Okay Natural Divas, cold weather will be approaching us very soon. Many Naturals protect their hair because of the damaging effects of harsh weather. There are many ways to describe protective styling and the same with methods. This process promotes and maintains the overall health of your hair. Using protective styling methods will protect the hair from external factors that result in damage and breakage from elements such as cold wind and/or snow.
I remember my first winter as a natural (circa 2009). I had a regimen for my hair which consisted of using products with humectants. I had no idea…that this was a bad idea. I walked outside on the coldest day of the season and immediately my hair was extremely hard. If you don’t know, humectants draw moisture from the air to help keep the hair moisturized…Well in my case, on that particular day my hair was sucking all the cold air it could get, thereby, causing ice to form on my curls…(LOL). From that day forward I decided to protect my hair during the winter months by wearing protective styles and using products with less humectant.
What styles are protective?
Any style which prevents the breakage of the hair can be considered a protective style. Protective styles are very easy to maintain with less manipulation.
Protective Styles
· Two strand twist
· Kinky Twist
· Rollers sets
· Straw sets
· Braids
· Chignons/Buns
The Benefits of protective styling
These styles allow your hair a time to rest from combing daily and retain moisture. During protective styling you can not neglect your hair and scalp with anticipation of maintaining healthy hair. You must moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I recommend moisturizing with creamy based products in the winter months. Water based moisturizers during the winter tend to take longer to dry. The last thing a natural diva wants to do is walk out in the cold winter air with wet hair. I would also suggest experimenting with different products to determine what moisturizer works best.
Protecting My Hair
To protect my hair in the winter I wear two-strand twist for 2-3 weeks. I use Cantu Shea Butter leave-in conditioner to twist my hair. Every other day to add moisture and shine I use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I also seal my hair with 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) or Coconut oil. To give my hair a little flavor, I use the blue curl rod on the end to form a spiral curl. After week 3, I take the twist down, wash and wear a roller set for a week or 2 and then back to the twist. This winter I look forward to using my new staple product Qhemetic Biologics Amla Olive Heavy Cream for moisturizing!
Here is your chance to win a free t-shirt!!! Comment below by telling us your winter hair care regimen. This will enter your name into a drawing to win a Natural Diva T-shirt!