HOW TO KEEP YOUR 4C HAIR MOISTURIZED IN DRY SEASONS

It is summertime and you might be ready to get your bikinis and sunscreens on, but what about your hair? The climate, especially dry seasons, has poor effects on your hair as much as they do on your skin and lips. In the same way you might want to apply sunblocks on your skin to prevent sunburns or lip balms on your lips to prevent chapped lips, you need to protect your hair from damage too.

Dry seasons might not be in summer time alone, sometimes it might be the dry air present on some winter days.  Your hair needs more attention and moisture than you give it on normal days because the summer heat or dry air could harm your hair’s health and damage it.

The following are ways you can keep your hair moisturized in dry seasons

• Use hydrating hair  products

Your hair products, if possible all of it, should contain ingredients that can hydrate your hair. From sulfate-free shampoos to hydrating shampoos, silicone-free products, hydrating conditioners, and hydrating creams. To know if the work of the product is to mostly hydrate, water and other hydrating ingredients like glycerin should be listed in the first five ingredients on the ingredient list.

• Co-washing 

You should co-wash your hair in dry seasons especially if you have afro-textured or thick hair. Co-washing means washing your hair with cleansing conditioners only. It is better for your hair during dry seasons, it can help you retain moisture in your hair since it won’t wash off the sebum your scalp produces. You don’t want to be washing off your natural oils by using shampoos, you need them more during dry seasons more than ever.

• Avoid heat

You might want to tone down on the heat a little bit or completely during dry seasons. There’s already enough summer heat or dryness, using heat on your hair will only make things worse and cause dry scalp and hair breakage. 

You should avoid flat irons and blow drying your hair with high heat. Let it air dry instead and if you must apply heat, use a heat protection spray.

• Use spray bottles

You should have and use spray bottles containing water, leave-in conditioners and oils to spray on your hair at regular intervals to keep your hair moisturized. It is advised you carry it out around and spray when you feel your hair getting dry. It can prevent breakage, severe dryness and frizz. 

• Drink water often

It is recommended to drink water often to stay hydrated. It can also help your hair and skin’s health from within. It is recommended to drink 8 glasses of water in a day , you can exceed this in dry seasons. It will help hydrate and strengthen your hair.

• Protective hairstyles 

You can wear protective hairstyles during the summer heat to shield your hair from the  possible damage it could cause. In the case of the excessive dryness of winter, protective hairstyles are also a good way to go, but you can also wear beanies to protect your hair from the weather and keep it from drying out.

• Condition regularly 

To keep your hair moisturized in dry seasons, afro-textured hair or not, you have to condition your hair daily without skipping. It helps to moisturise your hair and soften it. You can do this by using regular conditioners or leave-in conditioners.

• Chemical treatments

During the dry seasons, regular chemical treatments should be reduced. If there’s no need for it or if it can wait, it should be totally avoided during dry seasons. Relaxing or dyeing your hair too often can cause dryness or damage to your hair, especially when it’s done improperly.

• Apply oils on your hair

The purpose of applying oils to your hair is to serve as a sealant to lock in the moisture in your hair. Mineral oils are not the best fit in this case or other cases. They can cause scalp buildup and irritation. Coconut oil and olive oils can be used in the place of mineral oils. They are more safe and effective.

• UV ray protection 

Your hair also needs protection from the sun. Spending too much time in the sun can damage your hair and even your hair follicles. Aside from that, it is also a way of exposing your hair to the severe summer heat which draws moisture from your hair. This can be avoided by using sunscreens designated for your hair to add shine and moisture to it. They come in the form of powders, spray and creams. Another way to protect your hair from the sun is by using hats or scarves.

• Use satin bonnets or pillowcases when sleeping 

Make use of satin bonnets or pillowcases before you sleep . This is to avoid waking up with frizz, tangles and dry hair. Also, they can help retain the moisture in your hair that would have escaped by the frequent friction between your hair and cotton pillowcases if you weren’t wearing a bonnet.

• Deep condition

You should deep condition your hair once every week. It is more effective than regular conditioners and it helps to restore moisture to your hair. It also makes your hair soft and shiny and it makes detangling easy.

Most of these tips should be incorporated in your daily routine during dry seasons to keep your hair moisturized and healthy. Lack of moisture in your hair could lead to frizzy hair, dry scalp that may cause dandruff, hair breakage and tangles especially if you have curly hair and they might become even harder to manage that way. It might be a lot to handle and it might take time and effort, but it’s worth it.