5 easy-to-maintain protective hairstyles perfect for cold season

Dry, cold air often strips moisture from the hair, leaving it hard, frizzy, and prone to breakage. The scalp may also become dry and flaky, leading to discomfort and itching. 

Additionally, constant switching between indoor heating and outdoor chill further dehydrates strands. Natural hair, which is already more prone to dryness, requires extra care during this time. 

Protective styling, deep conditioning, and consistent moisturising are essential to maintaining healthy, hydrated hair throughout the colder months and preventing unnecessary damage.

It is important to moisturise your scalp regularly, wrap your hair in satin or silk at night, and avoid styles that place too much stress on your edges. There are also several interesting hairstyles that can serve as protective styles.

Protective Hairstyles During This Cold Season

As much as the cold season demands heavier clothing and warmer footwear, it also calls for intentional hair care. 

While there are several protective hairstyles, these are a proactive way to safeguard your strands and reverse hair damage maintaining a polished appearance. 

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1. Knotless Braids for Maximum Protection

One of the popular go-to protective hairstyles that is often a perfect choice for protecting natural hair from any damage are knotless braids.

This style has swiftly become the easy and number one style, thanks to their natural appearance and low tension on the scalp. 

Unlike traditional box braids, knotless braids start with your natural hair, with the extension gradually fed in. This results in a lighter, more comfortable braid with reduced risk of traction alopecia.

Ideal for those looking to keep their scalp healthy during the cold months, knotless braids can last up to six weeks with proper care. Add accessories like beads or gold cuffs for a stylish twist.

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2. Wigs with a Cornrow Base to Wear on the Go

The best and quickest ways of protecting natural hair from damage and beating the cold is by going for a wig.

Wearing wigs has become an increasingly popular protective option, especially when paired with neatly plaited cornrows underneath. 

This style allows wearers to switch up their look without manipulating their natural hair making it a suitable choice to anyone .

During the cold season, it is important to keep the cornrows moisturised and your wig clean. Opt for human hair wigs with closure or lace fronts for a natural finish that also allows your scalp to breathe.

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3. Senegalese Twists: Easy to Style and Maintain

Another protective hair style that helps to shield natural hair from manipulation or weather is, Senegalese twists.

They are a sleek, rope-like protective style created by twisting two strands of extension hair with  natural hair. They offer a polished finish and can be worn in various lengths and thicknesses to suit personal preference.

These twists are excellent for the cold season as they keep the ends securely tucked away, preventing exposure to dry air caused by the cold weather. 

Senegalese twists can last up to eight weeks with minimal maintenance; simply moisturise the scalp regularly and wrap your  hair at night in a silk or satin scarf to preserve the style.

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4. Bantu Knots: Embracing Cultural Heritage

Bantu knots are not only a cultural staple but also a protective style that serves as a base for defined curls once unravelled. 

They are a perfect way to minimise hair manipulation, reduce breakage and maintain natural hair texture which could be affected by the cold.

They keep hair coiled and compact, shielding it from dry air that comes during the cold season.They are fashionable and trace back to the Zulu people.

To wear these as a protective style, ensure they are not twisted too tightly, which could lead to tension at the roots. This style works particularly well under hats or scarves, offering both warmth and style.

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5. Cornrows into a Low Bun for simplicity

The best way to protect your hair from breakage and dryness caused by chilly weather is to go with this most versatile style in order to easily retain hair moisture.

Cornrows remain a timeless protective style, but styling them into a low bun gives them a chic, contemporary feel. 

The low bun keeps your ends tucked away from harsh winds and dry air, which is essential for length retention.

Whether worn sleek or textured, this look is easy to maintain and can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for both office days and cosy weekends indoors.

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