The cool temperatures and arid conditions of winter can make natural black hair more likely to dry out. In addition to causing locks to feel coarse and lose their shine, excessive dryness may also lead to brittleness and breakage. You can protect strands and prevent damage by prioritizing a handful of hair care tips. Here's how to maintain your natural black hair during this time of year. 

How to Maintain Natural Black Hair During Winter

1. Wash Less Frequently

Shampooing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, causing it to dry out more rapidly during colder months. Products that contain sulfates, which are cleansing agents, can accelerate dehydration because they create a lather that removes moisture from tresses. Washing your hair once or twice a week with a sulfate-free shampoo can help strands retain beneficial oils and lock in moisture to combat winter dryness.

2. Moisturize Regularly 

Replenishing lost moisture can keep your locks hydrated, making them stronger and less susceptible to breakage during winter. Use a leave-in conditioner that contains all-natural castor, avocado, or coconut oil to boost moisture levels and rejuvenate your hair's shininess and silky texture. 

After shampooing, use a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment to seal water into the hair cuticle and keep locks moisturized. You might also book an appointment for professional steam conditioning at a salon. This hair care treatment uses warm steam to open the follicle, allowing moisture droplets to absorb into strands for supplementary winter conditioning.

3. Minimize Heat Applications 

Excessive heat can leach moisture from hair, causing it to dry out and making it more vulnerable to brittleness, breakage, and frizz. Rather than using a blow-dryer, allow your locks to air dry during winter. Alternatively, use the "cool" setting to reduce the amount of heat that makes contact with your hair. If you use curling or flat irons, run a heat-protectant serum through your tresses first to prevent damage and help strands retain moisture. 

4. Get a Protective Style

When cold air blows through your hair, it may remove moisture, leaving strands weak and prone to breakage. Allowing a professional salon to twist or braid your locks will minimize the wind's movement and manipulation of your tresses.

Add moisturizer or oil to your roots each day to promote hydration. Changing your hairstyle every week or two allows you to cleanse and deep condition to promote healthy hair growth during winter.

Keep your natural black hair hydrated, healthy, and beautiful with help from Hair Strandz Studio. This salon provides natural hair care services, including conditioning treatments, braids and weaves, and thermal styling services, to clients throughout Chandler, AZ. Call (623) 282-2740 to book an appointment, and visit the website to learn more about how they can help you maintain or transform your look.