Preparing for the cooler weather

via Vintage Kitty

So it's that time of year! Lower temps, changing out closets for warmer clothes. For me, right now, well...allergies, a sinus infection and some other weird stomach thing that is going around. (Which is why I am  late on my Diana Ross remix, head too heavy to wash, let alone comb!) Thing just crept up on me.) I am practically sleep typing right now. Still, I've been thinking of what I could share with you all.

For most, this is the time when many start thinking of how to keep their curly hair moisturized. There is less humidity in the air, which can be better for some hairstyles. I am less afraid of straightening my hair in the winter time. Less frizz, more definition to the curls, etc.... But, less water in the air can mean drier hair and skin. What do you do to conserve moisture? I tend  to wear my hair "up" most days to protect the ends from the air. Since I am soooooo exhausted, I thought I'd share some information I found very interesting. Hopefully, I'll be back to my regularly scheduled program very soon

via  Del Sandeen, About.com Guide

 

1. Beware Breakage

If you experience breakage in one or two specific areas of your hair, it might have nothing to do with how you care for it, but what you wear on it. Wool hats and scarves can rub against and pull on delicate black hair, breaking it off at the nape of your neck (where the scarf might sit) or at the crown of your head. You need a hat and scarf if you live in a snowy climate, but the trick is wearing them the right way to avoid damage. Try sewing a satin or silk lining inside your wool cap. If you're not crafty enough to do this, ask a friend or family member who is. Before wrapping that wool scarf around your neck, make sure your hair is out of the way, either through a protective style or already secured beneath your properly lined hat.

2. Deep Condition More Often

Heated homes and work spaces can dry out your hair, so combat this dryness with extra deep conditioning. Look for humectant products which hold in moisture and use a good deep conditioner about once a week.

3. Wet Less Often

It's no fun leaving the house on a frosty morning with wet or damp hair. If you live in a freezing climate, your hair may actually freeze and break if you step outside with wet hair. Even if a wash n' go was your go-to style in the spring and summer, winter requires less shampooing and daily wetting. You should still shampoo and condition about once a week, but since you aren't swimming often, you don't need to wet and/or conditioner wash as much.

4. Use Heat Even Less

Indoor heating is going to suck some of the moisture from your hair. Don't help it along with flat irons, blow dryers and curling irons. Winter is an ideal season to practice setting techniques like wet sets (completely dry before you head out the door), pin curls and wraps, none of which require heat to style your hair.

5. Rethink Protective Styling

While wearing protective styles is always a good idea for keeping hair ends up and out of the way, they work especially well in winter for protecting your hair from harsh weather. Snow, sleet and heat won't be able to damage your hair as much when you keep it styled in buns, topknots, braids, twists and French rolls.

So, how do you keep your hair moisturized during the drier winter months?