Even though it is the end of the year, it is essential to continue caring for your curls during the winter. This is so your natural curls remain healthy and strong in spring. So, to avoid succumbing to the colder air’s tendency to cause further breakage, dryness, and flakiness for your kinky hair, here are seven of the simplest mistakes to avoid in the winter.
Over washing Your Natural Hair With Sulphate-Based Shampoos
Washing your afro hair too much during the winter can remove the natural hair oils from your curls. To keep it simple, try washing your hair every 7 to 10 days and assess whether you need to wash, depending on its moisture level. You can also reduce the effects of winter on your afro curls by using a sulphate-free shampoo like ours to gently cleanse and nourish your scalp without removing its natural protective layer.
Even more, if you discover shampooing your curls is drying them too much, consider using a co-wash routine in winter instead. Our Moisture-Rich Conditioner With Manuka Honey and Avocado can be used as a co-wash, and if you use a steaming process using shower caps, it will be more beneficial for your curls. But then, still use a clarifying shampoo at least twice a month to remove product residue from your scalp.
Forgetting To Seal In The Hydration In Your Curls After Your Wash Day
You cannot expect your afro hair to survive on a shampoo and conditioner when you are forced to endure the differences between the colder outdoor air and the hotter indoor air due to central heating. For this reason, use our Leave-In Conditioner With Manuka Honey and Avocado Oil to seal in the moisture for your wash day routine. You can also use a small amount of this leave-in daily to stop the occurrence of breakage and keep your hair shiny and soft.
On the other hand, if your afro hair becomes more prone to flakiness and dandruff, consider using our Curling Creme With Coconut & Jamaican Black Castor Oils as a pre-poo treatment. Let your scalp absorb this for about 20 to 30 minutes before proceeding with your wash day routine.
Ignoring A Regular Scalp Massage
Even if your scalp is tucked away under a protective style, a scarf, or a hat, you should not ignore caring for it during the winter. A regular scalp massage can stop it from getting dry and itchy and promote a better mood and less tension during colder, gloomier months. Additionally, combined with a serum or cream, it can give you thicker, fuller natural hair.
For instance, you could add a generous amount of our curling crème to your fingertips before you start your massage. This will improve the penetrative effects of this mixture on your scalp.
Overlooking Your Ends
Your ends are even more fragile in the winter as they are exposed to different temperatures. So, opt for protective styles like bantu knots, jumbo braids, or two-strand twists to protect your ends during the winter. Consider applying our Curling Mousse With Flaxseed Oil & Rosewater to help strengthen your natural hair and protect it from frizz and scalp issues.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Healthy afro hair starts with what you consume. Regardless of the season, you should continue drinking at least 2 litres of water daily to prevent scalp conditions like dandruff and alopecia.
Minimise The Effects Of Heating Tools
When your natural hair is already prone to harsher temperatures, you should avoid making it worse with excessive heat styling. If you need a heat styling tool, put it on a cooler setting and use a heat protectant like our Everyday Curl Refresh With Coconut & Jamaican Black Oils.
You could also give your curls definition without the use of heat using our Curl Elongating Gel With Flaxseed Oil & Rosewater. This mixture will not dry your natural hair and is the ideal moisturising solution between washes.
Disregarding The Benefits Of Silk Or Satin
Materials like cotton and wool can wreak havoc on your kinky hair during the winter as they can increase the likelihood of breakage. This is because when your curls rub against these materials, it causes friction. This type of friction then causes tangles, frizz, or split ends. So opt for a silk or satin-lined headscarf, bandana or heat when you go out, and a bonnet when you sleep.
The biggest mistake you can make for your afro curls in winter is depriving them of moisture. So, find products, tools, and routines to nourish your afro hair and moisturise it.