15 Hair Staples to Save Your 4C Curls When Winter Comes

This post is dedicated to my natural-haired daughters with curly hair who have persevered through winter when their hair was a struggle. Like many others, I started my natural-hair journey with high hopes, but little knowledge of how to maintain my hair all year. Winter was the most difficult. My hair became dry and brittle when the temperature dropped. It’s important that you remember that hair changes with the seasons. Therefore, it’s smart for your routine to change to reflect these changes.

Hair can be extremely susceptible to dryness, breakage and dullness when it is cold. For naturally curly or coily hair, this is a common problem. Hair needs almost constant moisture to keep it healthy and happy. There is hope! The right products can make a big difference in the way your hair feels and looks.

Continue reading to find out which editors have recommended shampoos, conditioners and oils that will keep your curls looking great all winter.

Creams and gels

Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel

Adwoa’s cream-based, ultra-hydrating hair gel is made with a combination of all-natural oils that elongate and moisturize curls.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino Acid + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream

Briogeo’s leave in cream targets frizzy, dry hair with a strong blend of rosehip oil and algae extract. It also contains B vitamins to give your curls stronger and healthier.

Curly and Straight Hair: Use this pattern styling cream. Coily hair

This oil-rich styling cream provides moisture, penetration and hold for curls while also preventing breakage with rosemary-leaf extract and Kahai oil.

Fekkai Shea Butter Gel Creme

This shea butter-based styling product is suitable for all types of curls. It contains botanical extracts that help define curls and jojoba esters to strengthen your hair.

Masks

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

This deep-conditioning mask, which is made with a combination of rosehip oil and algae oil and B vitamins, can be used to strengthen your hair and prevent future damage.

Thank God for It’s Natural Honey Miracle Deep Conditioner

Thank God It’s natural gives your hair the VIP treatment by deep conditioning your hair with raw honey or olive oil. This will add moisture and make your hair soft and shiny.

Crown Affair: The Renewal Mask

Crown Affair’s ultra-hydrating mask can be used every week to moisturize your curls and not weigh them down.

Pattern Transition Mask

Are you thinking about changing your hairstyle? Pattern’s Transition mask nourishes your hair with white tea and manuka honey. This will help to maintain moisture balance, reduce shedding and prevent breakage.

Shampoos and conditioners

It’s Natural Miracle Repairx Protective In Conditioner

Are you looking for a trusted leave-in conditioner Thank God It’s Natural’s leave-in conditioner adds definition and moisture to the hair. It also promotes growth by reducing split ends.

Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner Pack

SheaMoisture Strengthen and Conditioner. Restore Shampoo and Conditioner are made with a combination of Jamaican black casting oil and apple cider vinegar. This formula promotes hair growth, balances pH, and minimizes the chance of hair splitting.

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner

This ultra-hydrating shampoo-and-conditioner duo by Carol’s Daughter will cleanse and moisturize your curls with a blend of rosemary, aloe, and shea butter to combat breakage and dryness.

JVN Hair Instant Recovery Heat Protective Leave In Serum

JVN Hair’s ultra-moisturizing conditioner and leave-in serum is essential for winter to protect your 4c curls. It was created by Queer Eye star Johnathan Van Ness and is ideal to prevent split ends, damage and breakage.

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil

Olaplex hair oil promotes shine, softness and strength. It also minimizes flyaways.

Righteous Roots: Righteous Roots Rx

This Righteous Roots product contains an all-natural blend 11 essential oils. It provides all-day hydration and strengthens broken hair.

Pattern Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend

Are you concerned about oil buildup? Pattern’s Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend is lightweight and residue-free. It fights breakage, maintains moisture, and relieves any itching or flaking.