3 July 2024
Winter haircare is crucial because the cold, dry air can lead to brittleness, breakage, and moisture loss. It’s a perfect storm of bad conditions. Wind and harsh cold air suck moisture out of your hair, causing tangles. Indoors, the heated air is so dry, it can almost feel like you’re under the dreaded dryer!
Hair dryness promotes frizz, breakage and split ends. Worse still, while your winter woollies(including beanie hats), keep your body warm, they pull and snag on your hair, breaking strands. It’s not all gloom and doom, however. With the right tips, you can keep your tresses healthy and happy during the winter months.
6 effective winter haircare tips
1. Moisture, moisture and more moisture – Winter calls for different haircare. Botswana winter is dry. As such, your hair dries out, hence the need for more moisture-infusing treatments. In the summer there’s humidity, you sweat and the hair is kept moist. During winter months, use hydrating sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to retain moisture.
Tip! Don’t make the mistake of having protein treatments thinking they’ll give your hair vitality and strength. Afro hair has a lot of protein and not enough moisture.
For that reason, you need to up moisture treatments, which Caucasian hair can also benefit from. This type of hair easily gets greasy. Owing to its texture, grease is not absorbed but rather sits on the hair, explaining why it’s easier to see than on afro hair.
Bonus tip!Thinly apply Mizani Rose H2O to your scalp to stop flaking. It’s amazing as it doesn’t weigh your hair down.
Warning! Many moisturisers are a misnomer as they are petroleum-based. A little of the right type of oil seals the hair cuticles, improving hair quality. Bear in mind oil doesn’t moisturise hair.
2. Hair mask is key! Moisture-promoting treatments coupled with a good hair mask seal in the moisture, leaving your hair glossy without looking greasy. Look for argan, coconut or olive oil-based products as they are easily absorbed, and nourish your hair and scalp. A hair mask works on the surface of the hair and hair cuticle.
Tip! Hair mask treatments can be done at home. Hair Essentials does a great Argan Oil Hair Mask for P350. If you prefer to do it yourself at home, the product is also available for purchase at the same price.
3. Beware of braiding as a protective style! People mistakenly believe braiding and plaiting are the best protective styles for winter. If you do opt to go down this route, don’t leave your braids/plaits in for too long. To improve hair elasticity and moisture, remember to do treatments even with your plaits or braids in. Elasticity is important because it enables your hair to stretch with little to no risk of breaking.
Tip! Keeping braids in for too long puts strain on your hair. So be sure to keep them in for no more than FOUR weeks.
4. Woolly hats keep you warm and roastie in the biting Botswana winter but worn regularly and for extended periods, they can rob your hair of moisture and natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. The rough material will also snag on hair and cause breakage.
Tip! Avoid wearing woolly hats all the time. Silk or satin bonnets and scarves are kinder on hair and are ideal for cold winter months.
Your hair will also thank you for it because silk and satin keep your tresses smooth and tame. That’s because silk and satin are not absorbent materials whereas wool is.
5. Reduce direct heat and over-manipulation of hair, which leads to dryness. Put away flat irons and keep your blow dryer on a cool setting for the season. These tools take moisture out of your hair, a process already accelerated by the wind and dry air outside.
6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body, which in turn benefits your hair and scalp health.
By following these winter haircare tips, you can help maintain the health, moisture, and strength of your hair, regardless of type, during the colder months.
Article written by YourBotswana writer
Words by Benson David @Hair Essentials
