| The winter is here and in full effect in Michigan; which | | | | Sweet Nature by Eddie; and then lock in that |
| means a change of wardrobe, driving conditions and | | | | moisture with a heavy oil such as castor oil. This will |
| should mean a change in your hair care regimen. If | | | | leave the hair super soft, strong and moisturized in |
| you were lax in your hair care during the warmer | | | | the morning. |
| months, you may have survived with minor damage, | | | | Braid extensions are also a great choice for winter |
| but if you do not take some serious precautions | | | | months. If you follow these simple tips, not only will |
| during the colder months, come Spring, you will | | | | you preserve your hair, but you will have much |
| definitely regret it. Because the winter months can | | | | stronger, softer and healthier hair come Spring. If you |
| wreak havoc on your hair, it's very important to | | | | are going to use synthetic braiding hair such as yaki, |
| choose low maintenance styles so that you do not | | | | kanekelon or other synthetic fibers, it is best if you |
| have to comb or brush often. It's also a great idea to | | | | soak the hair in apple cider vinegar and then rinse in |
| incorporate a routine that causes very little stress on | | | | cool water before getting your extensions put in. |
| your hair such as letting the hair air dry instead of | | | | Synthetic braids come coated with a chemical that |
| blow drying it; finger combing the hair instead of | | | | causes our hair to become dry; this will strip the |
| using an actual comb; or if you do use a comb, use a | | | | chemical away. Another way to reduce dryness is by |
| wide tooth comb. Also, chose good moisturizing hair | | | | spraying the hair with a braid spray every day, again |
| care products that do not contain mineral oil, paraffin, | | | | the Growth Spray by Sweet Nature is an excellent |
| petrolatum, SLS or SLES, as all of these cause | | | | braid spray. You don't have to drench the hair; a fine |
| dryness. | | | | mist throughout the extensions will suffice |
| The harsh cold and frosty winds can cause excessive | | | | Weaves are considered protective only if they are |
| dryness and dandruff, and if you don't retain or | | | | sewn in and your own hair is cornrowed, out of |
| replenish the moisture in your hair, damage will soon | | | | harm's way. In this case, the only thing that is |
| follow. The best way to combat this is by protecting | | | | essential to retain moisture is to make sure that it is |
| the hair. During the winter, I never leave out of my | | | | replenished on a regular basis. Depending on the |
| house without my hair being covered. I generally | | | | quality of the weave, it's a good idea to run water |
| wear a satin or silk scarf under my winter hat to | | | | through the hair on a regularly, followed with a good |
| preserve the style as well as prevent direct contact | | | | moisturizing spray. |
| with the harsh material most hats are made of. | | | | Regardless of which protective style you chose to |
| In the winter the air becomes extremely dry and | | | | rock during the winter, it's important to make water |
| harsh; inside and outside. In order to retain moisture | | | | your best friend; drink plenty of it and let it run |
| in your hair during the day, it is good to use a | | | | through your hair often. You don't have to shampoo |
| humidifier to emit humidity in the air inside of your | | | | your hair every time you get it wet, but just letting |
| home or office. This will not only combat dry and | | | | water run through your hair will restore lost moisture. |
| brittle hair, but can help prevent or minimize dandruff. | | | | When I wear braid extensions, I let water run |
| Many women opt to wear protective styles during | | | | through my braid every other day; although I wash |
| the winter. Protective styles are styles that guard | | | | them only once a week. I also try to kick up my |
| the ends of the hair from the elements; buns, braid | | | | water intake to no less than sixty or so ounces a |
| extensions, and weaves are a few protective styles | | | | day. |
| to consider. Each of these styles are generally low | | | | The best way of all to combat winter damage is to |
| maintenance, and if maintained properly will allow you | | | | be proactive. If you start out with your hair strong |
| to preserve as much of your hair as possible | | | | and healthy before the winter, it will be a lot easier |
| throughout the winter months. | | | | to maintain and preserve during winter. Adopt a |
| If you choose to wear a bun, it's important to make | | | | weekly routine of washing with a moisturizing |
| sure that the hair is not pulled back too tightly, as | | | | shampoo void of SLS and SLES; a good deep |
| this may cause stress on the hair line. It is also a | | | | conditioner, and good moisturizer that does not |
| good idea to take the bun down every night and | | | | contain mineral oil, petrolatum or paraffin, as these |
| lightly mist the ends (about the last 2 inches of hair) | | | | ingredients lead to dryness. |
| with a good moisturizing spray such as Growth by | | | | |
