I am obsessed with my natural hair! It is thick, dark, bold but also low porosity and lives on the dryer side of the track. I embrace these challenges as a part of life and wouldn’t have it any other way. Since I love how my hair looks and feels when it is as its healthiest, I’ve learned to listen to it and give it what it needs. Trust me, my mane always lets me know how it is feeling and I make it my responsibility to pay attention.
Here are 5 things I do during the winter to insure my hair flourishes.
1. #WashDay
Pretty basic, I know but if your hair is curly or kinky, you know that wash day is not for the faint at heart. It involves a lot of steps crucial to maintaining healthy growing hair. Through trial and error, I’ve defined what my hair needs and thrives on the most as the mercury goes down.
Currently, I deep condition with a DIY Avocado, Coconut Oil and honey hair mask, shampoo and condition with Plaine Products’ Rosemany, Mint, Vanilla Shampoo & Conditioner and finish with Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intense Hydration Conditioner. A quick note on the Plaine Products shampoo: I use very little and only on my scalp. I like how clean it leaves my scalp but it is too stripping for my strands especially when there is not a lot of product buildup on my hair.
It’s also important to know the water supply of your shower. According to at-home hair color company eSalon, your shower might be ruining your hair. Different hair types react differently to two types of water, for example, soft water will help tame and smooth coarse or damaged hair, while a hard-water wash will leave fine hair types with an improved, less oily texture.
Lastly, I towel dry my hair with the Lisse Luxe Hair Turban by AQUIS before moisturizing it. This turban is better than any towel or t-shirt I’ve used thus far. I like how small and easy to secure it is. It prevents water from dripping on my face and neck without damaging my tresses.
2. Moisture on wash day and between washes
As you know, moisture is key for us natural hair girls. I keep my strands happy and curls extra juicy by moisturizing them as often as possible, the goal being daily. I use a variety of moisture rich products such as Donna Marie’s Dream Curling Cream, Camille Rose Naturals’ Curlaide Moisture Butter and Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner on damp or water-misted hair. Then, I seal in the moisture with my DIY oil mix which includes jojoba oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil and Jamaican black castor oil.
3. Protective styles
As you may have noticed on my Instagram, my go-to protective styles this winter have been wigs, hats and head wraps. Whenever I wear a wig, I make sure my hair is clean, well-moisturized and cornrowed under there. In spite of my busy schedule, I do my best to add moisture to my cornrows at least every other day. When you see me sporting a headscarf my hair is either in twists, cornrows or in a big top bun which helps create volume at the top. Lastly, I sport hats based on my outfits more then the state of my hair because they easily fit on wigs, twists, cornrows and simple low buns.
4. Natural products
My hair loves when I use products and ingredients that are as natural as possible. I used to be a product junkie. I’ve tried so many products but my hair has made it clear that it thrives on natural haircare more than anything else. I am always trying new potions and recipes so you can feel free to share your favorites with me.
5. Leave it alone
The last thing I do to my hair in the winter is touch it. If I am not washing it, moisturizing it or braiding it, I do my best to keep my hands out of it. Sticking to a low manipulation routine is important for natural hair year-round but especially during the cold months. I also avoid using combs and brushes whenever possible and finger-detangle instead.
This is the routine I’ve been following this winter and it’s worked wonders for my tresses. My best advice for you is to learn to listen to your hair. Pay attention to how it reacts to specific store-bought and DIY products. Based on that information create a haircare regimen that supports your hair goals and suits your lifestyle! I can’t wait to flaunt my hair once the warmer weather gets here. Spring where are you?
Let me know what about your haircare regimen and the products you are currently using on social media Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest
