Five or six years ago as soon as summer was over, I would  be booked in at the salon for yakki twists or another long term protective style which could last 4-6 weeks. My hair was shorter then so my logic for protective styling was that I wouldn't have to deal with my hair in the harsh weather, I would use braid sprays to keep it moisturized and wash it every two weeks and that was it. As I got older, I found it pointless spending money to have these styles as I would start to miss my own hair after 2 weeks and take it out again.

Starting my hair journey and learning how to care for my hair through online research and talking to hair bloggers and enthusiasts, I have learnt how important it is to tweak my hair regime during the colder months.

Below are some essentials for keeping your hair healthy and retaining your length during the next 6 months:




Pre-poo

Pre-pooing your hair with conditioner or oil or both before you shampoo your hair, helps to prevent the shampoo from stripping your hair, leaving it feeling like straw. You can also pre-poo before a co-wash. I either use my own oil mix to pre-poo my hair or African Royale Hot Six Oil.






Co-Wash / Shampoo

In the cold weather, your hair needs all the moisture it can get. Use a sulfate-free shampoo. When shampooing it is important to follow this up with a deep conditioner.You could also try to limit the amount of shampoo you use and instead wash your hair with conditioner. Your hair will be left moisturised and have great slip. I use Herbal Essence Hello Hydration conditoner to co-wash and Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo.





Deep Conditioning

With the harsh weather conditions and also the artificial heat from central heating at home, school and work; the hair can get very dry which is why it is essential to deep condition your hair with heat (e.g.hood dryer; hair therapy wrap) with each shampoo. I tend to deep condition my hair even if I'm just co-washing just for that extra piece of mind. I add oils to my deep conditioners religiously, it can vary from olive oil, castor oil, coconut oil etc or a mixture of all of them. 




Protein Treatment

As well as ensuring to deep condition your hair with a moisturising conditioner, it is also important to do a protein treatment to strengthen the hair. You can use an egg as a protein treatment, I use ORS Hair Mayonnaise on damp hair as a pre-poo with heat and then after a shampoo I will then follow up with a moisturising conditioner using heat. I do this once or twice a month depending on how my hair feels.





Heavier Hair Products

During the colder months bring out the heavier products that you may not necessarily use during the warmer months i.e. butters, cremes, leave in conditioners and oils. During the summer I was using lighter moisturisers for my hair. Now the weather is getting colder, I am back to using my staple Olive Oil & Mango Butter to ensure my hair keeps soft and moisturised. Instead of just sealing my hair with Avocado oil, I will mix it with Jamaican Black Castor Oil or Olive Oil for extra thickness.





Moisturise Your Hair More Often

Ensuring your hair is kept moisturised in the cold weather will prevent it from breakage due to dryness. Moisturising your hair/ends morning and night during these seasons will help prevent dryness.




Oils

After moisturising your hair, seal it on with a thicker oil than what you would use in the summer; Extra Virgin Olive oil, Jamaican black castor oil, Avocado Oil, this will leave your hair protected from the harsh elements outdoors. Mixing oils in your deep conditioners is a must try and also doing a 15-20 hot oil treatment after your deep conditioner and then rinsing will leave your hair feeling amazing. My favourite oils are; castor oil, jbco, extra olive oil and avocado oil.




Baggy Your Hair

As previously mentioned, the cold weather can dry your hair out. You can leave home with your hair feeling like silk and then catch a glimpse of your hair throughout the day to wonder where your moisture has gone. The baggying method is a great way to re-hydrate your hair and to keep your hair moist. I moisturise my hair with olive oil and mango butter and then apply a shower cap for anything from 1 hour to 3 hours maybe 2- 3 times a week if my hair needs it. If my whole head feels dry then I will moisturise my hair and new growth, clip my hair into one loose pin curl and cover with the shower cap. If it is just my ends which are dry then I will moisturise my ends, out my hair in a loose ponytail and then cover the ponytail with a shower cap and secure with a loose hair band.




No Direct Heat

Using direct heat on your hair such as hair dryers and straighteners; when its cold and windy outside will dry out your hair which can leave your hair prone to breakage. If you want to use heat; doing a roller set or wet wrap set is better for your hair as you will be using indirect heat which is healthier for your hair and you will still get the straight results you crave. I prefer to use no heat at all where possible and instead I air dry my hair using a satin scarf to straighten my edges.






Protective Styling
With the change in temperature outside  we are already digging out our woolly jumpers, cardigans, hats and scarfs. Wearing a protective style with your hair up off your shoulders can help to protect your hair from slow breakage which happens your ends are constantly snagging on the jumpers and cardigan and creating brittleness dryness. Try bunning, a french braid, twists, braids, up dos etc.







Prevent Hair Breakage

If you are a lover of hats to keep your hair covered and protected from the harsh elements of the outdoors then a tip would be to add some satin fabric to the inside of your hats to add a protective lining for your hair. We all love to wear our scarfs for additional central heating but what many people don't realise is the damage woolen scarves can have to the nape of the hair as well as our coat collars etc, another tip is to purchase or make some cheap satin scarves in neutral colours to match your outfits. Use the scarf to protect your nape from rubbing on your collars, jumpers or scarfs by wrapping the satin scarf around your collar or neck before then adding your woolen fabrics as your hair will be protected by the satin.


These are my hair essentials for Autumn / Winter but do what is right your hair, the main aim is Moisture.