Curly Qs: How can I keep my curls healthy this winter?

Curly Q: My curls tends to get really dry and lifeless during the colder seasons. What can I do to keep my hair healthy all winter long?

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Unfortunately, with winter comes dry and cold winds that can wreak havoc on your curls, leaving them dry, damaged, and unmanageable. Remember that curly hair tends to be naturally dry to begin with, so you want to make sure you're giving your rizos a little extra TLC during the winter months and keeping them as hydrated as possible.

The trick is to look for products that are going to deeply nourish and moisturize your tresses. Try this homemade hair mask or check out a few of my product suggestions below. And remember just because it's cold outside doesn't mean your hair has to suffer too!

Image via Getty Images

Don't shampoo

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Sears.com

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, regular shampoos are filled with harsh detergents that can strip hair of its natural oils, especially during the wintertime. Try co-washing your curls every few days using a conditioner or switch to a sulfate-free cleanser, like Wen Cleansing Conditioner Fig ($41).

Do a deep condition mask

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Ouidad.com

Apply a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week, to  help repair damage and restore moisture. I love Ouidad 12- Minute Deep Treatment Intensive Conditioner ($52). For best results, cover with a shower cap and heat with blow dryer before rinsing out.

Avoid split ends

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Sephora.com

Aside from getting a regular trim every two to three months, try using a treatment that’s going to help seal your ends and prevent them from splitting. Check out Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer ($25). It’s amazing!

Use a leave-in

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Sephora.com

Avoid gels or mousses that can leave curls dry and crunchy during the winter, and instead style hair with a moisturizing leave-in conditioner. Try Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner ($23). It keeps rizos SUPER soft!

Dry properly

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Soap.com

The last thing you want to do is towel dry your curls. Instead use a T-shirt or something like Spa Sister Microfiber Hair Towel ($23).

Diffuse

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Drugstore.com

Air-drying during the colder months can be a pain in the neck. Attach a diffuser attachment, like Revlon Professional Ceramic Universal Finger Diffuser ($7) to help dry curls without the frizz or damage.