Winter hair care: Easy tips to take care of curly hair in colder months

Winter is here and hot showers will definitely make you feel good. But they can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy. The same goes for indoor heating systems. They can keep us warm, but also contribute to a decrease in humidity. This artificial environment can also strip moisture from your hair, leaving it more susceptible to damage. Women with curly hair have more to worry about, as they are more vulnerable to losing moisture. Well, worry not, and follow these effective winter hair care tips for curly hair.

How does winter affect curly hair?

Winter can be a harsh season for curly hair, as the cold and dry air can dehydrate curls and make them more prone to frizz and breakage, says Dr Ipshita Johri, a dermatologist.

Here are some ways winter affects curly hair!

1. Dryness

The cold and dry air of winter can strip away moisture from curly hair, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. This is because curly hair has a more open cuticle than straight hair, which means it has more chances of losing moisture.

2. Frizz

Dry and dehydrated curls are more prone to frizz. This is because when curls are dry, the individual strands are more likely to cling to each other and to static electricity in the air.

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3. Breakage

Dry and brittle curls have higher chances of breakage. This is because when curls are dry, they are less flexible and more likely to snap, explains the expert. In fact, winter accessories like caps and scarves can be quite harmful to your hair. The constant friction from wearing woollen hats can create static electricity, making your hair frizzy and prone to breakage.

How to care for curly hair in winter?

Your curls need more love and care during winter. You can do the following for healthy hair in colder months:

1. Hydrate your scalp

You need a healthy scalp for healthy hair. Regular scalp massages with moisturising oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil and olive oil can help to improve blood circulation to the scalp, which is good for hair health.

2. Avoid frequent hair wash

Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair, so over-washing can strip away essential oils and make it even drier and more prone to breakage. Aim to wash your hair once or two times a week, says Dr Johri.

3. Deep condition regularly

Deep conditioning treatments help to replenish moisture and elasticity to curly hair, making it softer, bouncier and less prone to frizz. Use a deep conditioner or hair mask specifically made for curly hair once a week or every other week.

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4. Avoid heat styling

Heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons can damage the delicate structure of curly hair, leading to dryness, breakage and frizz. Minimise the use of heat styling tools and always apply a heat protectant spray before using them.

5. Protective styling

Protective hairstyles like braids, buns and twists can help to prevent breakage and maintain moisture in curly hair. These styles also help to reduce the need for heat styling.

6. Use a leave-in conditioner

Leave-in conditioners help to lock in moisture and protect curly hair from environmental aggressors like humidity and pollution. Apply a leave-in conditioner after washing and conditioning your hair.

7. Go for diffuser

If you must use a blow dryer, opt for a diffuser attachment which helps to evenly distribute heat and minimise frizz. Use the lowest heat setting and diffuse your hair until it is about 80 percent dry, suggests the expert.

8. Detangle gently

Curly hair is more prone to tangles, so be gentle when detangling it. A detangling brush or a wide-tooth comb is a better option for curly hair. And always start combing from the ends of your hair.

9. Use satin or silk pillowcases

Cotton pillowcases can cause friction and frizz, while satin or silk pillowcases reduce friction and help to maintain the curls’ shape overnight.

10. Go for regular trims

Go for regular trims, as they help to remove split ends and prevent them from travelling up the hair shaft. This prevents breakage and promotes overall hair health.

Also, eat healthy and get some vitamin D for healthy hair!