5 Ways To Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized This Fall

@alexandra_nx

Fall is here! And if you’re anything like us, you’ve been itching to break out those fall outfits since the first of September. But as excited as we are about this fall season, we’re less excited about what the shifting weather might do to our hair. Whenever the air gets cold and dry, it’s time to pay closer attention to how we moisturize our hair.  Here are three ways to keep your strands protected this season. 

The LOC Method

If you want to retain moisture in your coils through the fall months, the LOC Method is a great place to start. Standing for “Liquid, Oil, Cream”, the LOC Method builds a protective barrier around your strands. This keeps your cuticles closed, locking the moisture in and locking the cold air out. You start with a liquid -- you can opt for water or a leave-in. Apply it to your hair from roots to tips, taking the time to coat each strand fully. You follow this step with your favorite oil. We recommend the Polished Hair & Scalp Oil. 

Once you’ve completed those two steps, you can seal the deal with a heavier moisturizing cream like our QUENCHED Hydrating & Twisting Butter. Pay close attention to your ends through each step. They need the moisture the most. Repeat this routine at least once a week and you’ll have a strong first line of defence against the shifting weather. 

Avoid Excessive Heat

We all love a good blowout or silk press for the holiday season. And with humidity levels low, the fall can feel like the perfect time to break out your heat tools, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The misuse of heat can not only dry out your hair, it can also damage your strands permanently. Heat damage negatively impacts your cuticles, making it impossible for them to close. This results in perpetually dry and frizzy hair. It also alters the structure of your hair proteins, making for damaged and droopy curls. Short of avoiding heat all together, the best thing to do is use moderate amounts of heat and always use a heat protectant, especially in the colder months when your strands are at their most vulnerable. 

Protective Styling

@creeative91 

Another pillar of moisture (and length) retention is protective styling. When your strands, particularly your ends, are tucked away they are kept safe from the winter air. And with a few modifications (namely omitting heavy creams if you’re doing styles like box braids or marley twists), you can continue your LOC routine the duration of your protective style. There are several different ways you can style your hair for protection. The aforementioned box braids and marley twists are tried and true options. You can also do simple styles like buns and two strand twists, with or without extensions. The possibilities are really endless. Here’s a list of stunning protective styles to get you started. No matter what style you go with, make sure it isn’t too tight and that your hair is being properly protected. You and your strands will be untouchable. 

Wash Your Hair Weekly 

If you’re planning on limiting your washes through the colder months, think again. Washing your hair regularly can keep your strands clarified and moisturized. Washing every week will give you the opportunity to do away with a week’s worth of product and dirt buildup, providing the perfect blank slate for an intensive moisture routine. 

Deep Condition With Steam

This last tip is truly a game changer for those who have never heard of it. It’s important to incorporate regular deep conditioning into your routine. We recommend the INDULGE Deep Conditioner. One way you can maximize the effectiveness of those deep conditions is with steam. You can use the steam from your shower, a steaming cap, or even a hair steamer. This will open your cuticles and allow the conditioner to penetrate more deeply. Finish with a cold rinse to close those cuticles and you’ll be good to go with the rest of your routine!  

How do you protect your hair as it gets colder? Comment below and tell us.