9 expert-approved tips for keeping your curls hydrated through the cold
The weather outside might be frightful, but that doesn't mean your curls can't be delightful.
Experts agree that during the colder months, naturally curly hair textures tend to dry out quicker than most hair types.
Creative director of Reflect Beauty and founder of popular blog CurlyNikki, Nikki Walton, told "GMA" that "Your curls are prone to dryness and crave even more moisture as it gets cooler and drier outside."
"It's advised that we avoid humectants in the winter. Common humectants include honey, glycerin, panthenol, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and propylene glycol," she said.
Design Essentials global education manager Alicia Bailey also highlighted a major underlying factor that leads to dehydrated curls is your lack of water intake. "It's easy when in the summer, but in the winter we kind of slack off," she says. "However, we need to make sure that we continue that water intake because moisture actually starts from the inside out."
If you have curls, coils, or tight kinks, and you are wondering what else can be done to keep your strands in pristine shape while temperatures drop, consider the tips below as your go-to guide.
Tip 1: Wear satin-lined hats
Instead of throwing on a knit hat that can draw moisture from your curls, try a winter accessory that's silk-lined.
Brands such as Grace Eleyae have created satin-lined hats that help to preserve moisture, erase frizz, breakage and more.
Tip 2: Avoid humectants
It might be a great idea to stay away from products with humectants such as honey, glycerin, and panthenol.
"These ingredients are great summer staples because they draw moisture from the humid air into our thirsty strands," says Walton. "But during the winter, they can have the opposite effect, potentially drawing out the moisture from our strands into the drier atmosphere."
Tip 3: Consider wearing more updos
Walton explains that central heat, bitter winds, and even the vents in your car that blast heat on high can wreak havoc on curls.
An easy alternative to protect your strands is to try an updo such as a top knot or something similar that tucks away the delicate ends of your hair.
Tip 4: Use daily serums "A daily serum is top on my list," content creator McKenzie Renae told "GMA."
"I use My African Pride's 5 Essential Oils. It's light and smells amazing. I use it on wet hair when I'm doing my two strand twist out at night and also as a daily refresher to fluff my curls in the morning. Sometimes I'll double up and use it on my body if I'm in a pinch."
Tip 5: Opt for curl creams
Walton suggests saying no to gels during the winter months. "Moisture is the goal, and a styler that has moisturizing properties is a win-win," she says.
Instead, opt for something with a creamier texture such as Cantu Coconut Curling Cream which defines, conditions, and adds managebility to your curls.
Tip 6: Look for a good leave-in conditioner
"Apply daily a moisturizing leave-in conditioning styler to wet or dry hair," advises global natural hairstylist Diane C. Bailey. "When looking for a great leave-in look for lotions or creams that contain emollients that protect, soften and moisturize the hair. These lotions may include great botanicals such as glycerine, shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera, black castor oil or baobab oil."
Digital content creator and founder of Curls and Couture Courtney Danielle also adds "Your wash routine should give you all the moisture you need but if I feel it's lacking I like to use a leave-in conditioner to give me added moisture and then seal with a moisturizing styler."
Tip 7: Rock protective styles
Danielle advises to try switching up your strands for the season with braids, extensions, weaves, or wigs to protect your curls from harsh temperatures.
"Protective styles with low tension are also amazing because they allow you to keep your hands out your hair so less manipulation," she says.
Tip 8: Have some steam
"Steam hydration treatments are a must at least once a month for me," says salon owner and educator Yene Damtew. "I love to use DevaCurl Melt Into Moisture Matcha Butter Conditioning Mask and then sit under the steamer for 20 minutes. This conditioner is infused with sweet almond oil, which is very lightweight. The matcha green tea butter adds moisture to your hair, especially with the help of the warm steam, which helps the product penetrate deeper into the hair."
Tip 9: Make sure you're getting enough H20
Don't forget to drink up!
"It's easy in the summer, but in the winter we kind of slack off," says Danielle. "However, we need to make sure that we continue the same water intake because moisture starts from the inside out."
