccan Oil - intense curl cream, oil treatment, smoothing lotion; Pureology shampoo and conditioner; wide tooth comb; satin pillow case.
What are your tips for keeping curls looking fabulous in winter?
You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,
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