Dry air and heating systems can undo all of the good moisturizing and conditioning we do to our curls. How dare they!
Luckily, we have a few tricks up our sleeve to thwart the damaging effects of winter dryness. The first step is to know your curl type, the second step is to treat them accordingly!
Beautiful Winter Curls
1. Fill in the “Holes”
Because curly hair is very porous, conditioner helps to fill the “holes” and lock in moisture.
Type 2 Waves
Use a daily conditioning treatment when you shower. Apply a light leave-in afterwards such as a spray leave-in or light creme. Treat your curls to a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
Type 3 Curls
Leave your daily conditioner in your hair an extra 5-8 minutes while you shower. Apply a leave-in conditioner, or leave your daily conditioner in your hair. Deep condition 1-2 times per week, depending on your exposure to the elements and curl type.
Type 4 Coils
Leave your daily conditioner on an extra 5-10 minutes in the shower. Apply a heavy-handed amount of leave-in conditioner afterwards (cremes work best”> and use a deep conditioner treatment twice a week.
2. Ban Brushes & Combs
While styling, these products are a no-no. In your shower, however, all curl types can use a wide-tooth comb to go through their curls for detangling purposes.
Type 3 and Type 4
Comb through with conditioner applied to the hair, and keep it sopping wet.
3. Lock It In
After your leave-in, it’s time to lock in the curl pattern. Keep hair as wet as possible and create 3-5 sections (depending on hair length”> to apply curling gels or cremes.
Type 2 Waves
Apply a non-alcohol based curling spray gel to your curls or waves.
Type 3 Curls
Apply a non-alcohol based curl gel. Be generous, and keep your hair wet. If you need to, keep a water bottle handy and mist your curls as you apply the gel to any drying areas.
Type 4 Coils
Apply a curl creme or gel generously and finger twist curls into place as you apply.
4. Pay Attention to Your Ends
The ends and tips of our hair can be especially exposed during winter months. Make sure they receive extra moisturizing when you shower and style.
Type 2 Waves
Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair in the shower and leave on for 3-5 more minutes.
Type 3 Curls
Apply extra conditioner , or a deep conditioning treatment to ends for a few extra minutes while showering.
Type 4 Coils
Apply deep conditioner or shea butter to ends of your curls while showering and don’t rinse out all of the treatment.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHINESTRUCK
5. If You MUST Dry Your Hair…
For all hair types, it’s best to stay away from blow-drying and heat tools. However, if you absolutely have to use them make sure to cut down on drying time and use them as little as possible. When you do dry your curls, make sure you use:
Type 2 Waves
A paper towel or cotton t-shirt.
Type 3 Curls and Type 4 Coils
Micro fiber towel or old pillowcase. You need something smooth and absorbent that won’t cause frizz. Steer clear of terry cloth and textured towels.
Be sure to blot and not rub your curls as you dry.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOVEAESTHETICS
6. Refresh Throughout the Day
All curls and waves can benefit from a mid-day and evening “spritz” of refreshing spray. You can find sprays in drug stores or even make your own. Here is a popular refreshening spray made with lavender essential oil that can be used on any curl type:
- Boil 2 quarts of water and simmer for one hour
- Remove from heat and add 5 drops of pure lavender essential oil, and stir.
- Allow it to cool and pour into spray bottles.
- Bring a mini-spray bottle in your purse or keep one at work. It’s a great way to freshen up your locks throughout the day.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEAFTV
7. Good Night
Sleep with a satin pillowcase.
All curls can benefit from this as curls and waves won’t dry so quickly, as they would with a cotton case. You may opt for to wrap your curls in a silk or satin bonnet or scarf instead.
Either way, curls will be more defined and less frizzy.
8. Cover Up
While venturing into the great outdoors, and the dry, cold elements, be sure to cover your curls with a crocheted hat or loose scarf.
Don’t allow curls to be “pressed” down onto your scalp. Attempt to pile curls up and not flatten them.
MORE: Stop Winter Hat Head, Once & For All
