4 Cute Ways to Protect "Type 4" Hair This Winter
I’m not a hair girl. Some of us ladies are very much into our hair and don’t leave the house without every piece perfectly in place. Others of us focus more so on our clothes and keep the hair simple; while another sector of us focus on a beat. A select few of particularly organized women master all three. Me on the other hand, I’m doing good if I have one of those things on point. But my hair is usually the last on my list. And in winter, while we all are so busy trying to keep our bodies, faces and skin protected in warm. my hair often has to send me smoke signals before I remember that I need to protect it too.
All hair types are susceptible to breakage and damage when in exposed extremely cold temperatures, but coily and kinky hair needs extra special care. Often coarse and dry, the cold, dehydrated air of winter exacerbates this and renders our hair brittle and prone to snapping off. Our accessories, of wool and other harsh materials brush against our ends giving us split hairs and adding to hair loss. We just can’t let our strands fly free like they did in summer, when the humidity was in their favor. With just a a little forethought and advance planning, we can attempt to retain as much of our hair as possible, while still stay cute and true to our personal style and aesthetic. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite ways to protect our types of hair during winter. Click the links in the captions to learn more about each suggested look.
Protective Styling
The name says it all - protective styling is designed to protect in particular the free flying ends of hair over, often over an extended period of time. The styling possibilities are endless, and range from braids, twists, faux locs and cornrows to crown-like updos and side buns adorned with pins. Your hair need not see the light of day if you line up a good five or six of these styles for the winter!
L-R Images Courtesy of CynthyKay Obi, Naptural85, Glam by Merry
Hats
Back when I first started working, I was in a government office and wearing hats to work was a huge no-no. But in today’s work environment, many offices have a more lax attitude toward dress and often opt for a ‘smart casual’ style that includes a tasteful ensemble that could include a hat or beanie. I personally love a beanie and have been known to wear one to any occasion when my hair is just not doing it for me. Beanies also look great paired with wigs, that is if you can stand the heat of it all after a few hours!
L-R Image Sources: ASOS, Macy’s, Something By Sonjia
Scarves & Turbans
For the extra stylish and bossy lady, scarves and turbans are her playground. Your hair may never have to come out of hiding if you have enough! The patterns, colors and styling options available today are so exciting - there’s one for every mood and look.
L-R Image Source: The Wrap Life, Etsy, Something By Sonjia
Clip-ins
Although alternatives and cover-ups are nice, there’s nothing like a bundle of coils and curls tumbling over your shoulder and framing your face to really let one’s beauty shine. What if that’s your preferred look and you don’t want to do a drastic makeover just because the seasons changed. Textured clip-ins are a great alternative to exposing your precious strands to frigid temperatures. Find the texture that’s perfect for you and no one would be the wiser!
L-R Image Source: Heat Free Hair, Kurly Klips, Kinky Curly Yaki
