Cozy nights indoors and wearing lots of chic layers were perks of the winter season, but hair breakage and a dry scalp were not. But, they can be inevitable, especially for those who go natural. Now, as the seasons change, it’s time for some hair rehab. “Winter can be tough on natural hair,” explains celebrity hairstylist Nafisah Carter. “The cold air outside and the dry heat inside can strip its moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, frizzy and more prone to breakage.”
The thicker clothing and accessories we typically wear during colder months can wreak havoc on our strands, too. “Heavy fabrics like wool can also cause hair friction, leading to tangling and split ends, especially around the nape of the neck,” Carter explains. Celebrity hairstylist Karen Miller, who counts Quinta Brunson and Solange as clients, agrees. “During the colder months, I highly recommend wearing hats with a silk lining and sleeping on a silk pillowcase. On wash days, use products like extra-moisturizing leave-ins and do twist/braid-outs that let you air-dry.”
However, if you missed the memo this past winter, don’t despair. With spring upon us, now’s the perfect time to get your natural hair back in tip-top shape. “Spring is all about renewal, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your hair routine,” says Carter. “Focusing on hydrating your hair, trimming dead ends and using good strengthening treatments can set you up for healthy growth throughout the year.”
Featured Experts
- Nafisah Carter is a celebrity hairstylist
- Karen Miller is a celebrity hairstylist
Try a protective style
Whether you go for boho braids, faux locs or a sew-in weave, a protective style can help strands recover by avoiding daily manipulation and friction. “These styles allow the hair time to rest,” says Miller, noting that this can help combat breakage and retain length.
“Protective styles also keep your ends tucked away, preventing moisture loss,” Carter adds. “However, the key is making sure your hair is properly prepped and hydrated before installing any style.” That said, before you find yourself in your stylist’s chair, you’ll want to make sure you use a clarifying cleanser like Melanin Haircare’s African Black Reviving Shampoo to ensure there’s no lingering buildup on your strands. Cécred’s Clarifying Shampoo and Scalp Scrub is another great option for anyone with a flaky scalp.
Next, you’ll want to follow up with a hydrating conditioner that leaves hair feeling moisturized—without weighing it down. Cmpressd Beauty’s Hyaluronic+ Solid Conditioner Bar does just that while also working to fortify hair for two times less breakage. For those who like a cooling effect on the scalp, reach for Aunt Jackie’s Stimulating Moisturizing Conditioner, which boasts ingredients like aloe, mint, rosemary and lemongrass.
While protective styling can give natural hair a much-needed reprieve, it’s best to make sure braids aren’t left in for too long, which can often do more harm than good. “Depending on the style, four to eight weeks is usually the max,” says Carter. During that time, don’t forget to cleanse your scalp, and then follow up with a product like Sienna Naturals Daily Elixir Scalp Treatment Oil to prevent dryness and flaking.
And once it’s time to take your hair down, remember to be gentle. “Being too rough when removing braids or extensions can cause unnecessary breakage,” Carter adds. “I typically like to add conditioner or leave-in conditioner during the process.” Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave In Cream made with castor oil is a great choice.
Focus on moisturizing products
Parched strands are more prone to breakage, so using products that help hair stay adequately quenched is key for recovering from winter dryness. Carter is a fan of amika’s Soulfood Nourishing Mask, which can be used weekly after cleansing. Pair it with a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush for easy detangling. “I recommend incorporating the use of a steamer or even hot steamy towels to help products penetrate deeper into the hair shaft,” the stylist adds.
Once hair is rinsed, apply a leave-in conditioner like Fenty Hair’s The Water Boi Reparative Leave-In Conditioner Spray. When using heat on your hair, don’t forget to follow up with a heat protectant like Mizani Heat Screen Heat Protectant Spray.
Be sure to get a trim
Whether you’re looking to grow your hair out or want to keep it short, getting regular trims is imperative. “I highly recommend a hair trim, especially if your hair gets super dry in the winter,” Miller says. “Get a nice blowout and tend to those ends.” Not only will a trim help get rid of dead and split ends—which only ever get worse with time—but it also gives hair a fresh start, which is the perfect way to kick off a new season.
Discover everything you need to know to get your hair right for the new season, ahead.
Shop These Hair-Care Favorites
Give hair the TLC it needs with these efficacious formulas that nourish, protect and elevate textured strands.
Cmpressd Beauty Hyaluronic+ Solid Conditioner Bar
Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Cream
Cécred Clarifying Shampoo and Scalp Scrub
Sienna Naturals Daily Scalp Elixir
Aunt Jackie’s Stimulating Moisturizing Conditioner
amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask
Mizani Heat Screen Heat Protectant Spray
Melanin Haircare African Black Reviving Shampoo
