5 Reminders for Natural Hair During Winter in GIF Form!

All the things common with winter: colder temps, bundling up in layers, turning on the heat, etc, are also things that throw our hair game off. We all mostly know the things we should be doing to keep our hair moisturized and strong, but sometimes we don’t always remember to do them. So whether you have relaxed or natural hair, here are five haircare reminders for winter. I mean, you *DO* want to flex your style come spring and summer, don’t you? DON’T YOU!?!?! Read on…

1. Protect your neck (and hair)

I throw this Wu-Tang reference every chance I get when I’m talking about skincare, so naturally I had to find a way to include it when it comes to haircare ;)

Think about it, if you were to go out without a scarf during the winter, you could catch a nasty cold or in the very least, um, aren’t you cold? But scarves are typically made of materials like wool and cotton which are great for bundling up and staying warm, but not so good for the hair as they suck the moisture out. Both relaxed and natural hair need moisture (along with protein) to thrive. Scarves typically lay on the nape of our necks—you know, where our “kitchens” are—and can cause friction and breakage in this delicate area. You want to beef up the security back there by using a satin or silk scarf as a barrier.

Ditto with hats and other types of headwear as well. Try to look for hats that are lined with satin or silk or put a separate satin or silk scarf on first and then your hat to protect your tresses.

2. Sleep with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet (or pillowcase)

You want to do the same at night to protect your hair as you sleep—this should happen year-round but wanted to add this reminder. Certain fabrics (such as cotton) can rob the hair of its moisture which can lead to dryness which can lead to breakage which can lead to you not achieving those #hangtime goals, girl. A satin or silk pillowcase is not only a good investment for your hair, but it’s also awesome on the skin.

3. Don’t forget about deep conditioning

With all the artificial heat zapping moisture out of our skin and hair, you need to make sure your hair is properly protected and that can come from a few minutes spent deep conditioning.

4. Moisturize

Routine moisturizing (when needed) is important for hair health and performance year-round, but it’s majorly important in the winter because of all the times (many of them described in this post) that outside factors are trying to come for every ounce of moisture in our hair. I personally like to mist my hair with water every other day and I’ll add a little oil to seal. You can see more on how I moisturize my 4C hair and keep it moisturized here.

5. Go easy on the shampoo

How often you wash your hair and whether you use a sulfate or non-sulfate shampoo is going to depend on your hair and your lifestyle, but in the winter you may want to go easy on the shampoo process whether that means shampooing less frequently, doing more co-washing, or doing a pre-poo (treating the hair with conditioner or a hot oil treatment before shampoo). And while you’re in there, watch the temperature: “Avoid taking a super-hot shower as it can strip the natural oils from your scalp, making it dry and sensitive,” recommends Head & Shoulders global dermatologist, Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz.

Another word of advice from my dear friend Celebrity Hairstylist Gabrielle Corney, “The colder months can do a number on the hair and scalp especially when you’re a natural,” she explains. “It can dry them both out. I suggest pre-treating the hair and scalp with an essential oil before washing (one of my faves is liquid Vitamin E) using a shampoo that hydrates and moisturizes also combats dryness during the winter. Co-washing more often than shampooing helps quench thirsty hair.”

Which winter hair reminders did you need? What else should be added? Tell me in the comments!