13 Best Curly Hair Tips In Winter

Are you Wondering how to care for your curly hair this winter? Extreme temperatures, sudden atmosphere changes, and wardrobe adaptation all come with the winter season. However, your curly hair is not left out. 

So, when shopping for more winter coats and boots, remember to add hair care products that will protect your curly hair from the harsh winter realities.

Curly hair can be greatly impacted during the winter season since it naturally doesn’t retain moisture that well. Don’t worry, with a few adjustments in your hair care routine and styling you are good to go.

In this article, you will learn:

How Winter Affects Your Curly Hair?

The atmospheric condition of an environment impacts your curly hair in a variety of ways. The weather can determine how healthy your hair will be.

Curly hair naturally requires high-level moisture to keep the curls bouncy and also help its overall health. For example, in a high dew, high humidity, or a balanced moisture environment - your curls will naturally thrive.

However, in a low dew, dry, or low humidity environment - Your curly hair will be negatively impacted. The only way out is to put added measures to prevent the effects of the environmental conditions.

During winter, the air is dry, humidity is low, plus there is little or no moisture in the environment. This weather condition will make your curls dryer, frizzy, and more susceptible to damage.

How right?

The cold weather and dry winter air penetrate the hair cuticles by lifting them. This makes the hair to lose moisture. Loss of moisture is the enemy of curly hair strands.

When your curly hair lacks moisture, it becomes brittle, tangles easily, and generally becomes dry. This dryness will increase the possibility of split ends and breakages. 

13 Tips to Help You Care for Your Hair this Winter 

We have looked at the effects of winter on your curly hair. Now, let’s walk you through the important tips that will help you better care for your curly hair in winter.

Curly Hair Moisturizing Tips for Winter

Moisture is everything when it comes to caring for curly hair. See the top 6 curly hair moisturizing tips for winter.

1. Choose Only Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

Since the goal is to increase moisture as much as possible, it just makes sense for you to pick a hydrating shampoo and conditioner instead of a regular one. 

Look for shampoos and conditioners with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, glycerin, or argan oil. These ingredients help to lock in moisture and prevent your curls from becoming dry and brittle.

2. Start Deep Conditioning Treatments

You can take your moisture game to another level by incorporating deep conditioning treatments into your routine at least once a week. 

Choose a conditioner that is specifically formulated for curly hair. Consider adding steam or using a shower cap while conditioning to help the product penetrate deeply into your strands, providing much-needed moisture.

3. Use Leave-In Conditioners to Always Keep Your Hair Moisturized

Leave-in conditioners should be your hair’s best friend during the winter. Leave-in conditioners do come in handy to help you keep your hair moisturized after washing on the go. 

Leave-in conditioners help to lock in moisture and act as a protective barrier against the harsh winter elements. Apply it generously, focusing on the ends of your hair, which tend to be drier. We will advise you to pick water-based products over thicker ones. 

4. Use Moisturizing Hair Oils to Lock-in Moisture

It is one thing to add moisture, it is another thing to lock it in. Locking in moisture ensures that they remain there for a longer time. For example; you use moisturizing, deep, and leave-in conditioners to add moisture to your hair, but lock the moisture with oils.

Moisturizing hair oils help to seal in the moisture. 

Use natural oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, or avocado oil to seal moisture into your curls. Apply a few drops to damp or dry hair, concentrating on the ends. These oils not only help retain moisture but also add shine and reduce frizz.

5. Incorporate Regular Moisture Refresh to your Routine

Since the weather is cold and dryer during winter, it is wise to incorporate regular moisture into your haircare routine. 

This is a simple process that you can do on the go in a few seconds. You can refresh your curls with a moisturizing spray. You can create a simple DIY conditioning spray by mixing water, conditioner, and a few drops of moisturizing oil in a spray bottle.

Use this mixture to refresh and revive your curls when needed. The cool thing is that you can carry this around as you move. 

6. Use a Humidifier

Aside from helping you breathe better, the humidifier will also help your skin and hair retain moisture. The added moisture will help your hair feel less dry and more healthy.

Curly Hair Winter Protection Tips 

We have examined a few moisturizing tips to help keep your curls hydrated. However, let's see the other helpful tips that will help you protect your hair.

7.  Reduce Frequent Washing

Frequent hair washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, which can further cause dryness. Avoid washing your hair every day during the winter. 

Instead, co-wash every 2-3 days or spritz using the hydrating mix we talked about (water, essential oils, and leave-in conditioner mist in a spray bottle)

Depending on your daily activities, you can extend your wash day routine to once a week. 

8. Incorporate Weekly Deep Conditioning Ritual

Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment into your hair care routine. Deep conditioning helps to replenish lost moisture and keep your curls soft and manageable. 

Also, choose a deep conditioning treatment that focuses on restoring moisture and repairing hair damage caused by dryness. 

9. Minimize Heat Styling

With the winter season comes dry air. This is not the best time to go all in with heat styling because this will further dry out your hair. Dry hair leads to hair challenges like brittleness and breakages.

Choose heatless styling methods like twist-outs, threading, Bantu knots, or better still use the flexi rod for a beautiful shrink-free hairstyle.

10. Regularly Trim Split Ends

Trimming is an important aspect of caring for your hair in the winter. Trimming split ends helps to prevent further hair damage and keep your curls healthy. 

11. Wear Protective Hairstyles

The Winter season is not the time to leave out your curls all day or scrunch them up in a winter cap. That is the time to protect your hair strands from the harsh weather conditions. 

You can protect your curls by wearing protective hairstyles like braids, buns, corn rows, etc., or by wearing a satin-lined bonnet or cap that will shield your hair from the environment and help it retain moisture.

12. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Your eating habits affect your hair’s health. The more water and vitamins your body gets, the healthier your hair will appear.

You can stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in essential vitamins for hair growth. Essential viitamins like Vitamin C, A, E, etc. 

13. Avoid using a Hairbrush or a tiny toothcomb

While styling, small combs and brushes are a no-go area because they can damage and break your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or use your finger to detangle. 

9 Protective Hairstyles for Curly Hair in Winter

Protective hairstyles are a great way to shield your curly hair from the harsh elements of winter while retaining moisture and minimizing damage. Here are some protective styles that work wonderfully for curly hair during the colder months:

1. Braids or Cornrows

Braids and cornrows are versatile protective styles that you can customize in various patterns and sizes. 

They help keep your curls tucked away, reducing exposure to the dry winter air. You can opt for simple cornrows, intricate braided designs, or even add hair extensions for length and volume.

2. Twists and Twist Outs

Two-strand twists or twist-outs are gentle styles that protect your curls while allowing them to retain their natural texture. You can twist your hair when damp or use a twisting cream to create defined twists. After keeping them in for a few days, unravel for beautifully textured, protected curls.

3. Buns and Updos

Sleek buns or updos are elegant and practical protective styles. They keep your hair neatly tucked away, preventing tangling and breakage caused by the winter winds. Use a satin scrunchie or hairpins to secure your bun while maintaining a chic look.

4. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are not only a stylish choice but also an excellent way to protect your curls. Create small sections, twist them, and then wrap them into knots close to the scalp. Leave them in for a few days to set and achieve defined curls when you unravel them.

5. Protective Hair Wraps or Scarves

Utilize silk or satin scarves or wraps to cover your curls completely. This method shields your hair from the cold and dry air while preventing moisture loss. Experiment with different wrapping styles to keep your curls protected and stylish.

6. Pineapple or High Ponytail

Gather your curls into a loose, high ponytail known as the pineapple method. This prevents the flattening of curls while sleeping and reduces friction, keeping your curls intact and voluminous.

7. Wig or Hair Extensions

Consider wearing a wig or hair extensions as a protective style during winter. Wig or hair extensions allow your natural hair to rest and remain undisturbed while being shielded from harsh weather conditions.

8. Halo or Crown Braids

Create halo or crown braids by braiding sections of hair around your head like a crown. This protective style keeps your curls tucked away while giving an elegant and regal appearance.

9. Roll, Tuck, and Pin Styles

Experiment with roll, tuck, and pin styles using bobby pins or hairpins to secure sections of your hair. These styles protect your ends and prevent breakage during the winter months.

When choosing a protective style, ensure it aligns with your hair's health and comfort. Protective hairstyles like braids with hair extensions may not work for people with thin/fine hair.

Remember to regularly moisturize your scalp and hair while wearing these styles to maintain hydration and promote healthy curls throughout the winter season.

Final Thought

Hydration and protective styling are the two main ways of protecting your curly hair in the winter. Hydration helps to add moisture to your hair and scalp, while protective styling helps shield your hair from frequent manipulations and environmental factors.

Consistency and proper care are key to ensuring your curly hair stays hydrated and healthy despite the challenging weather conditions. Wish you can enjoy your curly hair in winter after reading this blog! Leave your comment below to join our discussion!