We Asked Three Experts How to Keep Your Curls Healthy This Winter

As soon as the weather drops, my seasonal swaps get into motion – my face creams and my wardrobe completely change to suit falling temperatures here in the UK and in order to keep my curls healthy and moisturised, I alter my hair routine too.

In the winter, the moisture levels are significantly lower, which doesn’t help as curls thrive on moisture to keep them healthy, nourished and frizz free. “Moisture in the air helps control static and makes hair behave more predictably, so you feel less dry. However, in winter, the combination of cold air and friction – like putting on and taking off a hat – can lead to frizz, flyaways, and static,” OGX’s Micheal Douglas tells PS UK.

“The goal during winter is to recreate the same moisture-rich conditions that your hair experiences in the summer. Obviously, you don’t suffer from sun damage in the winter to the same extent. So, it’s worth remembering that your head generally gets a lot less damaged in the winter, but it can still be more difficult to manage,” he adds.

Experts Featured in This Article

Michael Shaun Corby is the global education ambassador at Amika.
Jennie Roberts is the Afro and textured hair expert at SheaMoisture.
Michael Douglas is a celebrity hairstylist.

From nailing your wash day routine, to scheduling in steam appointments and finally purchasing a silk pillowcase, here are the expert-recommended tips for keeping your curls happy and healthy in the colder months.

Deep Conditioning is Key

Keeping your hair well conditioned and moisturised is a sure way to keep your curls as healthy and protected as possible from the biting cold. Our experts recommend using a deep condition mask once a week for a moisture boost and to prevent straw-like, brittle curls, which can lead to breakage.

“Winter air can dry your hair out fast, so give your curls weekly TLC with a deep conditioning mask, like Amika’s Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask (£33). Think of it as a spa day for your hair every Sunday,” Corby tells us.

Similarly, Douglas explains that a moisturising shampoo can help in keeping your hair conditioned, as a way to enhance your usual shampoo and conditioner routine. “Use a good moisturising shampoo such as OGX Nourishing+ Coconut Milk pH Balanced Shampoo (£7). The lack of moisture in the atmosphere needs to be replaced with additional moisture that you put in your hair.”

To get the most out of your deep conditioning treatment, Roberts says to apply to damp hair and leave it on for at least 10 minutes for the best results.

It’s Time For a Protective Style

Protective styles can help to prevent breakage, lock in moisture and be a fun way to experiment or change your style in the winter. If you want to keep on trend, Roberts suggests trying Boho or Goddess braids, which are ideal in offering style and protection. “On TikTok, these braids are often referred to interchangeably, with the hashtags #bohobraids and #goddessbraids racking up nearly 42.9 million and 717.5 million views, respectively.

“While this dreamy, protective hairstyle is fantastic, there are a few things to keep in mind to prevent breakage. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner like the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leave-In Conditioner (£10, originally £15) to protect your hair from the manipulation and tension that comes with braiding,” she adds.

And to keep your protective style looking sharp and your partings tidy, Corby recommends using a setting gel like Amika’s Curl Corps Enhancing Gel (£28) to minimise moisture loss.

Sleep Smart

The rave reviews aren’t fake, a silk, satin or bamboo pillowcase or bonnet is the real deal in keeping your locks friction and frizz free overnight. “Unlike cotton, which can cause friction and frizz, these smooth fabrics help maintain curl definition while you sleep,” Corby tells us.

Douglas adds these sleep hacks can help to keep your curls or protective style neat too. “Sleeping with your head wrapped in hair net or silk head scarf is also a great way of keeping the curls in place at nighttime, as well as reducing friction which prevents frizz and static.”

Hydrate and Moisturise

To avoid falling into the trap of over-washing your hair to add hydration and moisture, try refreshing your hair in between washes, using leave-in conditioners, oils or curl creams. “A water-based leave-in conditioner infused with nourishing oils, like SheaMoisture’s Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Leave-in Conditioner (£10, originally £15), will help to keep strands supple, preventing any dry-induced snapping,” Roberts explains.

Schedule Your Steams

A hair steam is a treatment that uses steam to deeply hydrate and condition the hair, helping it absorb moisture more effectively. According to Roberts, steaming helps open the hair cuticle, allowing deep hydration and maximum penetration of conditioning ingredients into the hair shaft.

“This method is particularly beneficial for natural and curly hair, which tends to be more prone to dryness,” she says. “It can help improve scalp health by loosening dirt and dead skin cells and reducing dandruff. Pair with an ultra-nourishing hair mask for a luxurious DIY conditioning treatment.”

Although there are at-home steam tools, it’s best to have their treatment done professionally for the best results. Many salons offer this so feel free to ask your hairstylist if they offer steams or, if you’re based in London, visit The Curl Bar, Divine Hair Salon, Texture Salon London or a Philip Kingsley Clinic.

Ace Your Post-Wash Routine

To make the most of your wash day, make sure your post-wash routine is up to scratch. Corby suggests taking care when detangling your hair after shampooing and conditioning your curls. “After washing, detangle again while your hair is damp using a lightweight spray like Amika’s Power Hour Curl Refreshing Spray (£26). Start from the ends and work your way up with a wide-tooth comb, wet brush, or your fingers.”

The Ultimate Detangler Chrome (£17) by Tangle Teezer is bound to have your back in defining and detangling your curls for bouncy results.

Then, allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a low setting to limit heat exposure. Corby says: “Winter doesn’t mean you need to turn up the heat on your styling tools. Better yet, relax by the fireplace with a hot cocoa and let your curls air dry naturally – it’s winter pampering at its finest!”

Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.