It's Only Natural..."Tips For Curly Hair And Winter Weather"

With the changing of the seasons, new issues always arise with curly/kinky hair. In the spring/summer its frizz...while in the fall/winter it's the concern of dry, brittle hair. Wind, snow and cold air are the enemies of the season and the harsh conditions that come with the winter time can wreck damage on our already fragile hair. Here are a few tips that I live by during the colder months:

photo: beautyxoxo.com

• Condition, Condition and Condition: Conditioning is a step that is done all year round when caring for curly hair, but in the winter is especially crucial to keep curly/kinky hair healthy and moisturized. Your hair will hold onto the moisture that it needs to combat the dryness that can occur and frizzing as well.
• Shampoo Less Often: Due to colder weather, your scalp tends to produce less sebum, which can cause for drier hair. Curls will need to hold onto whatever natural oils that it already has. Shampoo is known for cleansing and stripping strands of oil. To keep dryness at bay, opt for sulfate-free shampoos and shampoo hair less often than you would during the warmer months.
• Moisturize Hair: Moisturizing your hair as much as possible is important to give it the moisture that is lost on daily basis.
• Use Creamier Styling Aides: Gels are not really a plus in the winter, the ingredients can cause for a drying hair experience that can end in unwanted breakage. Instead of gel and gel-like products, reach for puddings, butters and creams. They hold the right amount of rich moisture that curly/kinky hair is craving in the winter. The fact that these products tend to be heavier, it's important to play around with the amount of that your hair will require to stay moisturized without being weighed down. 
• Protective Styling: Something that I live by all year long, but during the winter months this method of hairstyling allows for the ends of your hair to be hidden away from the harsher, drying elements. This will allow for your hair to retain moisture and help to hold on to length that can otherwise be damaged by the season. Buns, updos, braids, twists, and weaves are all great alternatives to wearing your hair out and free. And with the ever growing abundance of styling options...the possibilities are endless!