Spring is finally here, and it’s time to refresh your hair care routine! For Black women, moving from winter to spring means adjusting your regimen to meet the new season’s warmer temperatures, increased humidity, and outdoor lifestyle. Whether you’re rocking natural curls, protective styles, locs, or relaxed hair, here’s your ultimate guide to healthy spring hair.
Loose Natural Curls & Coils
(Afros, Twist-Outs, Wash-and-Go)
Winter may have called for heavy butters and infrequent washes, but spring demands lighter moisture:
- Switch to lightweight leave-ins: Trade heavy creams for moisturizing milks or lightweight lotions like Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk or Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner to avoid weighed-down curls.
- Clarify regularly: Use a gentle clarifying shampoo like Kinky-Curly Come Clean every 2-4 weeks to eliminate pollen, sweat, and product buildup.
- Use humectant-rich stylers: Products with aloe vera or glycerin, such as Eco Styler Aloe Vera Gel, attract moisture without causing frizz.
- Trim split ends: Remove winter damage with a fresh trim to keep your curls bouncing and healthy. Check our natural hair care tips for spring here.
Protective Styles: Braids & Twists
Protective styles like braids and twists are perfect for low-maintenance care:
- Cleanse the scalp regularly: Apply diluted shampoo or a micellar scalp cleanser like Cantu Refresh Root Rinse bi-weekly to remove buildup and keep your scalp refreshed.
- Hydrate and seal: Spray your braids with a water-aloe mist, sealing with a lightweight oil such as NOW Solutions Grapeseed Oil.
- Choose lighter extensions: Go for lighter synthetic or human-hair packs to avoid excess heat and frizz during warmer weather.
- Avoid extended wear: Even with gentler spring weather, keep protective styles in no longer than six weeks to maintain scalp health.
Locs
Locs require seasonal TLC to stay fresh and healthy:
- Opt for lighter gels: Ditch heavy waxes and use aloe-based gels like Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Gel for neatness without buildup.
- Rinse frequently: Weekly or bi-weekly rinses help remove sweat, pollen, and dust, keeping your locs fresh.
- Protect from UV damage: Apply UV-protectant sprays or wear stylish satin-lined hats to guard against fading and dryness.
- Maintain retwists: Higher humidity can loosen loc roots. Schedule palm rolling or interlocking every 4-6 weeks.
Relaxed or Silk-Pressed Hair
Keep your sleek styles smooth and healthy with these seasonal tweaks:
- Balance protein and moisture: Incorporate a light protein treatment such as ApHogee Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor to repair winter damage and maintain elasticity.
- Minimize direct heat: Humidity can ruin your fresh flat iron. Try wrap sets, pin curls, or satin-covered rollers instead.
- Exfoliate your scalp: A gentle scalp scrub like TPH by Taraji Master Cleanse every few weeks removes lingering winter flakes and buildup.
- Protect against showers: Keep a satin-lined cap or umbrella handy to avoid unexpected frizz from spring rains.
Wigs, Sew-Ins & Clip-Ins
Extensions need seasonal adjustments too:
- Deep-clean your base: Regularly shampoo braided foundations or wig-grip bands every 7-10 days to avoid odors.
- Air your scalp: Allow your scalp to breathe overnight at least twice a week, moisturizing braids with ORS Olive Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray to prevent dryness.
- Go lighter: Choose lower-density units (130-150%) to stay cool as temperatures rise.
- Refresh synthetic fibers: Restore wig softness and remove static with an apple cider vinegar rinse.
Short Cuts & Teeny Weeny Afros (TWAs)
Your scalp is more exposed with shorter styles:
- Prioritize scalp health: Use lightweight SPF sprays or hats to protect your scalp from increased sun exposure.
- Co-wash frequently: Quick rinses every few days remove sweat without stripping your curls using products like As I Am Coconut Cowash.
- Switch to styling pastes: Replace heavier pomades with water-based curl creams for defined, touchable hair, such as Miss Jessie’s Multicultural Curls.
Universal Spring Hair Care Essentials
No matter your style, these general tips will ensure beautiful, healthy hair:
- Use allergy-friendly cleansers: Products with tea tree or peppermint, like Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo, soothe springtime scalp irritations.
- Stick with satin: Continue using satin pillowcases to reduce friction and retain moisture.
- Stay hydrated: Increase your water intake to hydrate your hair from the inside out.
- Refresh hair color: A gloss treatment can restore vibrancy after winter dullness.
Spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your hair care routine. Embrace the new season by updating your regimen and keeping your hair gorgeous, healthy, and vibrant!
