Hair Care Tips for Harmattan Season

woman following proper hair care tips in harmattan

You can tell from the harshness of the atmosphere and the dryness of your skin that the season of harmattan is upon us. Well, regardless of how chilly the air is, this season is no fun for your hair. Normally, your natural hair gets dry even with normal weather conditions. But with the kind of weather harmattan is, your hair will dry faster, causing it to be brittle and eventually break. However, there are things you can do to prevent the harmattan from damaging your luscious hair.

Hair Care Tips for the Harmattan Season

How can you care for your hair during this period?

1. Constantly moisturise your hair and scalp

The opposite of dryness is moisture. If the harmattan season insists on drying out your hair, always moisturise to avoid this. You can do this by applying thicker lotions (hair cream) on your hair. Also seal your hair to lock in the moisture by applying shea oil or any kind of oil-based hair products. Aside from your hair, your scalp also gets affected by the weather. Harmattan dries out your scalp and a dry scalp equals dandruff. To avoid this, oil your scalp at intervals daily.

2. Avoid using shampoo

I know you cannot go the whole harmattan season without washing your hair. However, shampoos are designed to dry out your hair. And doing such during this period is equivalent to adding fuel to a burning fire. Instead, try a method called co-washing. This is washing your hair with only conditioner.

3. Make protective hairstyles

Harmattan season is the best time for you to make hairstyles that will lock in the moisture in your hair. These hairstyles will prevent your hair from damaging and breaking. Some of these hairstyles include:

Twists
Knotless braids
Nigerian ‘didi’ hairstyle

4. Invest in Aloe vera products

Aloe vera has many ingredients that can help strengthen your hair. Whether you want to use the plant or you want to purchase products that contain Aloe Vera, you should make it part of your daily hair care routine this season (unless you are allergic to it). Aloe vera serves as a natural moisturiser and helps repair damaged strands. Investing in the use of aloe vera on your hair this harmattan season is one easy way to show your hair that you care.

5. Lifestyle changes

There are habits you need to pick up this harmattan season to prevent your hair from damaging. The things you used to do once in a while need to become a daily habit. Some of the changes you need to make in your lifestyle include:

Drink lots of water. You are more likely to get dehydrated during this season. Instead of the regular 8 glasses of water a day, increase your intake to 10 glasses for better results.
Avoid touching your hair all the time. I know it’s fun feeling how soft and curly your hair is. However, you put your hair at risk if you constantly have your hand in your hair during this harmattan period. It will break easily.
Make satin bonnets your best friend. When you’re not rocking your hairstyle, then you should cover your hair with a satin bonnet even while you sleep. This helps to lock in the moisture in your hair.

The weather is harsh on your skin and hair. Your natural hair is fragile and so it must be taken care of regularly. Follow these tips and thank me later!