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Having curly hair is awesome, but let’s be honest—it can be a lot of work, especially when winter rolls in. The cold air outside, the dry heat indoors, and the never-ending battle with frizz can make you feel like your curls are giving up. They get dry, they lose their beautiful bounce, and all of a sudden, your go-to routine just isn’t cutting it.
Let’s break it down step by step so your curls can stay fresh no matter how cold it gets outside.
Your Shampoo Needs a Winter Upgrade
If you’re using the same shampoo all year, it’s time to rethink things. Winter can suck the moisture right out of your curls, and the wrong shampoo will make things worse. You need one that hydrates while gently cleaning your scalp. Think about it: curls are naturally drier than straight hair, and the cold weather just adds to the problem. The right curly hair shampoo will clean your hair without stripping it of its natural oils, which is key to keeping your spirals soft and shiny.
Deep Conditioning Is Non-Negotiable
Deep conditioner is your new best friend. Winter dries out everything—your skin, your lips, and yep, your hair too. A good deep conditioner will quickly bring your curls back to life by giving them the moisture they’re literally screaming for. Use this type of deep conditioner at least once a week, let it soak in for at least 10 minutes, and watch your curls get their bounce back.
And don’t skimp on the ends! That’s where curls get the driest, so make sure you’re coating them well.
Seal the Deal with Oils
Oils are like a shield for your curls. After you style your hair, run a little bit of oil through your ends to lock in moisture and keep the frizz away. You don’t need much—just a few drops will do the trick. Oils not only make your hair look shinier but also help protect it from all that cold, dry air.
Don’t Be Afraid of Treatments
Sometimes your hair needs more than just a deep conditioner. Treatments like protein masks or even a Botox hair treatment (yes, that’s a thing) can make a huge difference. They smooth out your curls, reduce frizz, and make your hair feel crazy soft. These are perfect for when your hair is feeling extra rough or dull.
Protect Your Hair at Night
What happens while you sleep can make or break your curls. Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase will suck out all the moisture you worked so hard to put in. Switch to silk or satin pillowcases—they’re way better for curls and help cut down on frizz. You can also wrap your hair in a satin scarf or use a bonnet. It might feel like an extra step, but it makes a huge difference.
Keep the Heat Low
We get it—it’s tempting to crank up the blow dryer when it’s freezing outside, but try to let your curls air-dry as much as you can. If you have to use heat, make sure you use a diffuser and set it to low. Heat tools can dry out your curls even more, so keeping things low and slow is the way to go.
Don’t Skip Regular Trims
It might sound counter intuitive, but regular trims are essential for keeping your curls looking their best in winter. Dry air can make your ends brittle, leading to split ends that travel up the hair shaft if you let them stick around too long. Snipping off those dry, frayed ends every six to eight weeks keeps your curls healthy, helps them maintain their shape, and makes styling way easier.
Trims don’t mean sacrificing your length either—ask your stylist for a “dusting,” which is just a light trim to clean up the ends without losing much hair. Trust us, your curls will thank you.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to be the enemy of your curls. With a few tweaks to your routine you can keep your curls hydrated and happy all season long. Sure, it takes a little extra effort, but your curls are worth it. Keep them soft, shiny, and full of bounce, no matter how cold it gets.