As the winter chill sets in, it's essential to adjust our hair care routine to shield those lovely locs from the harsh elements. We protect our bodies, and our hair is no different. The cold weather, AND indoor heating, can lead to dryness and breakage. To keep your locs healthy and vibrant throughout the season, here are some tips to consider!
Moisture is Key! Winter tends to strip moisture from the air, leading to extra dryness. Deep condition your locs regularly to maintain moisture levels. Consider using natural oils like coconut, jojoba, or argan oil to lock in hydration, or get some of our Loc'd Up With Nikki Oils which are good for all seasons and have a combination of necessary and beneficial oils.
Cover Those Babies! Protect your locs from the cold by wearing hats, scarves, or bonnets made from gentle materials like satin or silk. These materials shield your hair from the harsh cold and prevents friction that can leads to breakage.
Limit Wash Frequency. If you ate a weekly washer switching to biweekly could be a great winter time routine, however washing every 3-4 max weeks max is recommened. Reducing the number of washes during winter can prevent your locs from becoming overly dry. Opt for co-washing (see upcoming blog post) or using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo to retain natural oils without stripping them away.
Loc in that Moisture! After washing, ensure your locs are thoroughly dry and seal in moisture with a leave-in conditioner (Loc'd Up With Nikki oils double as a leave in conditioner too!) or aloe vera gel (Stay tuned for the Loc'd Up with Nikki Enriched Aloe Vera Spray coming in January). This helps to maintain hydration and prevents breakage caused by dry brittle hair.
Protective Styling is for Locs Too! Consider protective styles like braids, twists, or updos to minimize exposure to the cold and retain moisture. Be cautious not to make these styles tight to avoid tension on your scalp!!
Night Care Routine: Wrap your locs in a silk or satin scarf before bedtime to prevent friction and retain moisture while you sleep. This practice safeguards your hair from damage caused by rubbing against cotton pillowcases and pajamas (for those wild sleepers out there!)
Most Importantly Regular Maintenance!!! I can't stress this enough. Schedule regular maintenance appointments with your loctician to keep your locs healthy.
Maintaining clean, well-hydrated locs is essential for their overall health. Locticians can not only do many of the aforementioned things, but they can see any issues and address them before they become a problem.
By implementing these practices into your winter hair care routine, you'll ensure your locs stay healthy, hydrated, and beautiful despite the harsh winter conditions. Protecting your locs during this season is a commitment yourself to prolong their longevity and strength.
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