Alexandra Reconco

Winter is a brutal season for all types of hair but one of the most difficult types of hair to keep and maintain healthy during the colder months is curly hair. Curly hair is some of the most temperamental types of hair that changes according to the season, and for winter this is the season that truly pushes our hair to the limit. The cold air dries the hair out and makes it nearly impossible to keep the hair from drying out, becoming dull, and quite honestly looking like a hot mess. But luckily for all my curly-headed people out there, I have experimented and narrowed down some amazing products and tips to help all different curl types.

Deep Conditioning and Hair Masks

Deep conditioning curly hair is the best thing you can do to protect the hair from drying out and making it look replenished and healthy. Deep conditioning fortifies the hair with nutrients, moisture, and protein and helps prevent breakage and brittleness, and it keeps the curls hydrated. Depending on how dry your hair gets, you can deep condition as much as you need, I usually deep condition once a week but you can do it up to 2-3 times a week. Another tip for a more homemade, DIY approach to a deep conditioner is using an overly ripe avocado and mashing it up and putting extra virgin olive oil and mixing them together. Massage the mixture into the hair and let sit for half an hour, rinse and wash normally.

Kinky-Curly’s Stellar Strands is an amazing deep conditioner that helps curly hair that is prone to dryness in the winter. Stellar Strands is a deep hydrating treatment enriched with Macadamia and Argan Oil for intense moisture and shine, Stellar Strands rejuvenates dry, brittle hair and strengthens weak strands. Elasticity is improved and breakage is reduced. Stellar Strands maintains the hair’s natural shine, silkiness and softness.

Another hair mask that I highly recommend is SH-RD which is a Taiwanese hair care brand that uses rosemary to stimulate hair growth, soften hair, maintain moisture for the scalp and accentuate curls. SH-RD Protein Cream is formulated Silk Protein Complex, which combines the moisture and protection of silk amino acid and hydrolyzed silk protein. This product smooths and seals the cuticle while locking in hydration and strengthening the hair. UV Protection/Heat Protection/Chlorine Damage Protection.

Oils

Natural oils play a vital role in the health of your curls but during the winter, hair can feel dry and brittle. Below are some ways you can incorporate oil into your hair routine. The natural oils that your scalp produces travels down the length of your hair shaft to protect it from the elements and moisturize your curls. The more twists and turns in each strand the harder it is for sebum to reach the full length of your hair. The result is hair that can sometimes appear frizzy, dull and coarse.

• TIP: Combat dryness by adding oil to your routine. Oils have natural conditioning properties, but also work to seal moisture into the hair shaft, so a hot oil treatment is a great way to get the most out of all these benefits. Adding oils encourages the cuticle layer to close and seal in moisture, creating a protective barrier.

• TIP: Split and damaged ends can cause excessive frizz and keep your curls from looking defined. Lightly coat your ends with oil to temporarily smooth and seal them. This will reduce the appearance of fraying and dryness, as well as protect against further damage.

• TIP: Smooth down frizzy, dry ends or halo frizz at the crown once your hair is fully dried and styled. You have to be careful how much you use: too much can weigh your curls down and leave your curls looking limp and stringy.

• TIP: If you’re using oil post-styling, try a dime-sized amount. You can always add more if your hair or curls are extra thirsty. Rub your palms together and gently scrunch the oil throughout your hair or smooth it down the length of your hair, by sandwiching your curls between your palms.

*Tips were given to us by Sahar Saidi, CEO & Founder of curly hair company LUS

Shampoo and Conditioner

Choosing a good shampoo and conditioner can truly transform your hair routine. Some products that I truly recommend to use for maintaining curly hair during the winter is AQUIS. This brand makes products that help hair combat water which truly dries out the hair and makes it more prone to breakage. “Wet Hair is Weak Hair.” AQUIS is pioneering a revolutionary science-based approach to haircare, transforming your hair’s natural strength, vitality and beauty. AQUIS works with the biology of your hair, restoring its strength from the inside out--unlike so many quick-fix, temporary solutions which only mask damage. You get healthier, more beautiful hair in less time and with less effort.

AQUIS Prime Water Defense Prewash ($29/Sephora.com) - the essential first step in the haircare routine that is applied BEFORE exposure to water, when hair is most vulnerable, to protect from damage.  Clinically proven to reduce hair swelling by 46%.

Fight water damage while rebalancing hair’s natural pH and moisture levels with AQUIS Prime Rebalancing Hair Wash ($26/Sephora.com). Cleanse and hydrate while fortifying hair’s natural defenses against damage, thinning and color fade.

AQUIS Prime Restorative Leave-In Conditioner ($26/Sephora.com) - this lightweight mist replenishes, hydrates, and eliminates tangles while enhancing hair’s core strength to improve the quality, texture, and strength of hair for softer, more vibrant hair that is easier to manage and style.

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