The rains and floods are receding, and the cold dry winds of the harmattan are close by. Blessing Ukemena writes on how to protect your hair as the weather turns colder.
When we think of the harmattan, which is around the corner, we remember the dust-filled days, piercing sunlight, adorable sweaters, and fashion-forward boots that come to mind. Something else that seems to go hand in hand with this cold dry winds which can dry, brittle and damaged hair. Lucky for you, this doesn’t have to be your story. There are ways to provide some sort of protection for your hair.
Deep condition regularly
This tip probably sounds like the same old broken record playing over and over, but deep conditioning is extremely important to any hair care regimen, and even more important during the Fall and Winter months. Having clean hair is extremely important, but while shampooing helps to rid your hair of any impurities, it can also strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. Cold weather only seems to worsen these conditions.
Moisturising deep conditioners assist in combatting this issue. Adding a deep conditioner to your haircare regimen may add a few more minutes to your routine, but it is certainly worth it in the long run.
Suggestions: If in any case you have noticed that more of your hair falls out after conditioning, then better stop conditioning all together.
Trimmings
Getting rid of split and brittle ends that have been damaged by hair summer rays is one of the best things that you can do for your hair this time of the year. There are some who suggest that you should trim your ends every six to eight weeks.
Then, there are others who believe that trimming your ends that frequently isn’t necessary. I don’t feel that there is one blanket trimming schedule that applies to all women. When you notice that your ends are damaged and splitting, get rid of them.
Learn to not only moisturise, but seal as well
As your hair is forced to endure beatings from high winds and cold weather, it tends to dry out a bit. Adding moisture to your hair is great; but it is not enough to keep your hair hydrated. Once you’ve washed or wet your hair, try applying a water based leave-in conditioner or moisturiser and following up with an oil or butter such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, mango butter or raw shea butter. Water and moisturisers are what add moisture to your hair, but the oils or butters are what seal it in.
Beware of the wool scarves and jackets
Ugh, wool scarves and jacket collars are guilty of damaging the ends of fabulous tresses across the globe. As temperatures drop, many ladies are reaching for the wool scarves and pea coats. I know the temptation to strut down the street in your fine wool pea coat with your hair “flowy” and flying in the wind like Sarah Jessica Parker out of an episode of Sex and the City, but, unless you have a FULL weave or an up-do, that style is not for you. Wool causes breakage due to friction, it also has a tendency to deplete your hair of necessary moisture.
Protective styling
Due to the dry condition that the cold weather has a tendency to put hair in, protective hair styles are super helpful. Protective hair styles that require low or no manipulation styles that put hair up and away giving it a break and shielding from harmful elements, which help in preventing breakage. This means that if you are more comfortable with weavons and hair extensions, then now is when you need it more.
If you are a naturalista, then you should be doing a lot of pack up styles. Braids are also very good as well. Protective styles prevent damage to the edges, while allowing the hair to rest; wearing natural hair out constantly puts you at the risk for breakage, which inhibits hair growth.
Wear silk scarves
The modern woman likes to leave her hair flowing, but this is not safe for your hair in the harmattan season. If you sport a jeans and shirt, you could slam on a face cap or these fancy nets and beads headgear that most young ladies are sporting. The less the winds get to touch your real hair, the better for you.
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