curls can become a little shy in winter. Like most of us, they’d rather cosy up and hide when it’s f-f-freezing outside, leaving them looking less defined and bouncy. As the temperature drops and the rainy days begin, keeping your curls frizz-free and perky can become quite the challenge without getting up before the sun does. Let’s talk about 4 ways you can maintain curl definition in winter without losing Z’s.

1. Prioritise deep hydration

Focusing on moisturising curly hair will help maintain definition by preventing thirsty hair cuticles from lifting to drink moisture from the air, causing them to swell and appear frizzy, especially in the rain when humidity levels rise. When hair is sufficiently moisturised it won’t go looking for more moisture, meaning the cuticles will remain smooth and flat for more defined curls.

Opt for rich, moisture-packed hair products that provide the extra hydration your curls crave in winter like our Moisturising Shampoo Bar. Since jojoba oil closely resembles sebum produced by our scalp, and coconut oil has a low molecular weight, they can both dive deep into the hair shaft for superior moisture that doesn’t just sit on the surface.

2. Seal your curls with oil

After hitting hydration station, sealing your curls with a lightweight oil will lock in moisture and create a protective barrier that keeps rain and humidity from entering the hair shaft. Oils like argan, jojoba, and almond not only prevent moisture loss and frizz, but also leave a smooth, shiny finish without weighing your curls down and loosening their curl pattern.

Simply take a few drops of oil and run it through your damp hair, concentrating on the ends which are more prone to dryness as sebum struggles to travel down curly hair. Less is always more when working with oil, particularly if your hair is on the thinner side.

3. Pump up the protein 

Hair is mostly made up of keratin, a type of protein, and when it's exposed to harsh winter conditions, it can become weak, leading to loss of curl definition. Increasing protein in your haircare routine (and diet) will help to rebuild the structure of your hair strands by strengthening the bonds and replenishing any lost proteins. 

Protein also improves the elasticity of hair, allowing it to bounce back to its natural curl pattern after it’s been stretched through brushing, styling, hot tools, etc. 

If you’re loyal to liquid shampoo, we recommend using Alott Everyday Shampoo alongside protein treatments for maximum results. Betaine reinforces keratin cells by helping them retain water, whilst rose geranium enhances elasticity. And let’s not forget about Halen Môn sea salt that keeps your curl definition game strong, even when the temp drops. 

Regular towels, with their rough fibres, create more friction as they cause unnecessary rubbing against your hair and lift the cuticles. Over time, this leads to long-term frizz and disruption of the natural curl pattern, leaving your hair even more undefined come winter. 

Microfibre towels have silk-like fibres that gently absorb excess water without friction, preventing damage to the hair cuticles and letting your hair retain moisture. This makes microfibre towels the better choice to cut down on frizziness and help your curls find each other after every wash, resulting in better curl definition.

To use a microfibre towel, gather your curls in the towel and lightly scrunch them upwards towards the top of your head to encourage definition and volume. For more where that came from, follow up with the Sea Salt Spray for beautiful locks full of bounce and unmatched texture.