If you are a person of color, you have probably noticed that you have more trouble with your hair in the winter than in the warmer months. Winter air is not only bone chilling--it is also drying. The dry heat that keeps you warm indoors further compounds the dryness problem. Despite the fact that black hair receives adequate moisture from the scalp, the tight curls inhibit even distribution of scalp oils, according to Stanford University. For this reason, black hair requires special care in the winter.
Step 1
Wash black hair once a week with a moisturizing shampoo. Washing too often can rob your hair and scalp of moisture, exacerbating winter dryness. Try not to wash your hair just before leaving the house. Cold temperatures can cause black hair to freeze and break off when wet.
Step 2
Condition your hair using a deep conditioner that contains humectants, at least once a week. Deep conditioning will help lock in moisture and keep your hair from feeling dry and brittle over the winter.
Step 3
Allow black hair to air dry in the winter instead of using a blow dryer after washing. Stylers that rely on heat to dry, curl or straighten your hair are often damaging. Adding heat to hair that is already facing winter dryness can cause frizz, brittle ends and breakage.
Step 4
Choose a low-maintenance style for your black hair during the winter months. Braids and buns are easy to care for and do not require the use of heat stylers. Wrapped loosely, either style can protect your hair from winter damage.
Step 5
Try running a humidifier in your home if the environment is dry. Humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent are ideal inside the home, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Too little humidity can undo all of the good you are trying to accomplish by conditioning your hair and avoiding heat stylers.
Tips and Warnings
- Pat your hair with a towel after washing to remove excess water. Do not rub your hair with the towel. Rubbing encourages damage and breakage. Put a hat on in the winter to protect your hair before heading outdoors. A winter hat with a satin lining will prevent damage when your hair rubs against the inside of the hat.
- Avoid coloring, perming or relaxing your hair during the winter months. These chemical processes are quite damaging, especially on black hair that is already suffering winter's wrath.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Deep conditioner
- Humidifier
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