Human hair is a protein fiber that covers our heads and has the ability to absorb water from its surroundings.
Just like wool and cotton fibers, human hair changes physically in response to different weather conditions.
Depending on your hair type, the winter cold may react differently to these seasonal changes. However, every individual's hair requires a specific attention and care routine to limit the weather's effect.
Curly hair is unique in texture and because of this, it can be more susceptible to damage. The curls vary in diameter which leads to frizz, dryness, and difficulty maintaining your chosen style during the colder months when there is less moisture in the air.
So, how do we take care of curly hair during the fall season?
Curly hair is generally more susceptible to the drying effects of cold weather. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to protect your curls during the colder months.
In this article, we'll go over some basic science on how cold affects curly hair, how to combat these cold, dry conditions, as well as product recommendations.
Effects of Colder Weather
Every winter, people can expect below-freezing temperatures, little moisture in the air, and harsh winds. Low humidity levels can cause your hair to become dry and brittle.
Water molecules linked with amino acids via hydrogen bonding are trapped inside the hair shaft thanks to decreased humidity.
Adsorbed water molecules assure the structural integrity, mechanical properties, and elasticity of keratin protein.
Hair adsorption of water typically occurs when there is a two-way traffic mechanism in place that is influenced by the concentration gradient.
The higher the moisture level in the air (high humidity), the more water molecules are absorbed by hair keratin, and vice versa.
Humidity decreases in the winter, and the air becomes dry (less water concentration in the air); dry air attracts moisture from the hair shaft.
Curly Hair During Fall: How Do We Handle It?
Proper hair care is essential to keeping your locks healthy and lustrous throughout the winter, when both temperatures and humidity outside can take a nosedive.
Hair requires a sufficient number of water molecules to preserve hydrogen bonding, enhancing fiber elasticity and ease of styling.
So, how can we keep our hair from becoming dry?
Keep It Well-Conditioned
Cationic molecules in a conditioning agent adhere to negative sites on the hair shaft. The outer surface of the hair shaft is coated by this electrostatic bonding, keeping the inner hairs healthy. This helps to keep the hair's moisture level and protects it from external environmental factors.
Cationics blended with moisturizing extract and natural emollients further boost their efficacy.
Not only does this conditioner help to align your cuticles, but it also improves the surface quality of your hair shaft.
Consequently, you'll have an easier time combing and brushing your hair, further controlling potential damage.
Our Bouncecurl Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner is an excellent choice for this purpose. It is a blend of carefully crafted natural botanical extracts which help to improve hair moisture level.
The addition of lactic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, chamomile flower extract, and green tea extract delivers loads of moisture, which can help maintain the hair moisture level.
In the winter, a leave-in conditioner is vital. The majority of people spend more time outdoors in the cold weather, which can damage hair. By using a leave-in conditioner, you give your locks extra protection from the elements.
Bounce Curl Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner is a great leave in conditioner to use during the autumn season.
Its high content of Jojoba seed oil helps give it an original aesthetic sensorial feel after just a few applications. This fantastic leave-in conditioner helps provide strong, lustrous, healthy, and soft hair.
Traditional Humectants
Humectants are organic chemicals that can attract and retain water molecules. Glycerin and propylene glycol are two examples of common humectants.
The majority of the curly hair treatments on the market claim to promote "Hair Moisturizing," which use either one or both in significantly higher concentrations.
Water molecules from the air are attracted by these humectant molecules, transporting them to the hair shaft.
However, in humid, dry climates, they draw water molecules from the hair's core. This can leave hair more dehydrated, while glycerin or propylene glycol can also leave a sticky residue on the hair that is highly unappealing.
That is why, during the winter months, it is strongly advised not to use these traditional humectant components for curly hair formulations. However, all of our products contain a very low percentage of glycerin.
We use botanical extracts in our products soaked in glycerin as a preservative, and that's why we have to list glycerin in our products since it is present, but again, at a very low percentage.
Applying Oils & Butters
Dry hair requires a remedy to protect its natural moisture content. Oils, lipids, butter, or waxes works to form a lipophilic coating at the hair surface, protecting inner hair areas.
Natural oils are preferred because of their natural, sustainable and multifunctional benefits. They can be applied directly or incorporated in a cream, lotion, or other forms of the formulation.
Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump & Define Cream is a highly favored recipe having multiple butter and oils. The product is highly sought for dry curls and is recommended for the fall or colder season.
Slow Down On Thermal Treatments
Popular thermal treatments for hair styling, such as blow drying and flat ironing, can cause the hair to lose moisture content, making it drier. Furthermore, the outer hair layer may be severely damaged at high temperatures.
If your hair's diameter is uneven along the shaft, it may be more susceptible to damage from heat treatments.
To help keep your locks moisturized, it's best to avoid these thermal treatments during the winter months.
Summary
The Winter season is a busy time for everyone. It snows, and we all like to hibernate indoors during the cold months, but our hectic schedules expose us to harsh winter weather conditions.
Hair can be severely damaged by the elements and become dry and coarse. To ensure hair quality and ease of manageability, a carefully planned hair care regimen is required.
Key Take-Away Tips:
- Minimize your exposure to dry winter conditions.
- Avoid excessive washing. Always use a gentle moisturizing shampoo, preferably only once a week.
- Co-wash when needed.
- Use a detoxifying mask.
- Use a deep conditioner having plenty of conditioning agents, natural emollients, and butter.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner.
- Once or twice a week at least, massage your hair with your preferred oil.
- Avoid excessive use of heat.
Recommended products
- Bounce Curl Enzyme Gentle Clarifying Shampoo, once or twice a week for hair cleansing.
- Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner, apply after washing.
- Bounce Curl Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner for everyday use.
- Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump & Define Cream, once a week for extremely damaged curly hair.
- Bounce Curl, Light creme gel can be used every day for everyday styling.
