As we approach the cooler months, the atmosphere begins to get drier – and so too does our hair.
The products we use in our hair are important for hair health and protection, but actually only make up about 70 percent of our routine; the other 30 percent is made up of hair tools and accessories.
Accessories are crucial in keeping curly hair healthy and protected every month, but they are especially important in winter when our hair is particularly vulnerable.
In this week’s column, I’ve listed my top tools and accessories to help your hair survive the cooler months, just in time for Autumn! Here goes…
1. Satin scrunchies
Satin or silk are always good materials to use when it comes to haircare, particularly when it comes to bands and scrunchies.
The fabrics are slippery, meaning they create less friction on the hair compared to cotton products (or those of other materials). This means there is less breakage from both your edges and ends, as well as less tangles as curls just slip off the material.
My favourite scrunchies I have ever had and used are from @meyou.hair. The perfect size, perfect thickness of elastic, and perfect stretch. You cannot go wrong!
Another tip when it comes to scrunchies is to buy one that you can just wrap around your hair once. This means there will be less tension on your scalp, leading to less breakage and tension headaches (the worst).
2. Satin bonnets, scarves and pillow cases
The power that my bonnet has over me is concerning. It’s my best friend. I spend most of my time in my bonnet; it’s the first thing I put on as soon as I come home from work.
It might sound ridiculous but it’s actually a really beneficial habit to have; I know that my hair is protected from the atmosphere and other materials. My hair is at risk of less breakage as it won’t be touching rough materials from the sofa, bed or clothing.
However, as pro-bonnet as I am, I’m aware other items such as satin scarves and pillow cases are also beneficial. Satin/silk in general is just a brilliant fabric to have around, whatever the hair accessory or tool.
Satin scarves are good to have in case your bonnet falls off (it shouldn’t) or for the car; often people forget that your hair can experience a lot of breakage and friction while sitting in a car. A satin pillowcase or bonnet can be placed on your headrest to prevent this.
3. An easy glide brush
My old and dying Tangle Teezer is one of the best hair tools I have ever been introduced to. Detangling my hair has become so much less of a ‘chore’ since receiving it.
If you are ‘anti-brush,’ I’d recommend trying the normal Wet Detangling Brush. It is the first brush I used that felt smooth and gentle and didn’t pull or snag on my hair while detangling. It almost feels like it works with my curls rather than against them, which I believe is the problem with most brushes.
I’m aware that not everyone enjoys a brush, especially curly heads, so you could always try a Hercules Sagemann wide tooth comb.
These are combs without plastic seams, which means your hair just glides through the comb without hitting a hurdle of friction. They are better constructed than your average wide tooth comb from the supermarket.
And if you don’t like combs, the combs that nature gave us (hands) are always a good option for curls.
Finger detangling allows you to feel tangles and work through them yourself without force, meaning the hair is more protected from stress and strain.
These three tips and products have been crucial to my hair health for the past two years; never underestimate their importance. It’s easy to neglect them but believe me, the difference they can make is huge, so invest now ahead of the cooler months ahead.
;
