Winter Care: Emollients, Occlusives, Humectants

Winter Care: Emollients, Occlusives, Humectants. We’ll cut through hype and show you what reliably moves the needle.

Products help, but technique matters more. Water, timing, and how you touch your hair affect frizz and definition more than brand names.

Steps

1. Soak thoroughly before applying anything
2. Detangle with water + conditioner in sections
3. Cleanse the scalp; avoid roughing up lengths
4. Dry hands-off; break the cast only when fully dry
5. Apply leave-in on soaking-wet hair
6. Layer gel/foam; rake then scrunch

Toolkit

• Hard-hold gel or mousse for humidity
• Satin/silk pillowcase or bonnet
• Wide-tooth comb or flexible brush
• Deep conditioner/mask (monthly)
• Microfiber towel or T-shirt
• Chelating/clarifying shampoo (as needed)

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

Example

For winter: reduce humectants, use richer emollients, and seal ends lightly; diffuse on low heat to avoid damp frizz.

Tools angle: choose diffusers by bowl and airflow, and brushes by flexibility and slip—comfort beats hype.

Common Mistakes

• Touching hair before fully dry
• Skipping sleep protection
• Over-cleansing or never clarifying
• Applying stylers on nearly-dry hair

Related Articles

• Wavy Styling (2A–2C): Lightweight Definition
• Curly Styling (3A–3C): Hold That Lasts
• Plopping Timers: 5, 15, 30?
• Swimming & Curls: Chlorine + Saltwater — Field Notes #2

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