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Cleansing our natural hair is one of the most important regimens we do for our tresses. For obvious reasons we need to cleanse our hair to remove pollutants, dirt, product build-up and in some instances smoke and odors. It’s a part of good hygiene but ask any natural and she will tell you it’s the best way to maintain healthy, happy hair.
See also: A Wash and Go Natural Year Round
Most of us need structure in our lives so we have a routine or a schedule we follow on how often to wash our hair but do we need that schedule in the colder months?
For that reason and others many are asking, “How often should I wash my hair now that it’s cold outside?”
Colder months are drier months and we don’t want that dryness transferring to our hair. That’s why many naturals start using glycerin and/or thicker, richer conditioners to help combat the dry and cold weather. Your hair shouldn’t be any dirtier than in warmer months and actually some climates get a small reprieve from the hot sticky weather. With the break of heat you get a break from sweating from the weather.
You may find you need to wash less for that very reason so don’t feel you have to stick to your regular routine from the summer. Let your hair dictate when to wash it. If you find you can go longer than your normal routine then go longer.
Use sulfate-free shampoos and make sure to deep condition every time you cleanse your hair. Use a humidifier to combat the dryness you have indoors as we shield ourselves from the cold with our heaters. Basically, keeping your hair moisturized is your biggest concern during the colder months.
I thought glycerin in the winter draws moisture from your hair so it should be avoided. I don't know what to believe I've heard so many things.
No, actually glycerin is a wonderful product to use in the winter time. Vegetable Glycerin or just Glycerin as most of us call it is a great tool in the wintertime. Now, I know that some feel it should only be used in the summer but that is not the case. Glycerin actually pulls the moisture from the air in humid climates but in dryer ones, there is the concern that if there is no humidity it will pull it from the hair. This is why using glycerin with water is necessary!
"Glycerin (glycerine/glycerol – all the same thing) is hygroscopic. This means it draws moisture (water) from its surrounding. It is very good at doing these because it has 3 water attracting groups (known as hydroxyl groups) per molecule (As far as molecules go, this is quite high!). This is the reason why some people say that glycerin is drying which is sort of true but not really. If you expose glycerin to air, it will saturate itself to the point where it does not need any more water. And when you put it in water (which it loves), then it will REALLY saturate itself and will not draw water away from your hair." Curly Nikki
Thanks for this explanation!
Hi Sabrina, thanks for sharing! I'm really trying to get on top of my hair…I'm useless at maintaining my own natural hair so every little tip helps!
Keisha
http://www.chrysalisgals.blogspot.com