Winter Hair Hacks for Healthy Hair

Not only can the winter bring harsh weather conditions, it can also bring harsh hair conditions such as dryness, brittleness, and lack of moisture.

In the cold winter weather, your hair is most likely screaming for moisture. Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating further strips humidity, causing hair to lose its natural hydration. Let’s dive into three winter hair hacks that are sure to protect your hair all season.

1. Incorporate a weekly hair mask or deep conditioner.

These types of products are made to protect your hair from damage and help restore your moisture balance. You should look for ingredients such as: humectants like honey, glycerin and aloe vera for moisture; penetrating oils like coconut, olive, and avocado; and strengthening butters like shea butter and hydrolyzed proteins. These key components work to hydrate, seal, and repair the hair cuticle for softness, strength, and shine.

Some examples of ultra moisturizing masks and deep conditioners:

Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

Sienna Naturals Plant Power Repair Mask

Fenty Hair The Richer One Moisture Repair Deep Conditioner

2. Use a steamer, hood dryer, or heat cap to seal in moisture.

This is especially important if you have low porosity hair – hair that takes a long time to dry and resists moisture absorption. Heat is an underrated tool that helps open the cuticles, allowing your products to fully penetrate the hair shaft. We’re talking luscious, juicy hair after one use. Your deep conditioning sesh is no good if the product didn’t really get a chance to do its job. As an upgrade to your deep conditioner, try adding heat for 15-30 minutes for maximum results.

My favorite steamers and dryers to try out:

Pattern Beauty Hair Steamer

Gold ‘N Hot Hood Dryer

Glow by Daye Deep Conditioning Heat Cap

3. Protective styles to retain length and moisture.

Protective styles have been a longtime contender in the natural hair game. These styles protect your hair from excessive damage from heat, color, and chemicals. Some examples are knotless braids, mini twists, v-part wigs, flat twists and much more. By securing your ends, you are more likely to reduce split ends and breakage. However, you do still need to take care of your hair and scalp during this time for it to be truly “protective.”

Here’s some examples of protective styles that will have you turning heads, while your hair stays safe and secured:

Mini Twists

Flat Twists

Mini Braids

(photo credit: IG @_madamj)

It’s time to lock in on your healthy hair goals. Save these tips to add to your new winter hair routine!