Now that the winter season is officially in full swing, folks are laser-focused on their skincare routines. After all, cold air can be a nightmare for skin — from cracked lips to a dull-looking complexion. However, your skin should not be your only concern during the chilly months. Truth be told, your hair and edges require TLC as well.
Unfortunately, cold air is notorious for sucking every last drop of moisture out of your mane. In turn, this makes it difficult to retain moisture and prevent breakage. Luckily, there are a plethora of ways to keep your edges intact throughout the season. If you’re ready to preserve your mane, keep reading for six tips to protect your edges during the winter months.
1. Put your hot tools on ice
We love a sleek, smooth style, like the next beauty maven. However, you should strive to achieve the look without using too much heat. The wash day blow-dry (with a cooling session) is an exception. However, excessive flat iron, curling iron, and waving iron usage is a no-go for the cold months. Heat-styling tools remove moisture from your strands, and the cold air will only exacerbate the process.
2. Add deep conditioners into the mix
The reason why deep conditioners fly off the shelves during the cold months is simple — supreme moisture. Deep conditioners work to penetrate the hair shaft — from root to tip — to impart an accelerated boost of hydration and nourishment. In other words, the cold air won’t stand a chance.
3. Wear satin-lined hats and scarves
Knitted hats and scarves made with cotton, wool, and other rough materials can create friction and cause breakage, moisture loss, and tangles to persist. Stay ahead of the game by opting for satin-lined hats and scarves. Satin works wonders to create a barrier between the cold air and your strands while keeping you warm.
4. Keep your edges moisturized
Combat the cold weather by showing your edges extra attention in the moisture department. Start by applying your go-to water-based leave-in conditioner to your edges one to two times a week. Follow up with hair butter and oil — known as the LCO/LOC method — to lock in hydration. This step will keep breakage at bay and strengthen your edges.
5. Utilize protective styles
Protective styles — from braids to wig installs — reign supreme in protecting your edges and strands from overexposure to harsh elements. In addition, protective styles prevent constant manipulation, which helps to minimize the risk of breakage.
6. Avoid going outside with wet hair
Wet hair and cold weather are not a match made in heaven. Per Mane Addicts, once cold air comes in contact with a wet mane, hair strands expand and stiffen, which leads to breakage. That said, make sure you have dry strands before heading outdoors.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to maintaining both the health of your natural hair and the longevity of your protective style, so stick to your regular hair care routine for vibrant, mint-condition locks.
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