Autumn And Winter Hair Care Routine
As the summer weather begins to fade away it is time to start putting your autumn and winter hair care plan into action. ‘Why do I need an autumn and winter hair care routine in place’ I hear you cry? Well the fact is that the cooler and colder weather is not great for our curls. This is because there is less moisture in the air during colder months which means our curls and coils tend to dry out much more quickly and retaining moisture can be more of a challenge. But don’t worry because there is help at hand, I have put together 7 tips that will help you to keep on top of your moisture game this autumn and winter.
**Disclaimer: I am not a hair care professional. All my posts are based on personal experience, preference and things I have learnt from reading and researching. If you have serious concerns about your hair please consult a qualified professional**
- Drinking Water
It’s important to hydrate your hair from the inside out and one of the best ways to do that is to drink enough water. I must say I find it easier to drink water during summer because the weather is warmer, so I really have to make the effort to ensure I am sipping water throughout the day during colder months to.
If I am really not in to mood to drink cool water I have been known to drink a hot cut of water (sometimes with a slice of lemon) as that is also a great way of topping up your water. So whether you like it cool or hot, make sure you are drinking the recommended amount of water each day and keeping your hair hydrated from the inside out so it is ready to face the cold weather.
- Deep Conditioning
If you don’t already deep conditioner this is your sign to start! Deep conditioners are designed to penetrate the hair shaft adding much needed protein, moisture and nutrients. Deep conditioning should definitely be a part of normal hair care routine and even more so in the winter months when our hair is exposed to harsher elements. It’s also important to remember your hot oil treatments before you shampoo, to give a layer of added protection to your hair before you wash it. You also need to remember to do your protein treatments when needed to help fill any weak spots in your hair strands and your clarifying treatments when needed to help remove stubborn build up and mineral deposits.
3. Hair Mists And Sprays
Our hair naturally loses moisture from day to day but with the cooler air and harsher weather conditions that winter brings it is extra important to keep on top of moisture. This can easily be managed with the use of a spray bottle and some good old H20 (in other words water!). Alternatively you could invest in a botanical spritz which is usually a mix of water, oils and other botanical ingredients which will help to nourish your hair while adding some much needed hydration. Keep an eye on your hair each day and add a spritz each time you need it.
4. LOC/LCO Method
As I mentioned in my last point moisture is a key part of natural hair care especially during the colder months. It is important to add and seal moisture in correctly so that your hair is benefitting fully from the added moisture, as well as the products you have used to help seal in the moisture. This will nourish your hair and offer some protection to your hair from the harsh winter elements. Using the LCO/LOC method of product application is a fantastic way to add and seal moisture into your hair as well as other nourishing ingredients. If you are not familiar with this method of products application, allow me to break it down for you.
Lets start with the ‘L’ which stands for liquid. Liquid can come in the form of water or some form of botanical spray. Use your chosen liquid to saturate your curls with moisture as the first step of the method. The ‘C’ in the application method stands for cream. This can come in the form of a leave in conditioner or some form of whipped butter. Once you have applied the liquid you then need to use the cream to seal the liquid into your hair. The ‘O’ in the application method stands for oil. You may chose to go with a single oil such as castor oil or opt for an oil mix of heavy and light oils. Once you have added the moisture to your hair and sealed with a cream, use the oil to seal in the cream and seal your hair ends.
You may decide to do this the other way around using the moisture then sealing with an oil then sealing with a cream, but whichever way you choose to use this method, it should be highly effective in helping you to add, seal and retain moisture in your curls.
- Night Time Routine
If you are like me, once tiredness hits you may want to jump straight into bed without a second thought about your hair care routine. However, it is important to establish a simple nighttime hair care routine to help restore lost moisture from the daytime. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; a small effort can actually go a long way with this one. I would recommend a simple spritz with water or a botanical mist and then a sealing of the water with an oil or leave in conditioner. To ensure that you minimize moisture loss and friction during the night, be sure to wear a satin or silk hair bonnet or scarf or switch your pillowcases to satin or silk ones. Simple small changes and a small effort before going to bed can go a long way to support the health or your hair during the winter months.
- Protective Styling
If you know me well, you will know that I am a big lover of protective styling as they are so easy to do and easy to keep between wash days. Protective styling is also great for the winter months to protect your hair from the cold weather. As a rule I don’t tend to wear my hair out during winter on a regular basis, because the cooler air and harsh winds can really dry out and strip my curls of moisture. I would definitely recommend the same to you in terms of limiting the amount of times you wear your hair out in cold weather. Instead go between braids, twists, Bantu knots and cornrows to keep you ends safely tucked away and moisturised. You can also easily top up your moisture with a spritz bottle or botanical spray and some leave in conditioner which will help to keep your curls well moisturised during winter.
- Head Wraps
Another great way to protect your hair from the cold weather is to make use of your head wraps; you know, the ones you packed away during summer because you wanted to let your curls run free in the summer sun. Head wraps and hats for that matter can be a great way to protect your tresses from the cold weather and are super easy to throw on and match with your outfit. These days it is also really easy to find hats and head wraps with silk and satin linings so that the moisture you have added to your hair can be more easily retained and the amount of friction on your hair while wearing them is greatly reduced.
So there you have it, 7 simple ways to ensure that you are looking after you hair well this winter. Let me know what you think below and please feel free to share your own tips for winter hair care.
Check Out Some Of My Other Posts On Natural Hair Care
10 Ways To Keep You Hair Moisturised
Why Protective Styling Is So Important For Natural Hair
Starting A Natural Hair Care Routine
