Winter curly hair care: a complete routine for healthy, hydrated curls

The cold winter weather can be harsh on your beloved curly locks. Crisp dry air, plummeting temperatures and indoor heating systems can leave your hair parched and prone to breakage. 

But don’t worry – we’ve got you. With the right curly hair routine and products, you can maintain bouncy, hydrated and party-ready curls all season long. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through a comprehensive winter curly hair care routine and recommend the best products to keep your curls looking their best.

How does winter affect curly hair?

Winter can be particularly severe for curly hair, because of cold, dry air and relentless central heating. These seasonal conditions can sap the moisture from your curls, leaving them dehydrated and prone to frizz. Plus, frequently switching between the cold outdoors and heated indoor spaces as you go about your daily life can cause your hair’s cuticle to lift, resulting in moisture loss. 

So, those of us blessed with curly hair can experience increased dryness, frizz and lack of definition during the winter months. To combat these effects, it’s essential to adapt to a winter curly hair routine and use hardworking, hydrating products to maintain optimal appearance of your curls.

10 ways to maintain a winter hair routine for curly hair

1 Quench your curls’ thirst

It’s not just your body that needs a sip of hydration – your hair does too! So, drink down those glasses of water to keep your precious curls quenched. 

And when the mercury drops, there's nothing cosier than a steamy cup of herbal tea or a hearty bowl of soup. These not only warm your soul but also keep you well hydrated and give your curls the moisture they need to shine. 

2 Snip away the winter woes

Think of trims as little snuggles for your curls. Regular haircuts might not be on your winter wishlist, but they’re essential for curl care. Those cold and dry winter conditions can be quite the playground for split ends. 

Trimming your hair regularly helps to keep the ends healthy and happy. It’s like giving your curls a fresh start, getting rid of the brittle bits, and ensuring they look their best. So, embrace those trims and let your curls flourish!

3 Reduce wash frequency

Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils. In the winter, aim to wash your hair less frequently to maintain moisture. And your mum was right when she said don’t go out with wet hair – but not because you’ll catch cold! 

Curly hair is especially vulnerable when wet, so wait until your curls are fully dry before you venture out. The cold, dry air can dehydrate it and cause unnecessary breakage. Instead of washing your hair in the morning before you go out, wash it at night, if you can. But if you do need to get ready at the beginning of the day, see our tips for diffusing curly hair. 

4 Deep condition weekly

Winter is the perfect time to indulge your curls in some extra TLC. Support your winter routine for curly hair by deep conditioning once a week. Bouclème’s Intensive Moisture Treatment is a game-changer. 

Packed with natural ingredients like argan oil and aloe vera, it provides intense hydration, repairs damage and restores your curls’ natural vitality.

5 Layer in more moisture

After deep conditioning, it’s time to layer in even more moisture. Bouclème’s hydrating Curl Cream is your go-to product for this step. 

Infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, it provides long-lasting hydration and enhances curl definition. Apply it to your damp hair for a soft, frizz-free finish.

6 Gently brush to distribute stylers

To ensure even distribution of your stylers and prevent breakage, opt for a gentle detangling brush. Our Detangling Wet Brush is perfect for curly hair, as it detangles without causing damage. 

Start from the tips and work your way up to avoid unnecessary stress on your curls. Learn how to use your Wet Brush for curl definition.

7 Go low on heat

In the winter months, it’s best to limit heat styling as much as possible. Excessive use of heated tools can lead to dry and brittle curls. 

Make the most of our soft, jersey Curl Towel that gently absorbs moisture out of your curls. It actually reduces drying time, helps maintain your curl formation, and reduces frizz!

8 Seal your ends

Your hair’s ends are often the driest part. To seal in moisture and prevent split ends, use Bouclème’s Revive 5 Glow. We’ve taken our OG Revive 5 Hair Oil and added some serious glow courtesy of naturally derived mica to give an iridescent gleam to skin and curls. 

Enriched with a blend of nourishing oils, including argan, camellia, and broccoli seed oil, it not only seals the cuticle but also adds shine, reduces frizz and gives a glowy satin sheen. Just the right side of glitz to get you Christmas-party ready.

9 Protect your curls 

When you step outside into the winter chill, protect your curls from the harsh elements with a silk beanie. Traditional cotton or wool beanies can cause friction, leading to frizz and breakage. A silk-lined beanie, on the other hand, reduces friction and keeps your curls in place while providing warmth.

Introducing the Bouclème Silk Lined Cashmere Blend Beanie – your best friend come winter. Designed to protect curly hair from frizz and breakage, the silk lining reduces friction and helps to retain moisture in your hair. 

10 Sleep on a silk pillowcase

Cold winds and drying central heating all conspire to suck moisture from your curls. Keep your locks looking luscious with the Bouclème Silk Envelope Pillowcase. 

Made from the highest-quality, 100%-mulberry silk with a thickness of 22 momme, our silk pillowcase keeps frizz at bay and helps curls retain moisture. Plus, it keeps your face crease free and glowing in the morning – discover how. 

Follow this complete winter curly hair care routine to keep your curls healthy, hydrated, and beautiful even in the harshest winter weather. Embrace the magic of your curls and enjoy a season of stunning, frizz-free hair.