It's the most wonderful time of the year! *cues Andy Williams*
It's also the coldest and driest (is that even a word?) time of the year, especially for those of us with locs 😩. With lower humidity levels and even lower temperatures come extreme climate conditions that can wreak havoc on our locs causing dry tresses, even drier scalp and brittle ends. If you're dreading the winter cold like I am (all pun intended), I gotchu! I'm gonna go over five tips you can implement to keep your locs moisturized, strong and shiny even during the winter months.
Tip #1 - hydration, hydration, hydration!
Before we even get started on how to keep your locs hydrated using oils and things, let's not forget that whatever you put in your body eventually migrates to your hair so it's imperative that you maintain your daily water intake by drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep your locs hydrated from the inside out. Also, as you're getting your grub on for Thanksgiving and Christmas, don't forget to incorporate foods rich in protein such as beans, nuts, lean meat and poultry. You can't go wrong with leafy, green vegetables and fruit (banana pudding doesn't count) that carry a high water content to keep your body, hair and nails hydrated. We love a good desert during the holiday season but forgetting to maintain a healthy diet WILL show itself in your locs over time.
Now let's talk about your loc care regimen ...
It's imperative that you maintain a consistent loc care practice to combat dryness during this time of the year. If you know me, you know I'm a big fan of misting your locs with oil-infused water. Water is our locs' best friend. Oils do not moisturize our locs, it's a sealant. Misting your hair with water followed by applying an oil such as coconut, argan or vitamin E will create a Fort Knox-like barrier between your locs and the elements like wind and frigid temperatures. You can use a steamer, if neccessary, to really push that moisuture deep into your loc shaft which will soften and strengthen your locs. If your scalp is more prone to flaking and dandruff, I'd recommend adding tea tree or peppermint oil to your daily routine. I would also advise you to implement a Deep Conditioning treatment that's rich in protein to reintroduce vitamins back into your locs that may get pulled out due to lower humidity levels during the winter months. You can DIY at home or schedule a Deep Conditioning Treatment when booking your loc session.
Tip #2 - cover your locs
It's wise to cover your locs either by using a silk wrap or winter hat lined with satin or silk. For hats that aren't satin-lined, wear a silk cap to create a barrier between your locs and any material that can cause dryness such as wool or cotton. If you like to wear neck scarves, I would also be mindful of the material. You wanna stay away from fabric that shed lint or cling to your locs. Speaking of lint ...
Tip #3 - LINT, the arch nemesis
Lint to our locs is like kryptonite to Superman. Constant friction from trapped lint can weaken our locs and cause thinning and even breakage over time. Stay away from clothing made with material that shed lint such as wool, cotton and any other rough textured fabric. If you're someone that just can't stay away from a good ole thick wool scarf, try making it a daily habit to brush your locs to remove any lint and prevent it from getting trapped and embedded into your locs. If lint does happen to get infused in your locs, your best bet would be an ACV and Hot Oil Treatment to push the lint to the surface making it easier to remove. Do not, I REPEAT, do not try to remove lint that's already embedded in your locs especially when your locs are dry. This can weaken your loc shaft causing further damage and potential breakage at the point of weakness. A loc hack I've personally used myself is to take a permanent marker in the color of your locs and color the lint in to disguise them from the naked eye. Better that than thinning locs.
Tip #4 - protective styles
To keep your locs from the harsh winter conditions, experiment with different styles and wearing your hair up more often. Doing this will limit your locs exposure to the elements and prevent them from rubbing against your sweater, cardigan or winter coat. Just make sure your moisturize them first to keep them hydrated while they're put away.
Tip #5 - take a chill pill
Stress levels during this time tend to peak (especially around the holiday season) and some of us may experience seasonal depression. Both stress and depression can affect the quality of your locs. Winter is a great opportunity to get into self-care mode. Take this time to treat yourself to a bubble bath, to practice activities that make you feel good, whether it's a juicy novel, your favorite comfort show, spending time with family and friends or just taking a breather and allowing yourself to rest (don't forget to put your bonnet on!).
BONUS TIP (#6)
As a loctitian, I can not stress enough the importance of keeping up with your loc maintenance sessions. Keeping your locs in a healthy state is half the battle when dealing with the winter and all that comes with it. We can spot areas of concern from a mile away and can advise you on what to do to maintain lustrous locs and avoid or prevent further damage. If you don't already have one, find a trusted loctitian in your area and try your best to schedule a retwist session every 4-6 weeks. If you make your loc health a top priority, your locs will thank you (and so will your loctitian).
I hope you find these tips beneficial to you and your locs as you embark on the frigid months ahead. If you have any other words of winter wisdom, feel free to drop them in the comments.
Stay warm, stay blessed and see ya in the next blog post! 😎❄️
Much needed during this winter season! My locs have been so dry, definitely need to add a deep conditioning treatment to my loc care routine. Thank you!