Winter Curly Hair Care: My Go-To Tips & Products to Keep Curls Happy All Season
A photo of me with my curly hair in the winter!
Winter is hereeeee! While I love cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and holiday vibes, winter can really do a number on curly hair. Cold, dry air can zap all the moisture out of my curls, leaving them frizzy, dry, and not their fabulous selves. But after a few seasons of experimenting, I’ve got my winter curly hair routine down to a science — and I’m excited to share my go-to tips and products with you! Plus, for even more curly hair tutorials, don’t miss my YouTube channel and earlier curly hair care guides for more fun tips and tricks.
1. Hydration is EVERYTHING
Winter’s dry air can leave my curls parched, so I amp up the moisture with a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week. Look for ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil for maximum hydration.
One of My Favorite Products: Davines LOVE Curl Hair Mask for Curly Hair Hair Masque
Why I Love It: This sulfate-free hair mask is a winter must-have for curly hair! Rich in proteins, this product works magic, leaving my curls soft, defined, and moisturized.
Tip: I’ll sometimes put my hair in a bun after applying the masque for even deeper hydration. It’s like a mini spa day for my curls!
2. Keep Cleansing Gentle
Over-washing strips my hair of natural oils, so in winter, I opt for a paraben-free shampoo to strengthen my strands while moisturizing.
One of My Favorite Products: Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo
Why I Love It: It’s gentle and cleanses my hair without losing moisture or stripping my red hair color.
Tip: On my wash days, I still focus on gently massaging my scalp to keep it clean and happy. This keeps my curls feeling fresh without overdoing it.
3. Seal in That Moisture!
After I wash my hair, I lock in all that moisture with a leave-in conditioner and a lightweight oil. This is a game-changer for battling winter frizz and dryness.
One of My Favorite Products: AG Care Fast Food Leave-On Conditioner
Why I Love It: This lightweight leave-in conditioner adds shine and locks in moisture without weighing down my curls. I use it as a leave-in or mix it with my styling products for extra hydration.
Tip: I apply this while my hair is still damp to seal in moisture — it’s a small step that makes a big difference!
4. Embrace Protective Styles
Winter is a great time to rock protective styles like braids, twists, or buns — if you choose to do so. These styles can help shield curls from the harsh, dry air, helping to keep them moisturized and breakage-free.
Tip: If you’re heading outside, wrap your hair with a silk or satin scarf under your hat. Not only is it cute, but it’s also protective! I’ve even shared a few of my favorite winter scarf styles over on my YouTube channel.
5. Cut Back on Heat Styling
Winter can be especially tough on curls, so it’s best not to overdo it with heat tools, which can make hair even drier. I like to embrace my natural curl pattern during the colder months and keep things simple with heatless styles. That said, I’ll occasionally treat myself to a blowout at the salon, but I try to keep it at once or twice a month to protect my curls.
Tip: If you’re after a bit more volume, try diffusing on a low heat setting! And for more inspiration, check out my heatless hairstyle tutorial on YouTube — it's packed with ideas to keep curls looking their best without the added heat.
Final Thoughts: Keep Those Curls Happy All Winter
Winter can be a challenge for us curlies, but with the right products and a little extra care, our curls can stay hydrated, soft, and full of life. Each of these tips has helped me love my winter curls, and I hope they help you, too!
If you’re ready to keep your curls fabulous all season, check out the products mentioned here and my YouTube channel for more in-depth tutorials. Here’s to curls that stay bouncy, healthy, and full of personality — even when the weather’s not on our side. Happy winter hair care, curl friends!