How to Keep Curly Hair Healthy and Hydrated This Winter

DEALING WITH CURLY hair my entire life, one thing I've learned is that the routine that works for me in the summer doesn't cut it once winter rolls around. I've spent years figuring out how to keep my curls hydrated and defined, but colder temperatures bring a whole new set of problems. Freezing winds and indoor heating can make it harder to keep frizz at bay. Then there’s the issue of deciding when to wear a hat. Curly-haired fellas know keeping our mane looking good can get pretty frustrating.

Curly hair is naturally prone to dryness because scalp oils have a harder time traveling down the bends of each strand. Add all of winter’s problems above, and your curls can become even more susceptible to frizz, tangles, and breakage. Fortunately, a few adjustments to your usual grooming routine can make a noticeable difference in your styling, and here’s what to know.

Rethink How Often You're Shampooing

Whatever you do, don’t over-shampoo... even if you feel like your hair is “dirty” all the time. (It’s more than likely not!) Shampooing too often can strip the natural oils your curls need, especially in winter. That doesn't mean you should stop washing your hair altogether, but it's worth paying attention to how quickly your scalp gets oily or dirty instead of sticking to an arbitrary schedule.

I recommend using a moisturizing shampoo formulated for curly hair and focusing it on your scalp rather than scrubbing your entire head of hair. Also avoid excessively hot showers, which can contribute to dryness.

Don't Skip the Deep Conditioner

A regular conditioner for your curls is essential (so please still use that!), but a deep conditioning mask can be especially helpful when your hair starts feeling rough or brittle. Add one to your wash routine once a week, or whenever your curls feel particularly dry, to restore softness and make detangling easier.

Look for formulas with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and fatty alcohols, which condition your hair without requiring a dozen extra products. Finer curls generally benefit from lighter formulas, while thicker, coarser textures can usually handle something richer.

Start Using a Leave-In Conditioner

I've always considered leave-in conditioner one of the most important parts of my curly hair routine, and winter really proves it. Applying one to wet or damp hair after showering helps maintain softness and makes styling considerably easier. Follow it with your favorite curl cream or gel for definition, but be careful about piling on too many heavy products. You want your curls to look hydrated and bouncy, not greasy or weighed down.

Be Gentle When Drying Curls

Your regular bath towel might actually be contributing to your frizz. Aggressively rubbing your curls creates friction, which can disrupt their natural shape and increase the likelihood of breakage. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt.

And while air-drying is great when you have the time (I quite literally never do), a diffuser on low heat and low airflow, with heat protectant, is especially useful in winter, when walking outside with soaking-wet hair isn't exactly appealing. This is also where you could use an air-dry cream, aka a hair product that is lightweight enough and can “air dry” in a shorter amount of time.

Be Mindful of Hats and Scarves

Beanies are practically unavoidable during winter, but certain fabrics can create friction against your curls, leaving them flattened, tangled, or frizzy by the time you take your hat off. Try a satin-lined beanie or wear a silk or satin scarf under your usual hat to cut down on friction. The same goes for sleep, so swapping your regular pillowcase for a satin one can help preserve your curl definition overnight. It’s sort of boujee, but maybe that’s a good thing.

Refresh Your Curls Between Wash Days

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming your curls need a full restyle whenever they start looking dry. Sometimes, they just need a little water to reactivate the products already in your hair, followed by a small amount of leave-in conditioner to restore their shape.

Gently scrunch everything into place instead of aggressively brushing through your curls. And if the heat is constantly blasting in your apartment, consider using a humidifier to combat dry indoor air. Your hair and your skin might both appreciate it.

Other Curly Hair Products I Recommend This Winter

You can’t go wrong with styling products in winter. They're the easiest way to keep your curls in shape during windy, frigid weather. After taking note of the steps above, apply gels, creams, pomades, and other products before or after your leave-in conditioner, and always before you dry. Here are some favorites that other Men’s Health editors and I recommend and use year-round, but especially during these cooler months.

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