As the weather gets colder, noses turn red, and snot runs down our faces, our hair can start to become dry, frizzy, and even tangled. For Black women with naturally curly hair (especially 3C and 4C types), winter can be even more challenging. Today, we'll discuss some tips to protect your curly hair in winter.
Why Does Curly Hair Tend to Dry Out?
Curly hair (3c-4c hair type) is already naturally drier simply because it has twists and turns. The natural oils our scalp produces—called sebum—have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft, unlike in straight or wavy hair. During colder months, some Black women may notice their scalp feels drier, but it's not necessarily because sebum production stops. Cold air, indoor heating, and lower humidity all contribute to dryness, making it harder for the hair and scalp to stay moisturized even if oil production remains the same. This isn't due to poor maintenance but rather a combination of environmental factors and hair characteristics.
Tips to Prevent Curly Hair Tangling and Dryness
1. Diet
Usually, diet is very important when it comes to your hair health, but protein is also important. During cold weather, our hair needs more protein both internally and topically; tin contains amino acids, which are essential for hair growth.
To maintain the strength of your curls, increase the proportion of protein in your diet. During cold weather, eat more foods rich in amino acids, such as eggs, dairy products, pumpkin seeds, and deep-sea fish. These nutrients can help restore hair's elasticity. Also, using a hair mask or conditioner containing protein can add a protective barrier to the outer layer of hair.
2. Do Not Skip Your Treatments
Obviously, during the winter, our hair needs to be moisturized more; it tends to need treatments even twice a week. Treatments can help with both moisture and shine and improve your overall health. In addition to those treatments, a hydrating shampoo and conditioner can also help. Switch to your winter hair routine; use heavier products to lock in moisture. This method can also apply to your curly hair wigs.
3. Washing Hair Regularly
A very effective tip is to prepare for the winter. you wanna make sure that you are still washing your hair frequently; people actually wash their hair less during the winter, and that can lead to damage or irritation. Not washing your hair can actually lead to a drier, more imbalanced, irritated scalp.
4. Protective Styles
Doing protective styles like twists, buns, or braids or wearing glueless wigs to keep our hair protected from the cold weather. These styles are also going to help prevent breakage and retain moisture.
5. Limit Heat Styling
Avoid using too much heat, whether on your human hair wig or your natural hair. Try not to use flat irons or curling irons too often, because they can make your hair dry and weak. If you really need to use them, always put on a heat protectant first. You can also add a few drops of hair oil to the ends before styling.
Heat can make your hair look smooth for a short time, but it also takes away moisture. During winter, this problem becomes worse. Try to use lower heat settings or style your hair less often. You can also try heat-free styles, like braids or twists, and let your curls dry naturally.
6. Use a Silk Pillowcase
Hair around your neck often becomes dry or frizzy because of friction from clothes, scarves, and pillowcases. When you sleep on cotton pillowcases, they absorb moisture from your hair. Silk pillowcases feel softer and smoother. They help reduce friction and breakage, so your curls stay shiny and easy to manage in the morning.
7. Use Coconut Oil as a Hair Conditioner
Step 1: Put 3 to 5 tablespoons of coconut oil into a small bowl. (You can use about 10 ml per spoon as a guide.)
Step 2: Add 2 to 3 pumps of sulfate-free conditioner. Mix them well.
Step 3: Apply the mixture to the middle and ends of your hair. Avoid the roots by about 5 cm.
Step 4: Wrap your hair with a foil heat cap. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse it off. If you do not have a foil cap, use plastic wrap or a shower cap instead and heat with blow dryer.
This simple mask helps your curls stay soft and smooth all winter long. Heat the mixture with a hair dryer for five minutes, then leave it on for about 40 minutes to allow the nutrients to penetrate your hair. Rinse and blow-dry on low heat with a diffuser.
Conclusion
Winter is undoubtedly the season when curly hair is most susceptible to damage, but with appropriate care, you can still maintain its elasticity and shine. Our hair deserves gentle treatment and deserves to remain shiny and beautiful even in winter.
