Winter is coming and that can only mean one thing: dry hair. It’s time to step up your hair game and not fall victim to unwanted frizz.

Story by Alexis Green

Illustrations by Esther Shin

As temperatures continue to drop, curly-haired people bid adieu to dreaded humidity and are now welcoming the new foe of dry winds and cold air. ORANGE has put together tips for you to gear up and ensure that your coils are protected at all costs.

Seal Those Ends

Just like you bundle up during the cold season, hair needs protection too. Harsh winds and dry weather can weaken hair and turn those luscious locks into unwanted frizz. Ends are especially a target for dryness because they are particularly fragile. Therefore, it is even more important to seal ends with oil after applying a moisturizing product. Think of oil as a jacket that protects from brutal winds and gives extra shine.

Know Your Oils

It’s truly a sign of changing times when you reach for that coconut oil and learn it is no longer liquid. We’ve all been there, because this magic product has become a staple for curly haired girls, but it is actually not meant for everything.

There are two types of oils. Sealing oils, which includes castor, jojoba, and argan oils, are meant to secure hair moisture. Avocado oil and the beloved coconut or olive oils are considered moisturizing oils. True to its name, these oils seep into the hair shaft to nourish the strands. So next time you’re in the cooking aisle picking out a hair product, make sure you’re reaching for the right thing.

Take Your Vitamins

Do we sound like your mom yet? Ensuring you’re getting necessary vitamins like vitamin C and D, Biotin and fish oil can help boost hair strength and growth, as well as promote overall health during flu season. That doesn’t mean you’ll look like Rapunzel by taking vitamins. Getting nutrients can simply mean eating your veggies and nutrient-filled meals.

Condition, Condition, Condition

A curly hair article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the best c-word, conditioner. Deep conditioning can be one of the most annoying things a curly girl has to endure. To be clear, we’re talking about real deep conditioning– not the quick three-minute process timed by singing in the shower.This involves applying a deep conditioner after washing and letting it sit in your hair for at least 30 minutes preferably with hair wrapped in plastic or sitting under heat.

Try to avoid products with petroleum, alcohol, silicones, parabens and sulfates. These won’t forever damage your hair, but with excessive use, they can strip your strands of moisture and do more harm than good. Instead, opt for conditioners with naturally-occurring oils and proteins.

Note: If you’re looking to save money, try out a DIY hair mask.

Style Smart

Winter is one of the best times to try out a edgy new hairstyle. Buns, twists and braids can add flair, while giving your hair a break from the cold weather. Trying out a new hairstyle will give you a chance to get rid of damaged ends and rock a new look. While doing something new everyday seems fun, even getting out of bed when it’s cold requires too much effort. On those lazy days, minimally style your hair, throw on a satin-lined cap, and no one will know the difference.

Co-wash aka Condition Again

Gone are the days of summer when it was so hot, our hair felt like it was sweating. Use this time to take a break from everyday washing with moisture-stripping shampoos. Instead, co-wash, which involves replacing shampoo with conditioner during your regular wash routine. It may feel weird because of the lack of lather that shampoos provide. However, that is one of the benefits. That satisfying lather is usually derived from damaging sulfates.Co-washing can give hair added moisture while also offering the perfect wash-and-go.

LOC It In

Hours and hours go into getting lost in the wonderful world of YouTube hair tutorials. Figuring out your next hair routine is truly a trial-and-error experiment that can take years to perfect. Next time you’re trying to figure out whether Eco-Styler gel comes before the curly hair milk, remember LOC. This stands for Leave-in, Oil and Cream, and is the order to style your hair for optimal moisturization.

The leave-in works to condition and nourish hair. Next, oil can either add moisture or hold everything in place. Lastly cream adds even more moisturization and can help maintain style throughout the week. For even more hold, apply your favorite gel or mousse.

Maintaining curly hair can be a never-ending battle. However these tips can help you conquer your coils. After all, rocking your unique fro, waves or curls makes it worth it in the end.