For many women who wear their naturally curly hair worries about how to protect their curls during the winter months are a real concern. Many turn to protective styling such as braids and buns, but are these styles really doing what their name promises? What exactly does one need to protect their curls from and most importantly, is is possible to endure a winter without using protective styling? Stylist Roni Jones shared her secret truths for styling curly hair through the cold winter months.
Secret 1, hydration is essential: Moisturized curls are happy, healthy curls. If one is not performing regular cleansing and conditioning to maintain hydration, no amount of protective styling is going to keep curls from damage.
Secret 2, protective styling is an option: Women with naturally curly hair do not need to use protective styles like wigs, weaves, braids or buns, but they certainly can. Protective styling is also a great option for women who are embracing their natural hair but aren’t sure how to care of it quite yet.
Secret 3, it won’t make your hair grow faster or make it healthier: Hair grows 1/2 inch a month and no amount of protective styling can make it grow faster or stay healthier. If naturally curly hair is already dry and damaged before being twisted or braided, it will only stay dry without proper trims and moisturizing.
Secret 4, cleansing hair often is nonnegotiable: Allowing dirt, product and oils to build up on one’s scalp can clog pores, therefore leading to dryness and frizz. Allow curly hair the opportunity to breath by cleansing weekly. Ensure shampoo is completely rinsed from braids or curls so as not to leave behind build up causing residue.
Secret 5, switch up protective styles often: If one does opt to utilize protective or alternative styling during the winter months, make sure to change it every 4-6 weeks. Moisture evaporates daily, so by the 4 week mark hair can be experiencing increase dryness. This puts curls at risk for thinning, frizz and breakage.
Interested in learning more about protective styling? Check out more tips here .