Top Tips on Maintaining Moisture as the Seasons Change

Written By Venus L

An issue that affects all Naturalistas universally, maintaining moisture within your tresses becomes all the more vital during periods of weather-related transitioning. While it may seem like a cut and dry issue, variables in regards to personal hair type and texture, the climate one resides in, the products used, as well as the chosen hair care regimen, maintaining moisture in the hair can either be a synch or your worst nightmare. With that said, the following is an overview in terms of how to maintain moisturized natural hair as the seasons change.

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Drink Water 

One of the best ways for any Naturalista to boost or maintain moisture, drinking water is imperative for healthy hair and skin. Given that the body is comprised of 75% water, not drinking water can cause damage to not only the hair and skin but to all other major and minor organs of the body. Try drinking 6-8 glasses per day in order to add a level of healthy sheen to those tresses.

Shampooing and Co-Washing 

Although many are aware of the benefits of co-washing or washing your hair with conditioner only, many are also unaware of the fact that shampooing is often equally as vital. Although co-washing is important because it helps to promote moisture, being sure to keep your hair and scalp clean via shampoos is imperative as it unclogs hair follicles and removes build up. This makes it easier for the products you use to take to the hair rather than simply being piled on top of pre-existing greasy build up.

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Use Water-Based Products and Moisturizers 

While many believe that other ingredients are more important than water in terms of promoting moisture, water is actually one of the best ingredients for any moisturizer to contain. By purchasing products that list water as one of the first ingredients, you will thereby be adding a great level of moisture to your natural hair.

Use Sealants on Damp Hair 

Next, sealants contain ingredients that help lock in the moisture (water). By treating your hair with sealants while it is damp, you will help your hair retain an extra layer of moisture.

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Hot Oil Treatments 

A great way to cure dryness and frizziness during the colder months, hot oil treatments are a Naturalistas best friend. While many products exist in terms of hot oil treatments, is is imperative to note that one simply needs to place their favorite oils in a container, warm it with hot water, apply the oil to the hair and scalp, leave it in for 15-30 minutes, and rinse it out. However, if you are dead set of choosing a hot oil treatment product, be sure not to purchase products with mineral oil of petroleum as these ingredients can be especially drying to the hair. In terms of suggested oils for hot oil treatments, try a few of the following:

• Tea Tree Oil
• Peppermint Essential Oil
• Neem Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Castor Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Spray-On Glossers 

Another option for maintaining healthy, moisturized natural hair, using spray-on glossers can help quite a bit. Especially helpful for those who live in climates that are especially hot and dry, these glosser sprays help to add shine and moisture to an array of styles. Especially effective on twists outs, Afros, and other less defined styles, using these glossers gives your hair a level of instant shine that lasts for hours.

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Never Skip the Scarf! 

Lastly, one of the most important things every Naturalista can do in order to ensure maximum moisture all-year-round, sleeping with a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillow case, is the best way to retain your moisture for days on end. Helping by sealing in the moisture that would usually be rubbed away during the tossing and turning that occurs overnight, making sure to keep your hair wrapped or at least, using a satin or silk pillowcase, can be one of the best ways to ensure your hair maintains its moisture, even as the seasons change.

Overall, maintaining moisture is a battle that each Naturalista must combat differently. As with most natural hair matters, each head of natural hair responds to every product differently. Either way, these tips, and tricks are great for Naturalistas with every hair type, regardless of climate or weather issues. Just be sure to commit to using each product properly and take note of the results in order to develop your own personalized moisture-maintenance regimen.