Winter Care: Emollients, Occlusives, Humectants — Field Notes #2

Winter Care: Emollients, Occlusives, Humectants — Field Notes #2. Here’s a field-tested path you can run for two or three wash days, then decide.

The core idea: fewer, better steps. Cleanse the scalp well, condition until slip, style on soaking-wet hair, then hands-off until dry.

Steps

1. Cleanse the scalp; avoid roughing up lengths
2. Apply leave-in on soaking-wet hair
3. Layer gel/foam; rake then scrunch
4. Detangle with water + conditioner in sections

Toolkit

• Deep conditioner/mask (monthly)
• Wide-tooth comb or flexible brush
• Satin/silk pillowcase or bonnet
• Chelating/clarifying shampoo (as needed)

“Balance humectants with film-formers when dew points rise.”

Example

For workouts: quick refresh—mist water + a touch of leave-in at the hairline and crown.

Science angle: porosity governs water movement; humectants pull moisture; film-formers create a cast; proteins patch weak spots temporarily.

Porosity & Climate Notes

• High porosity: seal ends; more frequent masks
• Humidity: pair humectants with film-formers

FAQ

How long to deep condition? 10–20 minutes under a cap is usually enough.

Best diffusing approach? Hover to 60%, then cup-and-hold; break cast only when fully dry.

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• Diffusing Deep-Dive: Heat, Airflow, Timing — Guide #2
• Travel Routine: Pack Light, Look Great

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