How to Maintain Twist Outs and Wash and Go’s in the Winter
When winter rolls in, you already know what time it is. Dry air, cold winds, and the very thought of stepping outside without a protective style? Girl bye. Let me show you how to start maintaining curly styles in winter.
If you love rocking twist outs or wash and go’s even in freezing temps, and I know many of us do, there is a way to do it right without sacrificing your strands or length goals. And, in this article, I’ll show you just exactly how to do it.
So, let’s be real. Twist outs and wash and go’s are typically your go-to curly styles when the weather is mild. However, they can absolutely thrive in the winter with a little strategy.
Here’s how to keep your curls poppin’, your hair moisturized, and your ends protected without giving up the styles you love.
Moisture is Non-negotiable
The cold air outside and dry indoor heat are a recipe for breakage if you are not careful. So, before you even get to styling:
- Deep condition (per usual whenever you wash your hair) with a moisture rich deep conditioner
- Do not skip using a leave-in conditioner.
- Be careful of conditioners containing humectants. If the dew points are too low, it will suck moisture right out of your hair
- Seal with a thick oil or butter, like Shea butter or Castor Oil to lock in moisture
Want to grow longer hair this season? Moisture is your first defense. Do not play yourself by skipping this step.
Use the Set It and Do Not Forget It Method
You do not need to restyle your hair every single day. That is a “dent” in your length retention efforts. All that manipulation is too much and causes unnecessary wear and tear on your strands.
Sidebar: By the way, “dent” is a word my daughter and I have been using since she was little. It’s to declare you’ve answered or done something incorrectly (like when someone gets an answer wrong on a game show, they get a sound like DENT)
Tips for Winter Twist Outs
When setting twists for a twist out, before you apply a gel for hold, make sure you seal your hair well. How heavy a sealant you use could determine if your hair has less vo,lume but what’s more important? Volume or protecting moisture?
Some additional keys for a sustained twist out in the winter:
- Twist on damp, not soaking wet hair
- Use a creamy styler for hold and definition
- Once dry, do not rewet daily. Refresh lightly with a mist or oil and retwist in large sections at night. Alternatively, loosely wrap your hair into a high French roll and clip with the ends exposed before tying your edges with a satin scarf
Check out: Twist out tips for fine natural hair and
How to Do a Stretched (or Elongated) Twist Out
Tips for Winter Wash and Go’s
If you are doing a wash and go (please do so sparingly in the winter), a similar rule applies. Seal in the moisture before applying a gel.
In the summer, I often skip sealing my hair if I’m going to do a wash and go. My hair just doesn’t need it. But, in the winter, if I were to do a wash and go, I’d trap that moisture in for dear life, and I’d use a gel that’s capable of creating a gel cast that protects my fine strands.
Check out: 5 Steps to a Successful Wash and Go
Some additional keys for sustained wash and go’s in the winter:
- Apply products in the shower or right after to lock in moisture
- Avoid those gels that flake in the cold
- Pineapple or loosely band your hair at night to preserve the curl pattern
The less manipulation, the better your chances of maintaining length.
Choose the Right Fabrics to Protect Moisture
That cute knit you love wearing may be giving, but it could also be stealing your moisture really quickly.
If you absolutely must wear that hat, you can DIY fix it by sewing in a satin lining or you can put a satin or silk lined cap inside of it before putting it on.
If you plan to remove the hat once you go indoors, simply wear a satin scarf under the hat for protection.
Also, swap out wearing tops and scarves made with wool or cotton that will rub against your curls. Use smoother fabrics like satin and silk. You can even drape a satin or silk scarf over your top.
Since your hair rubs against your clothes all day when it’s down in a twist out or wash and go, give it something soft to lean on.
Protect Those Ends
If you are going to rock a twist out or wash and go, at least keep the ends tucked away at times. You can do that and still protect your hair’s definition with:
- Low buns
- Chunky flat twists to stretch and protect
Also, use a little castor oil on your ends before bed – just a dab. Remember, length retention is not about growing hair fast. It is about keeping what you have already grown.
Stick to Products That Work
Winter is not the time to experiment with five new products just because they are on sale or because you saw your favorite YouTubers using them.
Instead:
- Use what your hair already loves
- Monitor your ends for dryness
- Don’t forget those products that tend to your scalp – winter can do a number on it as well.
Keep track of your entire natural hair regimen in the Natural Hair Boss Command Center. It’s a one-of-a-kind hub that helps you stay consistent with your routines and helps you capture everything about your hair in one place that’s easily accessible on the go. Check it out here.
Bonus Faith Over Fear Even With Hair
Let’s not forget. We do not do have to walk this natural hair journey alone.
Your hair was fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Winter may be harsh, but so should your determination be. Trust that with the right care, patience, and wisdom from above, your goals are closer to reach than you may think.
The Final Word
Twist outs and wash and go’s do not have to go into hibernation when the temperature drops. With strategic routines that protect your hair’s moisture, along with smart styling, maintaining curly styles in winter is possible.
So, go ahead and wear that twist out or wash and go with confidence. Just make sure your routine is winter-ready and you don’t overdo it. Just because you can rock these styles in the winter doesn’t mean you always should.
Want to get more in tune with your natural hair and faith this season?
Join the Fine Natural Hair and Faith community by signing up for the Faithful Living Newsletter:
Let’s grow spiritually and physically together.
More Winter Hair Care Advice for Longer Healthy Hair
If you liked this article, you will love these:
10 Winter Hair Care Tips for Fine Hair
Necessary Winter Hair Care Essentials for Coily Hair
