Written By Keysha Davis
When winter grips, our bodies require protection from the cold, and our hair does too. Brutally cold winters can truly wreak havoc on our natural hair, causing our strands to become dry and brittle. By integrating the following tips into your routine and cultivating a solid hair regimen, your hair can attain a healthy vitality throughout the year.
Winter hair challenge 1: dry and brittle ends
Cold, dry temperatures sap the moisture out of Afro-textured hair causing strands to become dry, brittle, and rough to the touch. It may feel like an uphill battle trying to bring your hair back to the brink. However, there is a tried and tested method to lock down a healthy balance. Keeping your hair moisturised is paramount. By applying water-based moisturising products to your hair on a regular basis, you will help to replace the moisture and hydration that your hair loses during the winter months.
The solution: Applying products like leave-in conditioners or lightweight hair moisturisers will help to infuse hair with hydration. We recommend applying Sheen Afrocenchix Ultra Hydrating Hair Spray to quench your dry and thirsty curls and coils and form a healthy barrier against the cold. This lightweight spray can be spritzed directly into the hair to revive it and combat dryness and breakage. Apply on a daily basis or anytime your hair is feeling dry.
Winter hair challenge 2: flaky, moisture-starved scalp
It’s probably no surprise to learn that your scalp also suffers during the colder months, just like your hair. When the scalp is depleted by cold weather it often manifests as dry scaly scalps in addition to unwanted flakes.
The solution: To reset your scalp, take the time out to massage it every 2-3 days with a deep penetrating oil, like Soothe Afrocenchix Lightweight Scalp Oil, a lightweight oil infused with lavender and cedarwood essential oils. Just a few drops will effectively soothe and repair your dry and flaky scalp.
Winter hair challenge 3: knots and tangles
During the winter months, Afro-textured hair is vulnerable to knots and tangles. The cold weather strips the hair of moisture, which in turn causes the hair to tangle due to it becoming brittle and dry.
The solution: Opt for protective styles like twists, braids, and cornrows to prevent knots. To seal and protect your ends use a product like Spring Nourishing Twisting Butter, a rich buttery hair dress blended with mango butter and avocado. Regular use will minimise tangles and reduce shrinkage.
Additionally, trim your hair every six weeks to rid it of dead ends. At night cover your hair with a satin scarf or a satin-lined bonnet like Afrocenchix’s Print Bonnet with Satin Lining. This will help to keep your hair moisturised and tangle free.
Winter hair challenge 4: Dull and lifeless strands
Hair that is stripped from moisture and hydration often presents as dull and lacking in shine. As winter progresses, you will probably feel that your hair isn’t looking as healthy and vibrant despite your attempts to infuse it with sheen.
The solution: With a few simple steps you can overcome this issue. Start by returning to the foundation of healthy hair - a good wash day routine. Cleanse your curls with a gentle shampoo such as Swish Afrocenchix Sulphate-Free Shampoo , a sulphate-free formula that contains essential oils to remove grime and revive dry and dull hair. Follow up by applying a conditioner to replace lost moisture and rebuild fragile, compromised strands.
We recommend Swirl Afrocenchix Silicone-Free Conditioner, a rich and creamy conditioner that’s formulated with natural ingredients like aloe and avocado to leave your hair feeling soft and moisturised. Lock in the shine by applying an oil like Seal Moisture Locking Hair Oil , which is perfectly blended with jojoba, coconut and castor oils.
There’s no denying that winter can be rough on Afro-textured natural hair, however, by following the right steps you can attain healthy, vibrant curls and coils. To learn more about Afrocenchix’s full range of premium natural haircare products click here .