By Chinwe of Hair and Health
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how to prevent breakage during the wintertime. (You can view that post here.) Though moisture loss and breakage can overlap, this post is focused more on the former.
1. Switch to the L.O.C. method or the L.O.C.O. method
By now, many naturals practice the L.O.C. method, but for those who do not, this winter may be the time to start. What is the L.O.C. method? Well, it works like this: First you apply a liquid (i.e., a water-based product) to your hair. Then you follow up with an oil (e.g., olive, avocado, coconut). Lastly, you finish up with a heavy cream. Using this method during the wintertime can help some naturals retain moisture better than sealing with oil alone. What about the L.O.C.O. method (not to be confused with the L.C.O. method)? I personally have not seen anyone talk about this, but I find it even more effective than the L.O.C. routine. Just follow up your cream with a sealing oil (e.g., grapeseed, safflower).
2. Wear twisted and/or braided natural hair styles
Protective styles help to lock in moisture better than loose hairstyles. For some naturals, twisted and braided updos (using your own hair) are the best protective styles in terms of moisture retention (in addition to protection). There is a variation of styles that can be done — big twists or small twists, big braids or small braids, flat twists or cornrows … any twisted or braided style that works for you.
3. Wear a satin scarf under your hat
Winter hats are usually made from acrylic, wool, or cotton, which are all fabrics than can suck moisture from the hair. To avoid this problem, wear a good quality satin scarf under your hat OR purchase a satin-lined (silk or polyester) winter hat.
4. Deep condition more frequently
During the warmer months, you probably did not do much deep conditioning or you skipped it altogether. During these colder months, such routines may not be sufficient for some naturals. That being said, this may be the time to step up your deep conditioning for a moisture-intensive treatment. Depending on your hair’s needs, you may want to increase your frequency to bi-weekly or weekly.
5. Lather the roots and only once while washing
The intended purpose of a wash routine is to remove dirt, pollutants, and product buildup … not to remove our natural oils. Lathering twice (or more) while washing your hair can strip away these natural oils, so during the winter, try sticking to lathering only once. Now for those who are comfortable with this next adjustment, you can avoid further stripping by lathering your scalp and roots instead of your entire hair from root to tip. When rinsing away the shampoo, allow the rinse to run through your hair down to the tips. This can help give the hair a surface cleaning without stripping it entirely.
Ladies, how do you change your moisture routine for the winter?
I find that a thorough misting of glycerine based spray followed by 10 min under the heat cap can work wonders.
I was struck by the hontsey of your posting
I usually really make sure my scalp is clean and allow the water to rinse down my hair strands, so I will continue to later twice until I see a problem
I also deep condition more often. And I use heavier oils, like castor.
I had success with castor last winter in wearing twists and such, but I found that when the weather began to change back to warmer temps that my hair was almost reliant on it and was a touch more dry than desired when I cut back in using it… Maybe it was just my mix or order or products at the time, who knows! I do plan to give it another whirl this year.
Yes I increase deep conditioning (with a heating cap) too. I like to use my castor oil as an oil rinse after I wash the conditioner out. It seems to sink into my hair better that way and leaves just a light evenly distributed coating on my strands. That was its not too sticky or heavy, yet moisturized.
This is all new to me. I been totally natural since Janaury of this year. I have been wearing a protective style for a month now. This coming Saturday im getting a sewin. I would love to get some pointers on how to take care a sewin being natural.
Sew-in tips: Before the install: Make sure that your hair and scalp are clean and well moisturized. Clarify your hair and deep condition. If your hair needs a protein treatment this is a great time to do it. You want your hair clean, moisturized, and strong while it is tucked away. Gently Detangle your hair prior to the install. Do not give the hairstylist the responsibility of cleaning, conditioning, and detangling your hair. The goal is to retain length while hiding your hair and if you have a stylist that is not gentle or uses the wrong products you could… Read more »
Thanks for the info. Saturday I did get a sewin. I am very pick about the way i look so i took it out right after she finished. It made me look like an old woman. I’m 39 not 59 lol.
This is a brilliant article. I am still learning and find these pieces of information to be invaluable. Thanks, guys!! 😀
I twist my hair all the time so I’m really familiar with the L.O process I do it weekly. BUT I never ever ever got the “C” down. What type of heavy creams do yall suggest?!
Giovanni Direct Leave-in isn’t necessarily heavy, but it’s one of my staples, and it works miracles on my mane 🙂
I currently have crochet braids and these work great for the winter. I sometimes feel like updo protective styles don’t keep my head warm.
Love that the L.O.C.O. method has an official name now. This is how I always prepare my hair, by adding the extra layer of oil as the last step (especially at the ends). Works like a charm, and also adds a layer of shine.
Glad to see someone else has used the LOCO method ! I’ve been using a little S Curl as a leave in, a light layer of coconut oil, Qhemet’s Burdock root butter cream, & another light layer of coconut oil. I have fine hair & this can make it too oily if I’m not careful. To refresh I spritz with S Curl from a fine mist bottle so I only use a little. Yesterday I used a little S Curl & Qhemet Moringa Ghee as leave in, & Burdock root . When my hair was almost dry I sprayed with… Read more »
FOLLOW UP TO DEC 3RD POST : I’m now totally committed to an old school grease & water regimen for winter. I’m doing a hair treatment that requires that I wash my hair 3x/week. I didn’t want to rapidly use up my expensive Qhemet line & decided to just go old school since it’s cheaper. My hair is thriving!! No more split ends,breakage & dryness & I’m retaining length My yesterday’s wash regimen was as follows: wash hair, apply Queen Helene Cholesterol & get under my Huetiful steamer for 20″. Rinse hair well & for a leave in I apply… Read more »
My sister and I wore afro’s in the 70s and each night we wet our hair, applied Ultra Sheen or some hair grease, braided and pin curled each braid. I don’t remember ever having the problem with dryness that have now in the winter. I’m going back old school for this winter instead of trying over and over again with all this new way of taking care of natural hair without petroleum and mineral oil. My hair was solo dry from October to May.
i tried the LOCO method using
L. oyin handmade hair dew O. argan oil C. camille rose curlaide moisture butter or Lush R&B O. argan oil or almond oil
my hair is fair on the top and thick like chilly at the back. It’s like black girls mullet- lol. but I have tried the L.O.C and the O before the C was stopping the C from fully keeping my back hair (or party) moist. So now I do L.C.O and that seems to do the trick.
Maybe I should do L.O.C.O on the top and just be loco-LOL.
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I LOVE the bun! I’m transitioning and brdais will be my next protective style. I plan to get them installed in January after I give my scalp a break from this sew in I’ve had since October! I’m definitely going to try that bun! Britton recently posted..