Protecting Your Hair From the Elements

IG @sunitav_ 

by Mary Wolff

Your hair needs your help. If you want your strands to look their best, they need you to protect them from all sorts of daily dangers. When it comes to protecting your hair from the elements, we have a few tips to keep your hair looking and feeling its best!

The most important thing to remember about protecting your hair from the elements is that it is a yearlong commitment just like the rest of your routine.

Here are a few tips on protecting your hair from the elements.

Continue!>>>


Beware the Sun

Sunscreen is your friend! Your strands can suffer from sun damage. Your scalp can, too! Look for hair care products that offer protection in the form of SPF worked into the formula. Some of my favorites are products that work double time such as Ouidad Sun Shield Sun and Sport Leave-in spray which not only protects against the sun but also moisturizes strands at the same time. Another favorite of mine is Living Proof Restore Instant Protection Spray. It leaves hair shiny and weightless while still protecting from harmful UV rays. While some curly girls have reported a lack of protection from SPF products, others find them useful. You may have to experiment with a few different products to find the one to give the results you want.  Sometimes the best way to protect your hair against the harmful rays of the sun is to simply take shelter. Wear a hat, wrap, or bandannas to keep your hair and scalp safe from the sun. You could also take shelter in the shade to avoid the perils of overexposure to the sun altogether. Trust me, your hair will thank you later.

Rainy Day

There are two sides to dealing with the rain and natural hair.  On the one hand, if it is a light sprinkling of pure rain water, it can actually leave hair with a little natural shine to it. If the water is more polluted and has a higher pH level, it can wreck your hair and cause frizz and tangles. The key to protecting your hair against rain is to know how your hair reacts to different pH levels and be prepared. Make sure you bring an umbrella with you and keep an anti-frizz or detangler in your bag just in case of emergencies. One of my favorites is Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe Radiating Tropical Elixir. You only need a small amount spread over your damp or wet strands and the frizz and flyways will vanish.

The Cold Side

Rain in springtime and summer isn’t the only thing to worry about when protecting your hair from the elements. The winter months can be just as draining on your strands. The colder weather air is often dry and can lead to hair that is more brittle and prone to breakage. Keep hair hydrated with moisture rich products. A few of my favorites to fight the winter blues are Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment and Twisted Sista Intensive Leave In Conditioner. Aside from using the right products, make sure you follow good hair habits during the winter like sleeping with your hair wrapped, sealing your ends with an oil treatment, and on special occasions steam your hair for extra care.

When it comes to protecting your strands from damaging elements, it is a combination of the right products and good habits. Keep your curls beautiful all year long and show your fellow curlies how it’s done!

from Natural Hair Care | Curly Nikki http://ift.tt/2jH74iJ