Hey folks. So winter is fast approaching this side of the world and as much as I was born in winter, I do not like winter at all. And my hair does not like it as well and as the days become shorter and the nights longer and colder, I know I have to brace my ethnic hair to survive the forthcoming harsh, dry Johannesburg winter. Johannesburg winter is not a joke you all. Johannesburg knows how to be stinging cold in winter. With the mostly clear skies, it becomes so nippy cold I just want to fast-track the months to spring already. Okay. We are not talking about how cold Johannesburg can be though, but how to make sure your hair survives the cold winter months as I share how I am going to go about it so you can get some tips to help you come up with your winter hair routine. Let’s admit it. Our hair and lifestyles are different so you will have to come up with a routine that suits you and your hair. There is no copy and paste here. I am sorry.
My Winter Hair Regimen/Routine
- Wash my hair once a week as usual unless time does not allow then I will stretch the wash day to after 10 to 14 days
- Deep condition every time I wash my hair. Either do a pre-poo with castor oil or do a deep condition with a normal conditioner spiced up with some oils. In winter, my hair is very dry so I need as much moisture as possible. Deep conditioning helps with better moisture retention.
- Do the Green House Effect (GHE) every two weeks such that my hair will be in twists or braids most of the time. I will do the GHE for 4 nights in a row then break for the rest of the week and the next week before repeating the cycle. I will try and use wigs, hats, and scarfs as much as possible during the day as the GHE can make my lovely twists look so unsightly after only 3 days in.
- A protein treatment once a month to keep my hair strong. So often I have to remind myself of the need to do a protein treatment on my hair. I hope to keep at it this winter though.
- Always wear a satin bonnet or scarf to bed for your ethnic hair. This I have always done no matter how tired I am even though I also use a satin pillowcase. I’m just like that.
- Finger detangle more than using any comb or brush. I will not be needing super-defined twist outs most of the winter and so there is no need to use a comb to detangle my hair. My fingers should be able to do it. I lose way less hair this way and also reduce the cumulative stress that my hair has to go through.
- Wear my hair more in a protective style than out. As I don’t have time for defined twist outs in winter. I am busy making myself warm to be bothered about wearing my hair out. Besides, the damage the dry windy weather can cause to my ends is not worth it. So I will be doing a lot of protective styling this winter. From Kinky twists to wigs, scarfs, and beanies. I just need to line my beanies with satin fabric for extra comfort and wellness of my hair. And the wigs, still trying out if it will work for me. I am more accustomed to twists and braids.
- Seal my ends and massage my scalp as often as necessary. This is one of the reasons why I love twists/braids without extensions as a protective style. I have access to my scalp and I can also moisturise and seal my ends quite often. This will be part of my GHE nights.
Products I will be using.
- I alternate between black soap and apple cider vinegar to wash my hair unless I am trying out a sample from the formulators I am working with to make a shampoo for me.
- Organics conditioner has become my new favourite when it comes to co-washing and deep conditioning. I upgrade it of course with some Argan oil and Olive Hair Oil when I use it as a deep conditioner.
- Auntie Jackie’s knot on my watch Instant detangling therapy is what I am using as a leave-in conditioner. This conditioner has some serious slip I tell you. Think I should review it soon for you ladies.
- Jamaican Black Castor oil is close to me these days. It is thought enough to really seal moisture for longer. My hair indeed feels moisturised for much longer and I also use castor oil for my scalp massages when doing the GHE. Works well for me and my hair is happy.
- My spritzer has is my staple and I will share what’s in it in another post.
- I seal with Twist & Shine Hair butter. This one here is my staple. I may try other products or my own formulations for a while but will always come back to my Twist & Shine.
That’s basically what will be happening with my ethnic hair this winter. Oh, and I will also indulge in the yogurt and honey hair mask once in a while although honey is a humectant. It just makes my hair feel so good. I will also be staying away from other common humectants like glycerin.
Do you have any special plans for your hair this winter?
With permission and written by: Ruth Mafupa of Natural Sisters