As the temperature drops, so does your curl confidence. Suddenly, your once bouncy and defined curls feel brittle, flat, or frizzy. That’s no coincidence. Winter’s cold air, central heating, and low humidity create the perfect storm for dry, dull, and fragile curly hair.

Unlike straight strands, curls are more porous and naturally drier, making them particularly sensitive to seasonal shifts.
But here’s the silver lining:
with the right winter care routine, you can maintain moisture, preserve definition, and even thrive in the colder months.

In this guide, we’ll explore exactly why winter affects your curls — and give you a toolbox of science-backed, curly-specific haircare tips to protect and nourish your locks all season long.

Why Curly Hair Suffers in Winter

The Role of Humidity (or Lack Thereof)

Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. This means your curls are surrounded by a dry, dehydrating environment both outdoors and indoors, especially when you’re blasting central heating.

What Happens to Your Hair?

  • Moisture is lost quickly, making hair brittle
  • Cuticles lift, leading to frizz and split ends
  • Shrinkage increases, affecting curl definition
  • Scalp dryness and flaking become more common

This harsh climate can damage your curl pattern, especially without proper moisture sealing and protection.

Tip 1: Switch to a Sulphate-Free, Moisturising Cleanser

A person pours oil from a white bottle into their palm, with a candle and wine glass in the background and green plants nearby.

Winter calls for gentle, hydrating cleansing.

Why It Matters

Sulphates can strip natural oils that curls need to stay soft and elastic. In winter, this effect is amplified, leading to dryness and breakage.

What to Use

  • Creamy, moisturising shampoos
  • Co-washes or cleansing conditioners (once a week)
  • Clarifying only when necessary (every 3–4 weeks)

Find out which cleansers are best for cold-weather routines in our guide to sulphate-free shampoos every curly girl needs.

Tip 2: Deep Condition Weekly — Without Fail

The Moisture Boost You Can’t Skip

Deep conditioning becomes non-negotiable in winter. Your curls need the extra nourishment and protection against moisture loss.

What to Look For

  • Ingredients like shea butter, honey, glycerin, and aloe vera
  • Deep conditioners with both protein and moisture balance
  • A heat cap or warm towel to help the product penetrate

Make this a weekly habit and your curls will feel stronger, softer, and more defined — even when temperatures plummet.

Tip 3: Seal in Hydration With the LOC or LCO Method

A woman in a white robe applies hair oil from a dropper into her dark, straight hair, focusing on a strand.

Lock It In, Don’t Let It Out

The LOC (Liquid–Oil–Cream) or LCO (Liquid–Cream–Oil) method helps trap moisture inside the hair shaft — essential during moisture-sapping winter days.

How It Works

  • Liquid: Water or a hydrating leave-in
  • Oil: Jojoba, castor, or avocado oil to seal in water
  • Cream: Curl cream to smooth and define

The order can be adjusted based on your porosity. Experiment and track results over a few wash days.

Tip 4: Reduce Wash Frequency

Less Is More in the Cold Months

While it’s tempting to refresh often, frequent washing can strip away what little natural oil your scalp produces in winter.

Adjust Accordingly

  • Wash every 7–10 days
  • Refresh mid-week with a spray bottle mix of water + leave-in
  • Use dry shampoo or a scalp toner if needed

Explore smarter refresh options in our guide on how to refresh curls between wash days.

Tip 5: Protect Your Curls While You Sleep

A person sits comfortably among large brown pillows, wearing a striped shirt and a cozy blanket, against a warm beige background.

Overnight Defence Is Key

Nighttime can be rough on curls, especially when indoor heating causes additional dryness.

Sleep Essentials

  • Satin or silk pillowcase
  • Satin bonnet or scarf
  • Pineapple or loose twists to maintain shape

Apply a little leave-in or oil before bed to prevent overnight dehydration and wake up with soft, frizz-free curls.

Tip 6: Avoid Heat Styling — and Embrace Air Drying Smartly

Don’t Add Heat to the Cold

Blow-drying in winter may feel comforting, but it adds another layer of damage when your hair is already vulnerable.

Better Options

  • Air-dry using the plop method in a microfibre towel
  • Use a diffuser with cool or low heat only if necessary
  • Let hair dry partially in protective styles (like twists or braids)

Tip 7: Nourish Your Scalp as Well as Your Strands

Don’t Overlook the Root of the Problem

Scalp health often declines in winter — dryness, tightness, and flaking become more noticeable.

What Helps

  • Light oil massages (tea tree, peppermint, or jojoba oil)
  • Scalp exfoliation every 2–3 weeks
  • Hydrating sprays with aloe or rose water

This encourages healthy growth, circulation, and moisture retention at the source.

Tip 8: Shield Your Hair From the Elements

Weather-Proof Your Curls

Rain, snow, wind — your curls need physical protection too.

How to Do It

  • Wear a satin-lined hat or hood to reduce friction
  • Avoid wool or cotton directly touching your hair
  • Tuck ends into low buns or twist styles to prevent exposure

If you’re styling daily, switch up your parting or bun height to minimise tension and breakage.

Tip 9: Adjust Your Products Seasonally

Lighter Isn’t Always Better in Winter

While summer might call for airy mousses, winter requires richer creams and sealing oils.

Seasonal Swaps

  • Switch from gel-only styling to layered cream + gel routines
  • Introduce butters like shea or mango to prevent dryness
  • Keep glycerin-based products low if your climate is extremely dry — they can pull moisture out of the hair

Real-Life Winter Curl Routine Example

Here’s what a simple winter routine might look like:

Wash Day (Sunday):

  • Cleanse with sulphate-free shampoo
  • Apply deep conditioner with a heat cap
  • Rinse, then apply leave-in, seal with oil, and define with cream

Midweek (Wednesday or Thursday):

  • Light water + leave-in refresh
  • Scrunch in a touch of curl cream to revive shape
  • Pineapple at night

Daily:

  • Moisturise ends if they feel dry
  • Protect hair with a bonnet or satin wrap each night

Conclusion: Your Curls Can Thrive This Winter

Winter doesn’t have to be the enemy of your curls. With the right strategies — rich hydration, protective habits, and seasonal product swaps — your curly hair can remain strong, defined, and full of bounce all season long.

The key is consistency. Even small adjustments, like deep conditioning weekly or sealing in moisture properly, can have a profound effect over time.

So, wrap up warm, embrace your winter glow, and let your curls shine with health, no matter how cold it gets outside.