Keeping transitioning hair moisturised can be a challenge at the start of our journey because there’s so much about taking care of it that we don’t know about. Even if you’ve been on this adventure for some time it can still be a challenge. Winter is a factor that plays an important part when considering how to moisturise our hair. The low temperatures, cold breezes, strong wind gusts with rain drizzle, snow and so much more can, and will, cause a major hair crisis if you don’t keep it properly moisturised. What kind of crisis? Picture dull, frizzy hair that becomes brittle and dry over time and gets easily broken. This is certainly not a poster for healthy hair. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to keep your natural hair moisturised.
But before I start I just wanna let you know that I have a handy Cheat Sheet with more Winter Hair tips to help you get prepared for Winter and keep your hair protected. Check it out below! You can download it for free, no kidding!
1| Deep Conditioning
I expect you are already doing this on your wash day without fail, if not, my curly friend your hair is already missing on so much. Deep conditioning is not only a great way to bring back moisture to your hair but is also a way from which your hair can gain back the nutrients, proteins and oil it loses because of the environment, manipulation, weathering or styling techniques.
With this practice, you can expect your hair to be moisturised while regaining strength, elasticity and lustre at the same time. Despite being a practice you wouldn’t do every day (maybe twice a week) it is one of the best things you can do to gain back or keep your hair’s health and maintain moisture levels. It’s a no-brainer, and for me, having it has part of my hair regimen is non-negotiable. I hope you make it yours too.
2| Sealing
Sealing is the act of applying an occlusive (a sealer) on your hair with the intention of trapping in the moisture and preventing water loss. The occlusive can be mineral oil, vegetable oil, waxes, petrolatum, butters such as shea butter or even silicone. Of course, you should give preference to natural ingredients as they provide more nutrients to your hair. The other sealers such as mineral oil, petrolatum or silicone are very effective and when used properly to prevent dryness are good allies, but they have less to offer. Know Why Silicones On Natural Hair Just Rock!
Another sealing technique you can use is the LOC method (if you don’t know about it get the info here). With this method, you first apply a liquid (water or water-based product), then seal with an oil and finish off with a creme or butter. I can tell you first hand that this method is very effective and if done correctly, with the right products you can go a week without the need to re-moisturise.
3| Steaming
This is done by infusing your hair with hot water steam. It’s a great way to keep your hair moisturised because the heat will gently open your hair’s cuticle layers and let all the water vapour into deeply moisturise your hair. This will not only get your hair hydrated but, it will also help your hair get stronger with better elasticity, movement and bounce, meaning beautiful and healthy hair and happier you!
How do you do this? Well, thank you for asking, I thought you might be interested in this one. The best way to do this is by using a steamer such as the Afrodite Ultra Portable Steamer, which you can also use for your face, or the Q-Redew Hand Held Steamer. Trust me, they are a great investment for your hair, you won’t regret it and you’ll notice the results from day one.
Use your steamer on your wash day during your deep conditioning session or you can just do a small session for a few minutes to bring some life back into your hair or whenever you feel it’s dry. Oh, and you can even do it to refresh an old hairstyle. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
4| Bagging
Bagging consists of applying a moisturiser, or conditioner, all over your hair or simply on the ends covering it with a plastic cap or bag for a couple of hours or overnight. To moisturise your hair all over don’t drench it with product, it won’t get dry in the morning and with the cold weather it will only cause more damage than good (imagine if your hair gets all frosty?!).
What products can you use for this? You can use any moisturiser or conditioner you have as long as the first ingredient is water. Try Elasta QP Olive Oil and Mango Butter Moisturizer as it is formulated to provide thermal protection for your hair. Alternatively, you can even spray some water or distilled water and apply some vegetable oil or butter. Why do all this? Because it moisturises your hair and gives you soft hair.
Hey, don’t forget to grab your free Cheat Sheet and get the upper hand on Winter.
