TIPS ON HOW TO WINTERIZE NATURAL HAIR...

Hello fabulous fellow naturals !

As that time is quickly approaching and summer is coming in end :( . We must continue to nourish and show some extra attention to our precious hair.  Below are a few tips to get us started on a happy healthy hair routine this winter:

Heavy, oily products are best for my hair because it's so dry in winter.

Back away from the heavy products. It makes sense that people want to grab the heavy body lotions and creams to soothe their dry skin during the winter, but it doesn't work for their hair, says dermatologist Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.

"Greasy products may actually [clog hair follicles and] cause other problems including scalp follicles and acne on the forehead and temples [pomade acne]," he says.

I can wash my hair every day.

It depends on the hair type and texture. Very kinky to curly hair tends to be drier. If your hair is natural — no chemical process has been added to your hair — it's OK to rinse it everyday in the shower as long as a light conditioner is used, says Tyama Arawole, a natural hair care consultant with clients in Washington, D.C., and New York.

"Natural hair loves water, but it's still important to keep it protected," she says. The extra curly hair cuticle — or outer layer — makes it more difficult for the oil secreted from the scalp to reach the ends of the hair, so don't forget to moisturize the hair, she says.

Greasing the scalp will help with "dry-scalp" syndrome.

No, it won't. "If your scalp is excessively dry, applying oil to it will not help — you may have a different problem," Alexis says. A flaky scalp is sometimes caused by a type of yeast overgrowth on the skin, resulting in a condition known as sebhorreic dermatitis.

Since scalp is skin, it's susceptible to the same conditions as skin on the other parts of the body — acne, follicles or impetigo. It's best to see a dermatologist if your dry scalp persists.

Blowing wind

Strong winds can tangle our hair and make it really dry , losing moisture this is why wearing  a beautiful scarf, beanie, or lovely hat will help during winter months.

It's cold outside, so I have to wear a hat almost everyday.

"Hats can be very damaging to hair, some women use scarves in the winter if its for religious purposes or to simply protect our hair from the winter elements, some materials can cause extra problems for the ends of our hair.  Fabrics like wool can snag our hair and break it off.  Try wearing a silk cap of some sort before wearing certain materials and or a hat with natural fibers. 



If my hair is braided, I don't have to do anything to it.

Yes, you do. First, it's important to start off with a healthy head of hair, Toure says. If your hair is damaged, you should not wear an extension-braided style.

Stylists recommend a protein treatment, followed by a good conditioner to repair damaged hair before braiding it. If you do wear braids, be sure to wash your hair at least once a week. It's not OK to go longer than a week. Because you're not brushing or combing your hair on a daily basis, dirt and oil have more time to build up.


Heat from buildings

Once the winter sets in we start to heat the indoors with the furnace , which can be drying to skin and hair. Remember, to check your hair for dryness. If you have a loving relationship with your hair you will immediately know if you hair is dryer than usual.

Solutions

Purchase a humidifier

This ca be a great way of putting moisture back into your hair by rehydrating the air  in your home.  An alternative to using a humidifier is to set a pot of water on your stove or in front of heat vents to let the water steam into the air ( done with caution) You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or potpourri as well.

Increase deep conditioning / hot oil treatments or oil rinses

Deep conditioners can help in healing damaged hair and protecting it, by coating the hair strands and filling in the hair cuticles , making it stronger.

oil and moisturizing your ends

You can mix up your very own oil concoction mixed with infused herbs that are great for dry hair (parsley, rosemary, sage, calendula, chamomile, lavender just to name a few) and or butters along with added essential oils that are great for dry hair ( peppermint , sage, etc)

Protect your hair

you can try , cornrows, braids, updo's, twist,buns, ponytails, roller sets and covering you hair with scarfs and hats ( as stated earlier)

Last but not least

Try to limit your amount of shampooing.  Give co-washing a go this winter , loo- poo or even no -poo . Do what works best for you!

                                                                                            ENJOY!!!