There's no hiding from it, winter is coming and we all know that the cold, hairs air can wreak havoc on our natural strands. Preparing your hair for the transition in the weather could be vital to the overall health of your hair. You will find that your regular hair care routine may not be as effective in the winter as it is in the warmer summer months.
Thankfully there are steps you can take to prepare your hair for the weather ahead. Trimming your ends and adding a few oils here and there is fine, but if you find that your hair isn't responding then you may want to try taking a few extra steps. Here are 6 ways that you can prepare your hair now for the cold weather that is sure to come.
1. Trim Any Split Ends
Wearing your hair out in the summer can cause shrinkage from the humidity. This can lead to tangles and stubborn single-strand knots. The cold, harsh winter weather can cause serious damaged to hair that has already been compromised. Start the winter off right with a fresh trim and healthy, strong hair.Read: What to Know About Split Ends and How to Avoid Them &https;
2. Moisturize with a Hot Oil Treatment
The cold, brittle air of winter will show no mercy to hair that is not properly hydrated. The summer humidity somewhat works in favor of our hair while the winter air works against it. Your hair will need more moisture in the winter and a hot oil treatment is a great way to keep your hair soft and hydrated. It is recommended that you use a hot oil treatment on damp hair for 15-20 minutes for maximum penetration.Read: Hot Oil Treatments to Retain Moisture and Soften Natural Hair
3. Deep Condition Bi-Weekly
Damage from UV rays, chlorine from pool water, salts from being at the beach- all of these things can cause damage to our hair during the summer. You can restore and repair your hair by deep conditioning and use restorative treatments to renew your strands. For maximum penetration and softer hair, sit under a dryer or use a hair steamer while deep conditioning your natural hair.4. Keep Your Ends Sealed
The oldest part of your hair are the ends. The longer your hair grows the more susceptible your ends are to damage and breakage. This can lead to stunted hair growth and hair loss. Protecting your ends by sealing them with a butter or cream to keep them hydrated and moisturized. Wearing protective styles where your ends are tucked away will also help to protect your ends from breakage.Read: 7 Ways to Moisturize Dry and Brittle Ends
5. Don't Skip the Leave-In Conditioner
Although using a leave-in conditioner isn't absolutely necessary, it can be a vital step to your hair care routine. Leave-in conditioners pack an extra punch of moisture and protection against breakage. Some leave-ins are formulated to help fight frizz or provide ease when detangling while others help reduce fly-aways, lock in moisture and even double as a styling aid.6. Use a Protein Treatment
The humidity from those extreme heat days can cause your hair to swell and over time, weaken the hair shaft. Because hair is mostly made of protein, this much-needed compound can strengthen and fortify the hair when used as a treatment. If you're not sure if you're hair is in need of a protein treatment, this will help you determine if your hair is in need of a protein rechargeFall/Winter Natural Hair Care Survival Kit