Written By Keysha Davis
When winter starts wintering it’s time to up the ante when it comes to implementing a healthy hair routine. Afro-textured hair becomes extremely dry, brittle, and fragile when it's starved of moisture and hydration, and this typically occurs when the weather is cold, dry, and dull. As such, winter hair care requires a very specific regimen that incorporates hydration, protection, and glow. Read on for our top tips on how to beat the cold and keep your curls healthy all season long.
Step One: Hydrate
Your curls crave hydration more than anything else during the winter because the cold weather extracts moisture from your hair every time you leave your home. Add to that, electric heaters and radiators also strip the hair of nourishment, leaving it thirsty for moisture. To combat these moisture thieves, try the following:
To revive moisture-starved hair, use a hydrating spray to quench dry curls. We recommend Afrocenchix Ultra Hydrating Hair Spray - Sheen, a lightweight, refreshing formula that delivers a burst of moisture to dry hair. Infused with natural ingredients like grapeseed oil and aloe vera, this spray not only replenishes moisture but also adds a natural sheen, leaving your curls hydrated and glowing. It’s gentle enough to use daily without causing build-up, keeping your hair soft, healthy, and radiant all winter long.
Additionally, regular wash days featuring our deeply nourishing Afrocenchix Silicone-Free Conditioner - Swirl will work to lock in moisture and maintain your curls’ hydration. This conditioner is designed to restore and seal moisture, ensuring your curls stay soft, manageable, and protected from the harsh winter elements. Keep your curls looking their best, no matter the weather!
Step Two: Protect
Protective styles like braids, double-stranded twists, and faux locs not only look incredibly stylish, but they are the perfect styles to adopt for the winter months. Putting your natural hair away for a short period of time (4-8 weeks) is ideal for protecting it from cold, harsh temperatures that rob the hair of its natural shine. If you’re considering installing a protective style, take the following steps:
Use supporting products: if you are installing a protective style on your natural hair, apply our Afrocenchix Nourishing Twisting Butter - Spring , a solid styling butter made with mango, shea butter, and avocado oil, that’s perfect for holding styles like braids, twists, and locs. To keep the scalp nourished and flake-free when wearing protective styles create a routine where you massage your hair day using a natural oil. Afrocenchix Lightweight Scalp Oil - Soothe, is 100% naturally derived and is designed to calm and nourish the scalp, promote growth and soften hair at the roots.
Step Three: Glow
Cold temperatures deplete the hair of its natural glow and shine, leaving it feeling dull and lifeless in appearance. Adding a shine-boosting method like the LCO (liquid, cream, and oil) to your routine will help the hair attain a smooth and shiny finish.
How to Apply the LCO Method: Spritz the hair with Afrocenchix Ultra Hydrating Hair Spray – Sheen to refresh and hydrate. Next, add a moisturiser like Afrocenchix Moisturising Hair Cream – Smooth to lock in nourishment. To complete the technique, seal the hair with Afrocenchix Moisture Locking Hair Oil – Seal , a rich and fortifying oil packed with stellar natural ingredients like castor oil, coconut oil, orange essential oils, and jojoba seed oil.
Bonus Tips for Winter Hair Care:
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Protect Your Hair While Sleeping: During the winter, your hair can become more vulnerable to breakage and dryness, especially at night. To help preserve moisture and minimise damage, use a satin or silk scarf, satin-lined bonnet, or pillowcase while sleeping. These fabrics create less friction than cotton, reducing the risk of split ends and hair breakage while keeping your curls hydrated.
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Minimise Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling can further dry out your hair, especially during the winter when it’s already more prone to dehydration. Try to limit the use of hot tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. If you must use them, always apply a heat protectant to shield your curls from heat damage and keep them looking healthy.
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Stay Hydrated: While moisturising your hair externally is important, don’t forget the benefits of staying hydrated internally. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain healthy hair and skin, especially during colder months when indoor heating can dry out your body. Proper hydration supports hair growth, adds shine, and keeps your skin glowing. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, and feel the difference in your hair and overall health!
These small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your hair healthy, hydrated, and glowing through the winter season.
Although winter can be a challenging time when it comes to natural hair maintenance, it doesn’t have to be. By adapting this winter haircare routine, you can attain smooth, tangle-free, and vibrantly healthy hair.
Ready to get your curls through winter in style? Shop Afrocenchix's premium natural haircare range here and treat your hair to the hydration and protection it deserves this season.
Be sure to follow us @afrocenchix on Instagram, Tik Tok and Pinterest for more great curly content.
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