How to retain natural hair moisture this winter? It’s quite easy if you follow a few simple tips. But before we get into them, welcome to another seasonal entry, I hope you can take away something from today’s blog.

So temperatures are dropping and the air is becoming dryer. Yes, even in Jamaica, especially in central parishes. This calls for extra hair hydration and moisture retention.

What does the term ‘moisture retention’ mean though? Simply put, this refers to your hair’s ability to stay hydrated and hold moisture between the times you actually add moisturizers to it. If your hair gets dry just a day or two after being adequately hydrated, then you most likely have low moisture retention. So let’s discuss some solutions;

• Deep Condition Often. It pays to deep condition more often during this time, if you are used to deep conditioning once a month, I’d recommend topping up to every two weeks. Moreover, if you are able to, every week during washday would work wonders.
• Pre-poo. Conditioning with oils or specifically designed pre-pooing products gives intense hydration and allows the hair to retain moisture even after shapooing. This step helps to prevent your hair from drying out after washing.
• Using Hair Masques. Hair masques are designed to lock in moisture and not just soften the hair for styling. Before applying your favorite masque I suggest first using a cream moisturizer and then an oil. The oil will seal in the cream and the masque will also act as a long-lasting hydrating coat allowing your hair to retain more moisture.
• Add Leave-in Conditioner. Using leave-in conditioners is like doubling down on the conditioning process and my oh my, doesn’t our hair enjoy such hydration. Spray leave-in conditioners work well for boosting the hair during the work week without having to take down your braids or mess up your hairstyle. Cream leave-in conditioners are also great for repeated or midweek styling as your hair might be dry by Wednesday and in need of moisture.

• Use a Spray Bottle. Spraying water and whatever oil or hair cream you might choose to add to your hair while styling is a great way to moisturize and help your hair retain moisture. If you constantly introduce your hair to hydration the easier it will become for moisture to be absorbed into it. Grab your spray bottle some more this season.
• Drink Water. Feed your hair from within, that’s it, that’s the caption. Seriously, just stay hydrated please. Your scalp will produce more natural oils that will travel down the shaft of your hair to keep it moisturized if your body is properly hydrated.
• Use Aloe Vera Gel. This is a bonus tip. Aloe vera can be added to every step of the wash process: pre-pooing, shampooing, conditioning and deep conditioning. Aloe vera is a great moisturizer and the vitamins really help to open the pores on you hair so that products can be properly absorbed. It’s natural components are so close to those produced in the scalp, it works easy to hydrate and lock in moisture. Try it, and you will be pleased.

Whether hot or cold, sun or snow, hair tends to be at the mercy of the elements and it will become dry, especially if you have curly or kinky hair like myself, you know this is no joke. During the summer and winter the temperature changes makes it harder for your hair to stay soft and moisturized. So follow the tips above and I bet you’ll have smooth sailing this season.

Dry and low moisture retention hair has left the chat.

Thank you so much for reading. See you tomorrow, same place. Till then have a great hair day!