Hair Tip #7: Preparing Your Hair for the Winter

With the winter season springing up on us very quickly, I am sure just like me you have had thoughts of :

Thanksgiving... Yummm turkey!

              Christmas - highlight of my life!

                           Lights [i love lights]
                                      Yummy treats,
                                            Warm drinks
                                 Cozy sweaters, boots & tights :)

Well with all that this wonderful season brings, there is the reality that we will experience blistering cold winds, rain, snow, sleet and below freezing temperatures! So we must do the best we can to protect our tresses!
Here is a list of helpful tips to keep in mind!

1. Be proactive: If the cold weather hasn't hit your area yet, don't wait until it does to take precautions. Start preparing your hair now! Take heed!!
2. Deep condition once to twice a week: Heavier conditioners are best for this season. Make sure you condition the ends and avoid directly conditioning your scalp. With Afro-texture hair, we have plenty of natural oils on our scalp, yet because of our curls, the oil cannot easily move down the hair shaft. So be sure to moisturize from the ends in.
3. Avoid alcohol based substances: Gel and hair spray are the main culprits here. Check the labels on your products. If you haven't tried an ALL organic shampoo- winter might be the time to give it a try. You don't want to risk using drying products. Because you can't get back hair breakage- you can only grow new hair.
4. Fight back against stubborn static: Use a dryer sheet! Yes that's right! I just picked up new dryer sheets (not for my hair, for my laundry lol) and they have great scents. Lavender, mandarin orange, floral, etc. So you can get away with rubbing this on your hair. Don't try to brush and comb when static appears on your hair. It can cause breakage and tangles!
5. Limit your time under the dryer: If you commonly go under the dryer after washing and conditioning, limit this practice during the winter. If you do decide to sit under the dryer, towel dry your hair until it is about 20% dry. Once you are under the dryer, be sure to come out as soon as your hair dries!!
6. No WNG: This is very important! When you walk outside with wet hair, due to the cold weather, the water on your hair strands can freeze on your hair and cause breakage. In addition, you will be subjecting your hair to wind damage and exposure to the weather conditions. Wash your hair at night when it can dry overnight. If you must go out with damp hair, cover your head! Also, wash no more than 7-10 days. Too much washing can cause your hair to be dryer than it needs to be. Keep this in mind!
7. Easy on the heater: Don’t pump the heater too high in your car and home if it is not necessary. It can have a very similar effect as sitting under the dryer. Of course maybe not as dramatic- but it is a good analogy :)
8. Protective styling: Protective styling! Protective Styling! Need I say it again? *smile* Be sure to keep your hair protected with those ends tucked under. Hopefully by now I have given your a fair amount of style options! I will be coming out with a whole lot more this winter for sure!
9. Keep oil on hand like chap stick: Whenever your ends look or feel dry, take a drop of oil and rub it through your ends. You hair will thank you with growth and less breakage. Just don't get carried away! You don't want your hair drippin' like you have a Jerry curl!!
10. Cover your head: Here is your chance to add some flair to your do. Try some crocheted hats, cute beanies, thick fabric headbands or silk scarves. Don't be afraid to wear your silk bonnet underneath your hats! http://www.etsy.com/ Here is a good start to finding a unique and functional hat!

Celebrating happy, healthy and long hair :)