There must be some clovers in the atmosphere! As the winter chill sets in, my curls require extra love and attention to combat the harsh weather conditions that can leave them dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. While I could stick to my usual routine of weekly wash and go’s, as the process is super hydrating, I prefer to keep it at a minimum this time of year. Welcome to my hibernation season, or as I like to call it: Flat Twist Season. My winter haircare arsenal is packed with goodies from prewash oils, to moisturizing shampoos, and deeply nourishing masks. Spoiling my curls has never felt so good – let’s dive into some winter haircare love!
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Pre-Wash Routine
Hair Proud
Clean & Strong Precleanse Hair Mask
This mask has been my savior for those times I really need it, A.K.A around my period when I tend to skip my usual wash routine. While it’s great for dealing with my prolonged washes, it’s been a lovely addition to my winter routine. It preps my hair with lots of moisture, providing easier manageability.
Fable & Mane
HoliRoots™ Hair Oil
On days I take down my braids or flat twists, I pre-oil my hair and scalp for around 30 minutes. Due to my scalp sensitivity, I don’t use hair oils often. However, I would notice resistance as I detangled on account of previous parting. To avoid this, I sometimes oil my scalp and strands from root to tip, gently smoothing.
Cleansers & Conditioners
Innersense Organic Beauty
Hydrating Cream Hairbath
Making sure my hair is hydrated is super important and this Innersense collection has been my go-to.
Innersense Organic Beauty
Hydrating Cream Conditioner
Hydration + easy detangling! I love the formulation; I always know it’s going to be a lovely wash day.
KeraCare
Curlessence Moisturizing Shampoo
Although I love using water-soluble products, I’m not completely against products with more oils. I love how soft my hair feels after using this.
KeraCare
Curlessence Moisturizing Conditioner
This might be the cheapest conditioner I own, and it works all too well. Detangling is just as easy, and my curls feel so moisturized.
RedKen
Extreme Length Shampoo
Hydration and moisture are important, but so is protein for my fine porous hair. I use this around 1-2 times a month and although I’m fairly new to the Extreme Length collection, I have used their Extreme line. I loved it and thought I’d give this a try.
RedKen
Extreme Length Conditioner
Most of my conditioner’s foam, but this one is different. I really love how these products feel on my hair, I hope to update on the length retention aspect in a few months from now. I don’t expect crazy results but I’m curious. Either way, I’m here for the protein!
RedKen
Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
I can’t forget to clarify this season, as it’s important to make sure my hair is able to absorb all the hydration and moisture it needs. I use this clarifying shampoo once a month to rid any product buildup.
Innersense Organic Beauty
Detox Hair Mask
This is another clarifier I love! When I clarify my hair, I almost always follow up with a deep conditioner to ensure my curls aren’t the least bit dry. It’s a perfect 2-for-1; deep cleanse and immediate nourishment.
Deep Conditioners & Hair Masks
Olaplex
No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Although I don’t think virgin and chemical-free hair should use Olaplex too often, there are some exceptions. This intense moisture mask is amazing, I typically apply it after my usual shampoo & conditioner sesh and rinse it off after 10 minutes.
Uncle Funky’s Daughter
Heal & Renew Intensive Hair Masque
This treatment is perfection. Uncle Funky’s Daughter is probably my favorite haircare brand, and for good reason. This mask nourishes my curls in the best way, and the peppermint leaves my hair and scalp feeling FRESH.
Adwoa Beauty
Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment
This mask is exquisite!! I’ve only used it once but it’s being added to my rotation. My curls were so juicy, moisturized, and defined, literally the most gorgeous coils ever! This mask leaves my hair feeling greaat!
Innersense Organic Beauty
Hydrating Hair Masque
I absolutely love how hydrating Innersense products are, and this mask is amazing to use after the hydrating shampoo and conditioner! It’s like giving my curls the crispiest drink of water on a hot summer day. Lol.
RedKen
Extreme Length Triple Action Treatment Mask
When I use this protein/strengthening mask, it’s usually in place of the Extreme length conditioner. Interestingly enough, this mask advises you to apply it directly on the scalp along with the strands. It gives my scalp this tingling and cooling sensation, it’s nice.
Function of Beauty
Bond Repair Custom Conditioner Mask
Our hair is made up of bonds, and they can be broken by heat styling, sun exposure, mechanical damage, etc., so I love using bond builders. I aim to use them once every 6 weeks, and this mask is great. With or without the concentrates!
Styling Products
Mielle Organics
Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
I’ll never forget where I came from, A.K.A I’ll never stop using Mielle! These products have been with me from the jump, and I cherish them dearly. Love this leave-in!
Mielle Organics
Pomegranate & Honey Curl Defining Mousse
Pairing this mousse with the leave-in is such a great combination. My hair feels so soft, curls look FED, and my flat twists always come out lovely. I’m obsessed with it, and I actually need to re-up!
Uncle Funky’s Daughter
Super Curl Miracle Moisture Cream Hair Treatment
Warning: this product smells unbelievably good! I gasped when I got my first whiff, it’s heavenly. And yes, the cream is great too! I love to pair it with a mousse.
The Doux
Mousse Def Texture Foam
My ride-or-die, day 1 favorite; I love The Doux mousse! This foam gives me the juiciest, most hydrated flat twists ever. Even when I don’t twist or braid tightly, my hair comes out very neat. Definitely a staple.
Protective Styling
Flat Twists + Headwraps
Wigs (A.K.A the perfect hats)
Gone are the days of wash and go’s; now I just twist or braid my hair down into rows of 2, 4, or 6. I redo them every week on wash day and that’s it. I love how quick and easy my wash days are without gel styling since I don’t have to wait AGES (40 minutes.. heh) for my hair to dry. Now I just diffuse for about 5 minutes and let the rest air dry and I’m good. I typically wear headwraps most days or I’ll wear a wig, but honestly, not really. It’s headwraps for me, I love them BAD! I feel so bundled up and they cover my hair well.
Soft Reminder
I genuinely love recommending my favorites, especially for those with hair similar to mine or curly hair in general but remember – you don’t need an abundance of products to maintain your hair in the winter. The real key is to deep condition whenever your hair craves it, and truthfully, the products you already have may be just fine. This is very new to me, but I’ve been deep conditioning every wash day (not too long, about 10 minutes) and I use a different product each time. The reason I own a lot of these products is because I’m a haircare content creator; otherwise, my collection would be much more minimal, like before. Natural haircare doesn’t require an extensive lineup, just a handful of essentials can work wonders for your curls. Sending lots of love, curlfriends!
