Keeping natural hair moisturized this Fall and Winter will be a challenge. While many will opt for protective styling, there are other ways to keep hair protected and moisturized as temperatures dip and dryness soars. Hair Moisture is a vital key to healthy hair so discounting the importance will be a big problem so let’s get you on the right track.
3 BEST OILS FOR WINTER SKIN & HAIR CARE
Finding a moisturization regimen is important when dealing with natural hair. Since our hair is curly/kinky, our sebum cannot make its way down the hair shaft. This means the moisture needs to be replenished as many times as possible through deep conditioning and moisturizing products. Maintaining a proper level of moisture reduces the chance of breakage, leaves you with softer hair and increased length retention.
Your moisturizing regimen will typically depend on your hair’s porosity and the style that your hair is currently in, but here are some general tips on how to properly increase your hair moisture.
Make Sure To Clarify for hair moisture
Before you increase your hair moisture, make sure you clear the hair of any possible build-up from products, the elements, pollutants and hard water with a great clarifying shampoo. Removing build-up increases the effectiveness of your moisturizers and conditioners since oils and residue from other products can clog your pores and cuticles.
You won’t need to clarify on a regular basis, but once a month should suffice or when you hair is especially weighed down with heavy stylers or silicones. I make sure to clarify with my END OF SUMMER WASH NATURAL HAIR ROUTINE.
Deep Condition On Every Wash Day
If you have particularly dry hair, make sure you deep condition every single wash day to impart moisture back into the hair. Rotate between deep conditioners that are moisturizing and those that contain protein in order to maintain a proper moisture/protein balance (unless you’re protein sensitive).
Apply your deep conditioner after shampooing the hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave the conditioner in your hair for about 30 minutes, or cut down your conditioning time by sitting underneath a hooded dryer for 15 minutes or invest in a deep conditioning heat cap like the Hot Head Thermal Heat Cap. Imparting heat into your deep conditioning regimen is important for those who have low porosity, as it encourages the cuticles to lift.
Once you’ve finished conditioning the hair, rinse thoroughly with cool water in order to help shut the cuticle and prevent any moisture from escaping the hair. Don’t forget to seal in that moisture! I love Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Hair Mask. I cannot stress the importance of a deep conditioner for keeping hair moisturized and protected, especially in the colder months. Almost every time someone complains to me about their hair being dry has not been using a deep conditioner regularly.
L.O.C / L.C.O Method for hair moisture
Your Leave-in, Oil and Cream product combination will, again, depend on your hair type and porosity. Typically, a water-based leave-in is applied, is followed up with a carrier oil of your choice, and then followed with a cream. Some women opt to apply the cream before the oil, but it all depends on what’s the most effective for your hair.
GOING NATURAL – HOW TO MOISTURIZE DRY NATURAL HAIR
This method is very effective for those with high porosity hair because it requires both moisturization and sealing, which is important when you’re trying to retain moisture. Simply try both versions to pick which method to give your the amount of hair moisture you need.
Photo courtesy of: CJK
Remoisturize
Throughout the week, if you notice that your hair is getting pretty dry, you should spritz with water or a liquid leave-in and reapply your oil layer. You can also repeat all of the steps of your L.O.C method, but it’s not required. Many naturals like to remoisturize at night for softer, hydrated hair in the morning and this is a great way to get 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th day hair.
Drink More Water
There’s no better way to moisturize your hair than from the inside out,n. Increasing your water intake will not only moisturize your hair, but it will cleanse your body resulting in clearer skin, and decreased bloating and lethargy. The amount of water you should drink depends on how much you weigh. You can calculate it here, but typically it’s said to drink eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day, which is 2 liters or half a gallon.
Hair moisture is critical to healthy hair, so while we get ready for those cold days and dry houses with the heat cranked up high, make sure to remember these tips. These tips will make for a happier head of hair come spring!
What’s your best fall and winter tips for moisturized hair?
Sabrina
