Winter is here... and if you’re anything like us, your curls might be feeling a little cranky with all the cold, dry air. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From hydration to protection, we’ve rounded up 10 tips that’ll have your curls thriving all season long.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Hydration is the key to keeping your curls healthy and looking their best all season long.
Hydration means adding water to your hair to restore the moisture it’s lost. When you hydrate your curls, you’re replenishing them with the water they need to stay soft, bouncy, and defined.
Innersense Hydrating Cream Hair Bath & Conditioner
- Hydration is about drawing water into your hair. Think of it as replenishing the water content in each strand.
- Moisture is about keeping that water in your hair, sealing it in so it doesn’t escape. This is where oils, butters, and creams come in.
In the winter, you need both hydration and moisture to keep your curls healthy. Start by looking for products that help hydrate, like those with humectants (such as aloe vera, honey, or glycerin), which pull water into the hair. Then, lock that hydration in with products containing emollients (like natural oils and butters), which help keep the water from evaporating.
2. Leave-In Conditioner
Pretty Curly Girl Extra Loving Leave-in Conditioner
A good leave-in conditioner is a winter must-have. Not only does it give your curls that extra moisture boost, but it also acts as a protective shield against the cold and dry air. Slather it on damp hair for soft, frizz-free curls that’ll last all day long. Say goodbye to dry, crunchy curls!
3. Curl Cream
Bali Curls Hydrating Curl Cream
While a leave-in conditioner primarily focuses on hydration and detangling, curl creams enhance your natural curl pattern, ensuring your curls stay defined and soft without becoming limp or frizzy. If you want your curls to maintain their shape and bounce throughout the day, you need a product that offers styling control in addition to moisture. The right curl cream will lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and leave your curls bouncy and hydrated. Look for one that’s got shea butter, coconut oil, or castor oil to keep things extra nourished.
So, Do You Need Both?
You don’t have to use both a leave-in and a cream. It depends on your hair’s needs. If you’re looking for hydration with light styling, stick with a leave-in. If you want defined, frizz-free curls with extra moisture, curl cream is the way to go!
4. Skip the Heat
Avoid heat-styling tools as much as possible. If you must use a blow-dryer, make sure to attach a diffuser and set it to a low-heat setting to minimise damage. The best option? Air-drying your curls. It’s the gentlest way to keep them hydrated and frizz-free.
Kitsch XL Quick-Dry Hair Towel Wrap- Terracotta Checker
Bonus tip: Gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to absorb excess moisture. This helps your curls dry faster and more evenly.
5. Satin Hats Are Your Best Friend
Who says winter fashion can’t be functional and cute? Protect your curls from the wind and cold with a satin-lined hat. It’ll help prevent moisture loss, reduce frizz, and keep your curls looking on point. Plus, you’ll still be warm while slaying those winter outfits.
6. Pre-Poo Like a Pro
One of the main reasons wash day can feel like a chore is the dreaded detangling process. For those with coiled or textured hair, tangles are a common challenge. But a pre-poo treatment is your secret weapon!
Not only does a pre-poo treatment make shampooing much easier, but it also reduces breakage and helps define your natural curls. Simply apply a lightweight cream or oil to dry hair, comb it through, and allow it to soak in for a few minutes before rinsing. For dry, damaged, or brittle hair, pre-pooing is a game-changer. Coat your hair with nourishing oils or a deep conditioner and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This step locks in moisture, shields your curls from the drying effects of shampoo, and keeps your hair hydrated, so your curls stay soft, bouncy, and protected.
Bask & Bloom Super Bloom 2-in-1 Pre-poo/Deep Condtioner
By softening the hair and providing that much-needed slip, it helps to gently release knots and tangles before you even get your hair wet—making the whole process smoother. This is especially helpful when taking down a protective style.
7. Squish-to-Condish: A Game Changer
If you haven’t tried squish-to-condish, now is the perfect time to give it a go! After applying your conditioner, lean forward and gently scrunch your curls from ends to roots. This technique works wonders, especially for low porosity hair, by helping your curls absorb more product and moisture, which can often be a challenge for hair that’s slow to absorb moisture. It’s like giving your curls a little extra love!
Squish-to-condish
Not only does it hydrate and soften, but squish-to-condish also helps to control frizz and enhance curl definition. By thoroughly working the product in, you’re ensuring that every curl is coated, making them feel more defined and less prone to frizz. The result? Super soft, hydrated, and bouncy curls that are perfectly defined, with less frizz and more shine!
8. Deep Condition Like a Boss
Curlsmith Double Cream Deep Quencher
Winter = deep conditioning season. Use a nourishing mask once a week to keep your curls strong and healthy. A good deep conditioner will add moisture, restore elasticity, and leave your curls shiny and smooth. Bonus points if you let it sit under a plastic cap for 20-30 minutes while you relax and watch your favorite show.
9. Protective Styles for the Win
Styles like braids, twists, buns, and Bantu knots not only keep your hair safe from the cold but also make it easier to manage. Plus, they give you the opportunity to experiment with a new look!
If you prefer longer-term protective styles such as braids, weaves, or crochet braids, it’s important not to immediately reinstall them after taking them out. Your natural hair needs some downtime between styles to recover and maintain its health. It’s a good idea to give your hair a break to prevent strain on your scalp and strands.
Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter
If you are using your natural hair in protective styles like twists, braids, or buns, these options are great because they reduce friction and minimise breakage. You can also easily take them down once a week for a wash and to give your scalp a refresh. To help maintain moisture and keep your hair nourished, consider using a heavier product like a sealing butter. This will help seal in hydration and prevent moisture loss while your hair is tucked away. This way, your curls stay healthy and well-hydrated even in the harshest winter weather.
10. Hair Oil = Ultimate Seal
Kinky Tresses Nourishing Hair Oil
To lock in all that moisture, finish your routine with a light hair oil. Apply it to the ends of your curls to seal in hydration and prevent split ends. Oils like argan, jojoba, or castor oil will keep your curls shiny and nourished without weighing them down.
