Oh, the joys of curly hair! I absolutely love my curls, but winter in Chicago can be a real challenge. The cold, dry air seems to suck the life right out of them, leaving me with a frizzy, undefined mess. I've spent years experimenting to find the perfect winter routine, and I'm excited to share what I've learned!
I remember one particularly brutal January. I had a big event coming up, and no matter what I did, my curls were just not cooperating. Hats flattened them, the wind tangled them, and the dry air turned them into a static-filled nightmare. It felt like I was constantly battling the elements. I started dreading even stepping outside, knowing what awaited my hair.
It was more than just a bad hair day – it was a bad hair season. I realized I needed a serious strategy to combat the winter's effects. Just staying indoors wasn’t an option for me! I needed to find ways to protect my curls while still enjoying winter activities. The struggle was real.
After much trial and error, I discovered a few key things that really made a difference. Here’s what worked for me:
I found that an alpaca wool headband was a game-changer. I can pull my hair over it, which provides warmth without completely flattening my curls like a hat. Sure, it impacts the curl pattern a bit, but it's way better than the dreaded hat-hair. Plus, alpaca wool is incredibly soft, warm, and not itchy at all. I even bought a few in different colors to match my outfits!
I also tried a satin-lined beanie, and it helped reduce friction and prevent frizz. The satin lining creates a smooth barrier between my hair and the beanie, minimizing the static and breakage that can occur with regular hats. If you are in the market for a new winter hat, you might want to click here to see a variety of options.
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best! I started using ear muffs on days when I didn't need full head coverage. They kept my ears warm without messing up my curls. Plus, they're super cute and come in a variety of styles.
On really cold or windy days, I wear a hooded coat over a headband. This provides an extra layer of protection from the elements. I have baby fine, curly hair, so I totally understand the struggle of keeping curls intact in harsh weather.
I was browsing Wholecustomdesign the other day and stumbled upon these Winter Warm Hats for Women Casual Stacking Knitted Bonnet Caps. I decided to give it a try, and I've been pleasantly surprised. The hat is a comfortable fit, and the material is soft and warm. I like wearing hats from Wholecustomdesign because they are stylish and practical. I've found that wearing it loosely allows my curls to retain some of their shape, and the knit material doesn't create as much friction as some other fabrics. It's become one of my go-to winter accessories!
Beyond protective headwear, here are some other tips that have helped me keep my curls healthy and happy during the winter months: