Ensuring your child’s curly hair remains radiant in winter requires a strategic approach. Invest in the right products to shield your child’s curly hair from the harsh effects of cold weather, maintaining its natural beauty. With proper care, your child’s curly hair can defy winter’s challenges and stay luscious and vibrant.
What Causes Hair Damage In Curly-Haired Kids During Winter?
Winter can be rough on curly hair. The cold, dry air robs moisture from the hair shaft causing it to become dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. Kids spend more time indoors in the winter as well, exposing their hair to potentially damaging indoor heat.
Several factors contribute to winter hair damage in curly-haired kids:
Dry Air
The cold winter months come with very dry air, both outdoors and indoors. Heating systems suck humidity out of the air as they warm houses and buildings. This dry air dehydrates curls.
Static Electricity
The combination of dry air and materials like wool, nylon, and even cotton can cause static electricity to build up in curly hair in the wintertime. This causes strands to stand up and become prone to snapping.
Increased Use of Hats & Hoods
While hats and hoods keep kids’ heads warm, they also rub and disturb the cuticle layer of curly hair, allowing moisture to escape and leading to dehydration and breakage.
Frequent Wetting & Drying
Kids often come inside from the cold with wet hair. Frequent wetting and drying without properly conditioning leads to damage over time.
Indoor Heat Exposure
Artificial indoor heat from furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters dries out hair tremendously in the winter. The high temperatures also degrade hair proteins more quickly.
Proper winter hair care is crucial for avoiding damage to textured tresses.
What Ingredients Repair Winter Hair Damage in Curly-Haired Kids?
Using the right hair care products with nourishing, hydrating ingredients can make a big difference in preventing and repairing winter-weather damage to kids’ curls. Here are some of the best ingredients to look for:
These ingredients infuse deep, long-lasting hydration while also forming a protective barrier to seal moisture into each strand. This helps curly hair stay supple and restored despite harsh winter conditions.
Shea Butter
Shea butter has amazing moisturizing abilities to hydrate parched curls plus vitamins and fatty acids to truly nourish the hair. It provides a protective coating that locks in moisture.
Argan Oil
This antioxidant-rich oil absorbs easily to repair damage from the inside out. It also boosts shine by smoothing down the cuticle layer of each hair strand.
Jojoba Oil
With a molecular structure that closely resembles our scalp’s natural oils, jojoba oil supplements natural sebum production and prevents moisture loss.
Avocado Oil
The thick, ultra-hydrating properties of avocado oil make it ideal for loosening dry, tight curls and improving elasticity against winter breakage.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant that draws water molecules from the air into the hair strand, increasing and sealing in much-needed hydration during drier months.
Using multiple products with these ingredients creates an optimal environment for restoring and protecting textured hair this winter.
What is the Best Winter Routine for Kids With Curly Hair?
Caring for curly hair in harsh winter weather requires some adjustments to your regular routine. Here is an overview of tips for a winter curl care regimen:
Shampoo Less Often
Wash curly hair only 1-2 times per week in the winter months. Frequent shampooing strips needed moisture from the strands. Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free cleanser.
Double Condition
Always apply a hydrating conditioner after shampooing in winter. Let it soak 5+ minutes before rinsing so nutrients can penetrate. Also use a leave-in conditioner after towel drying.
Carefully Detangle
Always detangle gently with lots of conditioner still on the strands. Use a wide-tooth comb or wet brush. Avoid tugging on knots.
Use Protective Styles
Keep hair braided or twisted when outdoors. At home, tie up longer hair in loose buns, head wraps, or scarves to minimize weather exposure.
Seal with Oil
Lock winter moisture into curls by applying a few drops of argan, jojoba, or avocado oil focused on the ends after leave-in conditioner.
Sleep in Bonnet/Pineapple Style
Securely tie hair up in a bonnet or loosely on top of head overnight using a scrunchie. This prevents dryness and friction while resting.
With a focused, reparative hair care plan in place over the winter months, kids’ curls will stay healthy, bouncy and strong once spring arrives again.
How Often to Deep Condition Kids’ Curly Hair in Winter
Deep conditioning is a vital component of any curly winter hair regimen. The increased frequency depends on your child’s curl type and current condition:
- Type 2 Wavy Hair – Deep condition 1x a month
- Type 3a/3b Curly Hair – Deep condition Every 2 Weeks
- Type 3c/4a/4b Coily Hair – Deep condition 1-2x a week
Additionally, increase deep conditioning treatments if you notice:
- Dry, tangled strands
- Increased shedding
- Brittle or breaking hair
- Lackluster appearance
Look for thick, nourishing masks with proteins, ceramides, shea butter, or argan oil and apply liberally from roots to ends. Cover hair with a heat cap or wrap for 30+ minutes so maximum moisture can absorb. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a moisture-sealing leave-in conditioner after.
What Products Work Best for Curly Hair in Winter?
Unlock the best winter care for your curly hair—products that keep curls vibrant and frizz-free. Learn the secret to maintaining beautiful curls even in the chilliest weather.
Shampoos
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo – Contains shea butter, silk protein, and certified organic Neem oil that cleanses hair without stripping natural oils
- Carols Daughter Wash Day Delight Shampoo – Aloe leaf juice and glycerin provide moisture while gently cleansing hair and scalp
- Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Shampoo – Blueberry extract, sweet almond oil, and vitamin B5 repair hair, increase shine, and protect against seasonal damage
Conditioners
- TGIN Miracle RepaiRx Conditioner – Formulated with olive oil, jojoba oil, and hydrolized keratin to strengthen and deeply nourish hair
- Cantu Complete Conditioning Co-Wash – Co-washing option features shea butter, glycerin, and coconut oil to cleanse, hydrate, detangle, and prevent winter breakage all-in-one
- Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioner – Babassu and coconut oils plus silk amino acids restore winter moisture loss and improve hair elasticity
Styling Products
- Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Recipes Gel – Controls and defines curls with flaxseed gel, olive oil, and castor oil without stiffness or flaking
- Camille Rose Curl Maker – Marshmallow root extract, aloe vera, and rice protein shape, hydrate, and boost shine for defined winter curls
- The Mane Choice Crystal Orchid Biotin Infused Styling Gel – Orchid extract, essential vitamins, silk amino acids allow for easy, touchable styling without crunch
Can You Use Gel on Kids’ Curly Hair in Winter?
Yes, curl-defining gels are great for styling kids’ textured hair in the winter but choose options with moisturizing ingredients to avoid dryness or flaking. Stay away from gels containing alcohol which can be drying.
When applying gel, don’t rake or scrub it through the strands unnecessarily. Use the “praying hands” technique or glide it gently over the exterior layer to minimize disruption to the cuticle. Less is often more with gel application for kids – you want hold without stiffness.
If hair still feels crunchy or looks dull and lifeless after gelling in the winter, scrunch in a few drops of oil on the ends to add back gloss and flexibility. Oils high in essential fatty acids like argan, jojoba and sweet almond nicely combat gel-related dryness issues.
Pair gel with other hydrating stylers like curl creams, butters, or leave-in conditioners during the winter season for defined, conditioned curls kids will love without sacrificing hair health.
What Accessories Help Protect Curly Hair in Winter?
Using protective accessories is key for keeping kids’ curls resilient against harsh winter elements like wind, cold temperatures, and moisture-sucking indoor heat.
Hats
- Wool caps, fleece-lined hats, and water-resistant winter hats help insulate curls and retain natural moisture while outdoors.
- Look for adjustable options that fit securely without rubbing and disturbing the hair cuticle.
- Stock up on a few different hat styles/colors for versatility with winter outfits.
Scarves
- Both silk and cotton head scarves limit environmental exposure.
- Tie scarves in place securely but not too tightly.
- Scrunch longer hair up first before wrapping scarf to prevent pulling on ends.
Bonnets
- Satin-lined bonnets worn at night significantly reduce friction, allowing moisture restored from deep treatments to absorb fully while sleeping instead of rubbing off onto pillowcases.
- Alternate between a few bonnets to allow proper drying/sanitizing after each use to prevent bacteria buildup.
Hoods
Cozy fleece-lined water-resistant hoods provide warmth and protection when playing outdoors or while commuting on cold winter days. Seek hoods that tie or have chin straps to prevent overstretching delicate curls when removed.
Using protective winter hair accessories minimizes the need for restorative treatments later. Keep curly kids looking cute and feeling comfortable all season long with the right winter gear for their beautiful tresses.
How Can You Maintain Curl Definition in Cold, Dry Weather?
Achieving defined curls with bounce and shine through harsh winter weather presents challenges but is absolutely possible with the right routine. Here are pro tips for maintaining stunning curl definition all winter long:
Adjust Styling Technique
In cold weather, apply all leave-in products to soaking wet hair right out of the shower, not damp hair. Soaking wet application allows maximum saturation into the strands so they remain hydrated as the hair dries in arid indoor/outdoor winter air.
Modify Product Choices
Swap lightweight summer gels and mousses for richer styling creams containing oils and butters that withstand dryness better. Layer in a curl definer on top for hold. Frequently touching up dry spots with oil also keeps clumps of curls springy.
Embrace Gentle Diffusing
Diffuse hair upside down on low heat/speed to encourage curl formation without causing frizz or overly drying strands in the process. Don’t touch curls while diffusing! Let them set into defined spirals naturally.
Carefully Refresh Styles
Refresh drooping curls with a curl activator spray or foam followed by gentle scrunching, not brushing. Break up any pieces that feel stiff from old product with a few drops of oil to restore moisture and re-define shape.
Maintain Moisture Balance
Continue deep conditioning while also using clarifying shampoos periodically to remove hard water/product buildup that weighs strands down over time, stretching out curl pattern.
With some tweaks to care for the cold, your curly kid can continue sporting fabulous, defined texture all winter long!
Conclusion
Kids with curly hair face increased challenges during the colder months as harsh winter weather and indoor heat dry out and damage textured strands. Using nourishing products with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and glycerin can restore much-needed hydration and resilience against breakage.
Implementing a focused winter curl care regimen with moisture-sealing techniques like reduced washing, double conditioning, oil sealing ends, wearing protective styles and accessories can keep kids’ curls coiled, conditioned, and healthy despite seasonal hair hazards. With the right curly hair winter care plan, kids can confidently rock their textured tresses all the way until spring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some most frequently asked questions about caring for kids’ curly hair in winter:
Should you use protein treatments on kids’ hair in winter?
Yes, using a protein-rich deep conditioning hair mask once a week or every other week in the winter months can reinforce strength in fragile, damage-prone curls by filling in gaps in the hair cuticles. For the best results, follow up protein treatments with an intensive moisturizing mask.
How often should kids with curly hair use a clarifying shampoo over winter?
Clarify curly hair once every 2-3 weeks in winter when buildup typically increases from heavier styling products and hat/hood wearing. This prevents dull, limp hair by removing mineral deposits and residue. Minimize other winter hair washing between clarifying sessions.
Should curly haired kids only air dry in winter or is diffusing ok?
Diffusing on low heat is an acceptable alternative for quicker winter curl drying time as long as hair isn’t significantly manipulation or combed in the process. Air drying ultimately causes less potential damage – pick based on your child’s hair needs and patience level!
Can you use the same winter products on all curly hair types?
While many winter curl products work across multiple textures, adjust intensity accordingly. For example, use heavier creams/butters on very coily 4c hair versus lighter leave-ins for wavier types to avoid greasiness. Test products on your individual child’s curl pattern for optimal results.
What’s better for overnight winter protection: bonnet or silk pillowcase?
Bonnets provide insulation against moisture robbing fabrics, keeping deep conditioned moisture locked in hair overnight better than pillowcases. Use both if possible, especially for long hair susceptible to tangling. But bonnets should be the priority purchase.