winter hair regimens are in full swing!

People think that summer and winter hair regimens aren’t really necessary, but let me tell you: switching my regimen based on the season has made a huge difference!  It makes my hair easier to manage, helps me retain length, and minimizes the risk of those unwanted problems associated with natural hair (ie. single strand knots, breakage, split ends, etc.).  Regardless of your hair type, where you live, or what methods you prefer, I think most people have the same ultimate hair goal: healthy hair.

So, here are my top 10 tips for a poppin’ winter hair regimen:

1.     Wash less often

The less you manipulate your hair, the more it flourishes.  Our hair is already more susceptible to dryness due the dry cold air outside and the dry warm air inside our homes.  Washing your hair too frequently in dry conditions can make your hair even drier (especially if you use a clarifying product like shampoo, which strips your hair of everything), which brings me to my next tip!

2.     Let go of the shampoo

One word: co-wash.  Even if you don’t co-wash in the summer, I think this is super helpful in the winter.  Co-washing is simply washing your hair with conditioner only, which removes product build up and dirt from the scalp and hair, but leaves the hair’s natural oils and moisture.  Shampoo on the other hand is a clarifying product, which means that it strips your hair of everything: dirt, product build up, natural oils, and moisture.  But if you absolutely must use shampoo, or if you have low porosity hair like me that more prone to product build up, you don’t have to completely give it up.  Just don’t use it 100% of the time.  Even co-washing every other wash instead of shampooing and conditioning every time can make a difference.

3.     Use heavier oils for sealing in moisture

Obviously, retaining moisture is also an important part of avoiding dryness.  Despite what hair product companies may tell you, the only way to moisturize your hair is to add moisture.  Literally, that’s it.  To retain or seal in that moisture (let’s say after you wash your hair), you need to use a heavier oil.  Sealing with a heavier oil in the winter will help you retain more moisture and combat dryness, just like sealing with a lighter oil in the summer helps keep your hair from looking weighed down.  As long as you don't overdo it, it also leaves some room for your hair to absorb the moisture in the air. (try something like castor oil)

4.     Protective style

I love a good protective style!  Keeping your hair tucked away reduces your chances of experiencing breakage or dryness.  But be careful not to put it away and forget about it.  Choose something that allows you to still access your hair/scalp in some way so that you can still cater to it.

5.     Deep condition often (and add heat if you can)

Deep conditioning adds moisture to your hair!  In the winter you have to go the extra mile to help your hair do things that it might usually do with little to no help in the summer.  So adding heat in the winter really helps the deep conditioner to penetrate your hair.  You can do this by putting on a disposable shower cap and sitting under a hooded dryer or leaving your hair exposed and sitting under a steamer for 15-30 minutes.  Or if you don’t have a hooded dryer or steamer, or if you prefer to be mobile while you deep condition like I do, you can put on one or two disposable shower caps after applying deep conditioner and a winter hat, which traps the natural heat that exits your body through your head (just as effective as sitting under a dryer).

6.     Avoid friction

If you’re trying to retain length, friction is your worst enemy!  Your favorite winter hats, scarves, and coats could be the reason why you’re struggling.  If they're made of anything other than satin or silk, they might be aiding your hair in the breakage process via friction or by literally sucking the moisture from your hair, depending on the material. Wear a satin or silk bonnet under your hat and be cautious when wearing coats and scarves that may come in contact with your hair.

7.     Cut split ends

I know, it sucks.  But hanging on to those split ends does absolutely nothing for your hair.  The longer you hang on to them, the more likely it is that the hair will continue to split (which means your next trim may turn into a haircut!)  Keep a pair of shears on hand so that you can cut them as they appear.

8.     Don’t wear a shower cap in the shower

I know it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, especially if you’re wearing a style that could easily be destroyed by water. But this has been extremely helpful for me when it comes to avoiding dryness.  So ditch the shower cap and put your hair in a loose ponytail/clip it up if you’re afraid of it getting soaked.  Not only is the steam from your shower enough to moisturize your hair on daily basis, but it’s so little water that your hair will be dry again by the time you’re ready to leave the house.

9.     Detangle gently

I've said it a million times already, but I'll say it again. Your hair is more dry than usual in the winter, so be sure to do everything in your power to reduce your chances breakage.  This is the time of year where you should really take your time detangling your hair, and you should definitely detangle with a product that has good slip (like a good deep conditioner).  You may also want to try detangling with your fingers before grabbing a brush or a comb if you don't do that already.  It sounds time consuming, but you'd be surprised by how easy it is to detangle with your fingers, not to mention the curl definition you'll probably attain as a result!

10.     Love on your hair!

You're the only person in this world with your head of hair, so treat your hair like the prized possession that it is.

So there you have it!  My top 10 tips for a great winter hair regimen. Some of the things on my list may not seem like a big deal, but the little things are the big things!  Cheers to poppin’ natural hair in the winter!  Thanks for journeying with me.