Do Your Curls Get the Winter Blues

When the air turns chilly and the heat kicks on, our curls start feeling the effects. Winter can leave your strands dry, flat, and frizzy—not precisely the cozy curl vibe we’re going for! The mix of cold outdoor air and indoor heating pulls moisture out of your hair, leaving curls craving hydration and TLC.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Your curls need extra love this time of year, and hydration is key! Start by using moisture-rich cleansers and conditioners like Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath and Hydrating Cream Conditioner to help replenish your hair from root to tip. After cleansing, layer in a lightweight leave-in to add slip and softness—Sweet Spirit Leave-In is a winter essential.

Then, don’t forget your styling protection! A climate control gel like Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Gel helps seal in moisture while shielding your curls from frizz caused by dry air and temperature changes. It forms a humidity shield that keeps your curls defined, bouncy, and frizz-free even when winter weather tries to flatten them.

Treat Your Curls Weekly

Winter is prime time for buildup—especially when shampoo days get stretched out and hard water or heavy products linger on your scalp. Start your self-care routine with a curl detox to remove product, mineral, and environmental buildup. This resets your curls and allows moisture to penetrate more effectively.

Follow your detox with a deep conditioning mask to bring your hair back to life. The Innersense Hydrating Hair Mask drenches curls in moisture, while the Innersense Repair Mask rebuilds bonds and restores strength for dry or brittle hair. After one use, these treatments make your curls softer, more elastic, and visibly healthier.

Lock in Moisture

After all that hydration, seal the deal! Apply your favorite leave-in or styling cream (like Quiet Calm Curl Control or I Create Volume for lighter textures) while your hair is still damp to help lock in that moisture. Finish with a gel or mousse to hold your curl pattern and keep frizz at bay all day long.

Why You Shouldn’t Air-Dry in Winter

Cold, dry air might feel refreshing—but it’s rough on curls.

Moisture loss: Winter air (and indoor heat) zaps hydration, leaving curls dry and dull.

Frizz & tangles: Dehydrated strands lose structure, leading to frizz and knots.

Breakage: Wet hair can literally freeze outside, causing the cuticle to lift and snap—hello, “hair-sicles.”

Curl disruption: Hats and scarves crush damp curls, creating flat, frizzy roots.

Better Options: Use a diffuser on low or medium heat to dry curls evenly and keep definition. Always make sure your hair is fully dry before going outside—or protect it with a silk-lined hat or satin scarf if it’s still damp.

Protect While You Sleep

Did you know your home’s heating system might be your curls’ worst enemy? When indoor air gets dry, so does your hair—creating the perfect environment for static and frizz. Add a humidifier to your bedroom to reintroduce moisture into the air and help your curls stay hydrated overnight.

Swap cotton pillowcases for satin or silk, and use a satin bonnet or sleep cap to reduce friction and tangling while you sleep. You’ll wake up with smoother, softer curls that still look fresh in the morning.

Let’s beat the winter blues together—one hydrated curl at a time.