The temperatures have dropped and the snow is falling. Whether you're battling icy temperatures in Chicago, dry air in Phoenix, or harsh winds in Boston, you need to protect your crown with more than a chic beanie. Protective styles like braids, twists & locs are go-to’s for natural curly hair, coils & tight textures. But no matter the style, the best thing you can do for your curly hair in winter is to keep it healthy & hydrated.
"Self-care for hair is the best way to get through the cold weather during these winter months," says hairstylist & PATTERN Pro Roneka Conley. "Love your hair. Care for it, brush it, moisturize it. Do scalp massages, hair masks & steam treatments."
We asked Conley & fellow PATTERN Pro stylist Jazmin O'Brien to share a few of their nourishing winter hair care tips to better ensure healthy hair during cold weather.
Q: Is it possible to use too much hair oil in the winter?
PATTERN team: There is such a thing as too much hair oil any time of year. It is always good to pay close attention to your hair’s moisture needs in colder, more brutal weather. Balance is key. Hair should never be weighed down and it is always a good idea to put the bulk of the oil you apply to your dry scalp. Simply allow the heat from your body to melt the oil & distribute it through your naturally curly hair. Then, follow up with a light coat from the hair shaft through your ends.
Q: Who should worry about too much protein in the winter?
PATTERN team: Despite popular belief, tightly textured hair can actually be the most fragile hair type. Depending on tightness, coils tend to be more susceptible to tangling. Because of this, too much protein will harden the hair shaft & make a recipe for disastrous hair problems like hair breakage and split ends during detangling.
Q: What makes a great winter hair mask?
PATTERN team: PATTERN's Heavy Conditioner still takes the cake on moisturizing the hair. Sometimes clients think, "OMG it's winter I have to moisturize my hair more.” In reality, most people end up over-moisturizing the hair, making it too soft & fragile which, in turn, promotes hair breakage. During your winter hair care routine, simply use our curly hair mask. Let the mask sit on your hair for 5-10 minutes. You can also use it under the steamer (or hair dryer if you don't have a steamer) for 15-20 min in order to prevent damaged hair.
Q: Which products are great for hydrating protective styles like braids & faux locks?
PATTERN team: The Argan Oil Serum & the Jojoba Oil Hair Serum Self-Heating Packs. If you shampoo your hair while in the protective style, follow up the shampoo & conditioner with Hydrating Mist after shampooing and conditioning. Next, use the tips of your fingers to massage the Leave-In Conditioner into the scalp. Once your wet hair is dry, follow up with a hot oil treatment throughout the scalp as needed.
Q: What's the biggest mistake curlies, coilies & tight textures make in the cold weather?
PATTERN team: Over-hydrating. We tend to go into panic mode during the colder months. No need to panic. Make sure each hair strand stays moist & happy as it has been in the spring or summer months.
Remember, our hair is evolving always & you could potentially have different curl patterns in different areas around your head. You may also experience a shift in your hair as time, products & methods change. You may find our Curl Guide to be helpful as you find the right products for your unique, beautiful pattern.
Ensure your curly hair routine is flourishing all year round with PATTERN products. Our Mini Conditioner Trial Bundle is great for experimenting with our 3 conditioners to learn which is yummiest for your hair type, & our Jojoba Oil Hair Serum is especially beloved by an itchy or dry scalp. Check out our blog for curly hair tips & shop the entire collection or save with our natural hair bundles now.
6 comments
Pattern products have really changed not only my hair,but my life. Over the last several years I’ve had soooooo many ups and downs with my hair and scalp as a result of having autoimmune disorders. Since using the products my hair has been getting thicker and longer, and whenever I get impatient I look back at old photos of my hair and scalp as a reminder of how far I’ve come on my healthy hair and scalp journey. I’m still trying to figure out the best way to use some of the products in my hair specifically, but I’ve shared this product with friends and family, an I use it in all 3 of my sons’ hair as well. If anyone has had issues with hair loss and or thinning hair: then you understand how it affects your mental health. I am so much happier and this is the first winter in such a long time that I didn’t experience any significant hair breakage. Thank you!!
I am in love with Pattern Beauty! The philosophy behind the brand, the chic packaging, founded by the Curly Queen herslef – Tracee Ellis Ross, and of course the impecable team members that executed & supported in developing the vision. The Heavy and Intensive Conditioners have become my holy grails, which is saying alot because I am extremely picky with my hair products, and always go for the upmost quality curly hair products. I consider hair products and other beauty products a worthy investment, because in it is an investment in myself, that allows me to fully own who I am in my most authentic form. Not only do I fully look forward to bathing my hair in the Pattern conditioners every week, but it literally brings a smile to my face seeing the beautiful packing everyday on my dresser – I have a feeling of glee thinking about what it does for me, a sense of pride that it is black woman founded, and knowing it’s impact on other beautiful people with curly, coily, and tight textures.
Sent with lots of love,
To the Pattern Team & Ms. Ross :-)
Tracee, I got to tell you thank you, your product gives me that young youthful look for a 70 year young woman. Have a healthy and safe New Year!💕
💜💜💜💜💜💜 Pattern💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
I love the leave in conditioner, and I love the heavy conditioner