With the festive season fast approaching and the countless parties and festive socials you might have to attend, you want to make sure your hair looks fabulous! Remember that our hair is as delicate as it is beautiful, therefore it is imperative that you treat your hair like a fine silk blouse, with great care. Regular conditioning, daily moisturizing, and quality hair care products are a must!
Tips for hair care in winter:
Winter is the season that wreaks the most havoc on curly braids. From the seemingly instant change in weather to the daily assault of dry, brittle wind and frizz-inducing rain, a curly girl simply doesn’t stand a chance! However, you can counteract the ills of winter by incorporating a good hair regimen and using only quality products for your hair. The choice of product is paramount. Look for moisturizing cleansers and conditioners and hydrating stylers and leave-ins.
Too much shampoo and not enough conditioner are common culprits for dry and frizzy hair. Winter weather further exacerbates the problem. Therefore, it is not recommended to shampoo more than 1 time per week. I recommend shampooing 2-3 times a month, for dry and/or damaged hair, and 1 time a week for curly hair without damage.
Proper conditioning is one of the most important steps in maintaining radiant and healthy hair. Unfortunately, most of us don’t take the time to do it properly. Deep conditioning, with heat, is recommended.
On the other “no shampoo” days, do a conditioning rinse: Rinse hair to remove styling products (this is where the right products that are water soluble come into play… like our products), apply a large amount of conditioner comb through, rinse and proceed with styling. Doing so will pump much-needed moisture back into your hair without stripping essential nutrients, rinse out unnecessary dirt and oil, and give you a clean fresh start.
Avoid products that contain mineral oil and/or Vaseline as an ingredient. Do not use products with these ingredients on your curly hair or scalp. Both synthetic oils coat and suffocate the hair shaft locking in moisture. Also, they clog the pores of the scalp and can slow down hair growth. Read your labels. Remember, the ingredients are listed in order of volume. If your hair requires an oil, use only natural oils that penetrate the hair shaft (eg coconut, almond, olive, pomegranate seed oil).
Christmas hairstyles
Give your hair a pre-holiday deep heat treatment, especially if you plan on styling with heat. This extra step will help protect the cuticle from damage.
Nothing is less attractive than sparse, stringy ends, especially on girls/women with curly hair. Regular trims should be part of your hair care regimen. Curly hair should be trimmed at least every 3 months and 1 week before a major event or party. But don’t trust anyone with your beautiful locks. Make sure your stylist is familiar with styling and cutting curly hair.
Use the right tools when styling your hair. Always opt for natural boar bristle brushes and not nylon, as they tend to break the hair especially during the winter months.
Do not overdo it with heat styling. Excessive blow-drying, ironing and curling will perpetuate dryness and encourage breakage.
Go natural! Explore your hair and its glory. Go for the sexy and messy look. Clean, condition, moisturize your curly tresses and let them be.
STYLING TIP: Once your hair is dry, gently secure several tight curls to your scalp with bobby pins. Allow some curly tresses to hang in your face.
Let the sparkle and shine of the holiday season inspire you to have fun with your hairstyle. A little red dress, stunning stilettos, to-die-for accessories, and a sexy bag are just what a woman needs to turn heads at any holiday party. Cover it all with the perfect hairstyle and you will have a look that is simply stunning!