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How to Winterproof Your Curly Hair

In the midst of back-to-back snow and ice events across most of the United States, it’s also a reminder that in addition to the beating roads and homes take in January and February…your curls do as well! While all hair is susceptible to damage in the winter months from rapid transitions from the hot indoors and frigid outdoors, curly hair has a naturally open cuticle from which all that essential moisture wicks away into the dry atmosphere. We rounded up our best pro tips to winterproof your curls and keep them protected (while we all wish for spring).

Change that shower routine for co-washing and oil shampooing!

In the summer months, pollutants and sweat require you to frequently shampoo, but in the winter months, neither of those things are a problem. Introducing co-washing, so-called because every other day you use conditioner only instead of shampoo to prevent stripping too much moisture out of your hair and scalp. 

how to wash curly hair

However, remember that where naturally textured hair is concerned, your scalp can get buildup…clogging your pores and leading to conditions like dandruff, hair loss or dermatitis. So you CAN’T swear off the shampoo completely. 

Another option if you don't want to go the co-washing route is to pre-treat your hair with a healing hair oil like our Perfect Locks Argan Oil BEFORE shampooing as it’ll prevent too much moisture from being stripped away by the shampoo on a daily basis.

You also need to make sure that WHAT you are using for shampoo, conditioner, and even styling products doesn’t have harsh ingredients in them that cause damage, dryness or even aren’t designed for the needs of curly hair. Our Perfect Locks Curl Collection is loaded with healthy curl ingredients AND doesn’t contain sulfates that will cause issues. 

Find a good balance that works for you as you’ll be able to feel when your hair is too dry or lacking shine. 

After the shower, the damage REALLY begins. Here’s what to do and NOT do. 

Hair is most prone to damage when it’s wet, so what you do after exiting the shower really matters in preventing your beautiful curls from getting frizzed out or with split ends.

Firstly, stop using cotton towels!

The fibers on your average bath towel are rough and coarse and all that friction of already coarse fibers up against your hair will cause the cuticles of your hair to lift further or simply break and come off. Instead, start drying your hair with microfiber towels or even a t-shirt that has a smoother, more refined fiber that will be non-damaging.

say-no-to-using-cotton

Ditch the air drying and thermal styling tools!

There’s no faster way to frizz than heading out the door with still wet hair into cold terms or winds. The flash freeze that occurs forces up the cuticles of your hair even more, and they hook on each other, leading to a hot frizzy mess. Air drying is great in summer, but in the winter, dry your hair via a microfiber towel or t-shirt as described above OR use a blow dryer with a diffuser on cool (never, ever hot). Don’t rush your morning routine or your hair will pay the price. 

    The second biggest cause of damage to curls in winter will surprise you: sleeping.

    During the winter months when hair is prone to damage, pillowcases just like bath towels can rough up the cuticle, tangle the hair and before you know it you wake up with “frizz head”. There are two tools that you can deploy at home to keep that textured tamed:

    1. Silk Hair Bonnets: are made with the fine silk fibers that premium quality sheets and pillowcases are made of. These bonnets wrap your hair is silky silk, acting as a physical barrier to moisture absorbing rough materials like cotton pillowcases. 
    1. Silk Pillowcases: As mentioned above, cotton is super absorbent…which is great for things like spills, but terrible in winter months when your hair needs that essential moisture. Cotton pillowcases not only put your curls through a rough-and-tumble during the night but also drinks in moisture as you sleep. Silk pillowcases however are made with the gentleness of silk, a friction-free fiber that will cushion your hair as you sleep and won’t rob it of moisture. 

    Remember, cold makes things fragile…so take it on those beautiful curls girl!

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    Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks LLC

    Priyanka Swamy

    Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC

    Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality. Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide. Connect with Priyanka on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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