If you have kinky, coily, or curly hair, then you probably know how ‘temperamental’ your hair can be - or at least I’ll speak for myself. If there’s a lesson I’ve learned over the years is that diligence and patience are a must because the hair’s moisture levels, texture, and overall health can shift drastically with the changing weather and seasons and we have to be alert when these changes happen. Understanding how the environment affects it will help you to adjust your hair care routine around the seasons, ensuring that your curls and coils stay hydrated, defined, and healthy all year long.

Winter: Combatting Dryness and Breakage

Winter probably is one of the most challenging seasons for textured hair. The cold air outside and the dry heat indoors can wreak havoc on moisture levels, leaving your kinky, coily, and curly hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

**Quick Winter hair tips:**

Deep condition more frequently
Rely more on protective styles
Use a humidifier

Key Winter Hair Concerns:

- Dryness: Cold air holds less moisture, making it harder for your hair to retain hydration. Heating systems also absorb the moisture from the air, leading to further dehydration.

- Breakage: When your hair loses moisture, it tends to become brittle. This can lead to split ends and breakage, especially if you wear wear hats and scarves, which can cause friction against your hair.

- Shrinkage: Cold weather can cause shrinkage in coily and curly hair as the strands tend to contract in cooler temperatures.

Winter Hair Care Tips:

- Deep Condition more frequently: Use a deep conditioner that is rich in humectants like glycerin and honey to draw moisture into your hair. Follow up with a heavy, emollient-based cream or butter to seal in the moisture. Try to deep condition every week, or at least as often as you wash your hair, depending on your routine.

- Protective Styling: Try low-manipulation styles like twists, braids, or buns to minimize breakage and protect your ends from the harsh environment.

- Use a Humidifier: Relieve indoor dryness by running a humidifier to keep the air (and hair) hydrated. This will not only bring benefits for your hair, but will also help relieve issues like cold and allergy symptoms, dry sinuses, nosebleeds, dry skin, dehydration, cracked lips among others.

Spring: Rebalancing Moisture and Strength

As winter turns to spring, the air becomes more humid, and your curls may respond by absorbing moisture from the air. Spring showers and blooming humidity can bring more volume to your curls, but too much moisture can also lead to frizz and tangles.

**Quick tips to make your hair flourish during Spring:**

Master the Moisture-Protein Balance (“listen” to your hair)
Rely more on Lightweight Products
Clarify as Needed

Key Spring Hair Concerns:

- Frizz: With higher humidity, frizz is more likely, especially if you have a high-porosity hair that quickly absorbs moisture.

- Excess Moisture: Over-moisturized hair can become limp, mushy, or overly soft, causing curls to lose their definition.

Spring Hair Care Tips:

- Moisture-Protein Balance: Focus on balancing moisture with protein treatments. Protein helps strengthen your hair and maintain curl definition in humid conditions. This may seem easier said than done, but if your hair is feeling limp and mushy, it’s time for a protein treatment, and if it feels dry, you need to focus on moisturizing. Pay attention to how your hair feels and alternate between the two.

- Lightweight Products: Opt for lighter gels, creams, and leave-ins to prevent weighing your hair down in the humid air.

- Clarify as Needed: If your hair starts feeling limp or mushy, it might be time for a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and rebalance your moisture levels.

Summer: Hydration and Protection from Heat

Summer can be a double-edged sword for textured hair. The increased humidity can help keep your curls hydrated, but excessive heat, UV exposure, and sweat can also lead to frizz, dryness, and sun damage (I know, I know…keeping those coils healthy is not an easy job).

Hot Girl Summer quick hair tips:

UV protectant is a must
Co-wash more regularly
Opt for hydrating sprays

Key Summer Hair Concerns:

- UV Damage: Prolonged exposure to the sun can weaken your hair cuticles, leading to dryness, breakage, and color fading.

- Frizz & Humidity: As with spring, high humidity levels can cause frizz, but the added heat intensifies the challenge.

- Sweat & Salt Water: Sweat and salt water (if you’re at the beach) can strip moisture from your hair, leaving it feeling rough and dehydrated.

Summer Hair Care Tips:

- Use a UV Protectant: Opt for products with UV filters to protect your curls from sun damage, especially if you spend long periods outdoors.

- Co-wash more regularly: Cleanse your hair with a co-wash or a sulfate-free shampoo to gently remove sweat and salt without stripping away natural oils.

- Hydrating Sprays: Use water-based, leave-in sprays or mists to refresh your curls throughout the day and combat frizz.

Fall: Strengthening and Prepping for the Cold

Fall serves as a transitional season for your hair, making it the perfect time to strengthen and prep for winter. The air is cooler, but not as dry as in winter, allowing for a better balance between moisture and protein care.

**Quick Fall hair tips:**

Do more Protein Treatments
Switch to Heavier Moisturizers
Rely more on Protective Styles

Key Fall Hair Concerns:

- Drying Air: As temperatures drop, the air becomes drier, slowly preparing your hair for the harshness of winter.

- Shedding: You might notice an increase in shedding as your hair responds to the change in season and prepares for the colder months.

Fall Hair Care Tips:

- Protein Treatments: Incorporate protein treatments to strengthen your hair and repair any summer damage caused by UV rays or salt water.

- Switch to Heavier Moisturizers: As the air gets cooler, start using heavier creams and butters to lock in moisture.

- Protective Styles: Begin incorporating protective styles like twists, buns, or box braids to prepare for the colder months ahead.

Year-Round Essentials for Kinky, Coily, and Curly Hair

Regardless of the season, maintaining healthy hair for kinky, coily, and curly textures requires a consistent routine that adapts to environmental changes. Here are a few year-round tips to keep in mind:

- Regular Moisture: Always prioritize moisture. Textured hair tends to be dry, so regular conditioning and moisturizing are essential to maintain elasticity and prevent breakage.

- Seal in Moisture: Use heavier oils and butters (such as shea butter or castor oil) to seal in moisture, particularly in colder months.

- Trim Regularly: Keep your ends healthy with regular trims to prevent split ends and breakage.

Conclusion

Your hair care routine needs to change with the seasons to ensure your curls, coils, and kinks stay in top shape. The right combination of products and techniques tailored to the weather will help you avoid frizz, breakage, and dehydration, keeping your curls bouncy and healthy year-round.

Do you have any question after reading this article or would you like for us to take a deep dive on a specific topic? Let us know.

How Weather and the different Seasons Impact Your Hair Health: A Guide for Kinky, Coily, and Curly Hair