With the cold weather upon us, curls begin to flatten. Curly hair can be a struggle to maintain in general let alone in the cold, dry weather. As a college junior, I have learned some easy tips and affordable products that have refreshed my curls and given them the voluminous, full, and beachy look that my hair usually only experiences in the summer.
- Only Wash About Two or Three Times a Week
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I know, sounds pretty gross, but for people with curls, washing too frequently actually can cause hair to lose its elasticity and curl by drying it out. This causes hair to become super frizzy and flat especially in the winter. Curls NEED the natural mostruire that your hair produces to maintain the ringlets. By washing your hair less frequently, you will be able to maintain moisture. I found that by doing this, my curls were much more defined and voluminous on days where I do not wash.
- Do Not Brush Your Hair
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This one may sound weird as well, but I found that when I would brush my hair after my shower, it would dry completely frizzy, flat, and stringy. By not brushing my hair and using a quarter sized amount of conditioner, I realized I was able to maintain my hair’s bounciness and curl while also avoiding tangle and knots. When knots do occur once in a while, a good trick is to take a wide comb and brush through the knotty section while conditioning.
- Use Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Cream and Organix Penetrating Argan Oil
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With being a college student, it is sometimes hard to buy high-end products for your hair. However, I’ve been able to find great and cheap products that make my curls feel nourished and have a bouncy appearance that lasts! Garnier Fructis’ Curl Nourish is my absolute go-to and is only $4.99. The second product in my routine that made so much of a difference is Organix Penetrating Argan Oil, which is only $6.74. These products can be found at Target, Amazon, and other convenience stores like such. After I shower, I dry my hair by patting it with a dry towel for 4-5 minutes and apply a drop of the Argan Oil throughout my hair. This maintains moisture and creates a more lush texture, since my natural hair is a little dry and coarse. Next, I take about a dime size amount of the Curl Nourish Cream and apply it through my hair and scrunch at the ends. It’s just as simple and affordable as that, and these products last me for months!
- Leave in Bun to Air Dry
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Another trick I discovered in recent years for maintaining my curls is air drying my hair in a bun. After I shower and use my products, I throw my hair up in a wet bun for however long (usually an hour to an hour and a half). When that time passes, I take my hair down to air dry, and I’m good to go. I think this method works so well because of how it avoids frizziness and stringiness. It also locks in moisture while your hair is tied, so when you take it down, you can see the volume and the prominence of the curls.
- Diffuse Only When You Have to and When hair is Semi Dry
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I usually steer clear of putting heat on my hair to avoid damaging my curls. But in a time crunch, I will defuse my hair with a blowdryer, especially in the winter when the air is cold and dry. When I diffuse my hair, I usually let it sit in a wet bun for about 30 minutes to an hour. After that, I diffuse my damp hair in sections which only takes about 10 minutes!
Check out these products and try these tips to see the results come to light! I’ve never felt happier with my curls, and I’m glad I was able to find a routine that leaves my hair looking and feeling good, no matter what the weather may be!