Winter hair tips????

[PoisonIvy]

First I would like to say I love this site!!!  I would like to know what everyone's winter hair tips are. I bc'ed in April of this year so the weather was warm and I didn't have to worry much about the cold, dry air. I live in Hampton, VA where it gets cold but not that cold (our biggest threat is freezing rain). TIA for any and all info.

[morenae]

I really need to take care of these ends of mine, whether it be winter, spring, fall, or whenever.

For the past week, I've been doing braidouts - braiding my hair in 4-5 chunky braids every night after moisturizing with water and Shea Moisture Leave-in (or whatever is handy). Then, unraveling in the morning and styling into a loose bun, single braid or pony with the ends tucked under. I will continue this into the winter. I'm in the process of a massive search 'n destroy for split ends right now.

In addition, I plan to:

- Deep condition more than my usual once a week with a heavy conditioner and oil. (My hair likes this.)
- Seal my ends with oil (coconut and jojoba oils work great for me).
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. (A spritz bottle with my Wonder Mix works well for - Aloe, Glycerin, Water, Oil. I vary the ratios depending on how much oil or moisture I want.)

I'm sure some other ladies have some wonderful tips as well....

[jeamaria]

My hair dries out even quicker in winter so what I'm planning to do this year that I didn't really do last year is layer my moisturizers; castor oil first, then a thick buttery creme, then aloe vera gel. I might even add an extra layer to that if I feel like going the extra mile. Both aloe and castor oil are humectants so other people might not want to use them in the winter. Personally, though I think the butter in the middle goes a long way to mitigating that effect and I find those two have a sealing effect on my hair that I haven't been able to get elsewhere. 

What I did do last year that I'll do again is cover my hair outside in the cold air; I wore hats and headscarves almost every day until march. I also plan to wear braids and just put my hair away for a while-I've already bought the hair.

[jazzi]

I live in Chicago where the winters are no joke and my hair can get really dry.  During this time I keep my hair in braids (natural micro braids & frechbraids) at least 90% of the time.  To maintain, I oil my scalp and ends at night, spritz and seal in the AM, co-wash every few days, and shampoo/DT (w plenty oil) as needed. 

When my hair isn't braided, I wear bantu knotouts.  I start with damp/dry clean/moisturized hair, make the knots, and unravel in the AM.  At night, I apply oil moisturizer and redo the knots.  I do this all week and then on the weekend, I clarify, DT, and start over.

So the only thing that changes in the winter is I don't co-wash everyday and I wear protective styles.  I also use richer conditioners and only style with oils/butters.  No gel or styling products.

[PoisonIvy]

Thank you ladies for all the tips.  I was wondering what I was going to do for the winter and I've been leaning towards getting micros or senegalese twists for the winter.

[Peachtree]

I don't have a definite winter regimen, however, I always make sure to do the basics..keep my ends moisturized and buttered up under my phony ponies!

[MissT.]

I'm in VA as well.  I stick to my protective styles and use my heavy butters and creams.