How to Keep Your Locs Moisturized in Winter: Essential Tips for Healthy Hair

Winter brings cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and holidays, but it also brings dry air that can wreak havoc on your locs. Speaking of cozy sweaters, this is the time of year where you can start to see more lint build up if your locs are rubbing against fuzzy sweaters. Maintaining well-moisturized locs in winter is crucial to preventing breakage, frizz, and a dry scalp. In this guide, we'll explore effective ways to keep your locs hydrated and healthy during the colder months.

Use Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners

Start with the basics: choose a cleansing moisturizing shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for natural hair. Look for products containing natural oils such as coconut oil, argan oil, or shea butter. These ingredients lock in moisture, preventing your locs from becoming brittle. If you have color treated locs you want to ensure that you are using shampoos and conditioners that are designed to moisturize colored hair. Everyone's locs are different so finding the right shampoo and conditioner for the winter may take some trial and error.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

Regular deep conditioning treatments are a lifesaver for locs in winter. You do want to make sure that your locs are at least in the budding stage before you start to deep condition your locs. If you have not reached the budding stage yet, you can do steam treatments with aloe vera. Opt for deep conditioning masks rich in hydrating elements. Apply the mask to your locs, cover them with a shower cap, and let the treatment sit for 20-30 minutes under the dryer for best results. Rinse thoroughly to reveal soft, well-nourished locs.

Oil Treatments

Natural oils are your best friends when it comes to keeping locs moisturized. Warm up some olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil and gently massage it into your scalp and locs. These oils provide intense moisture and also prevent dandruff, a common issue during winter. Generally, the natural oils that kept your hair moisturized as a loose natural should keep your hair moisturized as a loc'd natural. Remember, you want to use oil to prevent dryness, not combat it. 

Protect Your Locs

Protective styling is key to safeguard your locs from harsh winter winds. Consider wearing hats, scarves, or wraps made of silk or satin. These materials reduce friction and lock in moisture, preventing your locs from becoming dry and brittle. If you do not have a hat that is lined with satin, simply wear a silk scarf underneath it until you get to your destination where you can take it off. Also consider wearing a silk barrier underneath your cotton or jersey knit head wraps as well. Hats and wraps can sometimes cause unnecessary friction to your hairline so be sure to keep up with your moisture routine! 

Limit Washing Frequency

Frequent washing can strip your locs of natural oils, leaving them dry and fragile. During winter, try to reduce your washing frequency to once or twice a month. Use a dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil and refresh your locs without drying them out. On wash days, you want to ensure you are properly moisturizing. I like to grease my scalp on wash days with Nature's blessing. I typically wash my hair every two weeks but in the colder months, I stretch it to every three weeks. 

6. Hydrating Sprays

Invest in a hydrating spray containing water, aloe vera, and essential oils. Spritz your locs lightly with this mixture throughout the day to maintain moisture levels. A refreshing spray not only hydrates your locs but also prevents static electricity, which is common in dry winter air. A good hydrating spray to make at home is equal parts of distilled water and aloe vera juice and a few drops of your favorite essential oil, I prefer grapeseed oil. 

7. Protective Bedtime Routine

Before bed, cover your locs with a satin or silk scarf or use a satin pillowcase. These materials reduce friction and help your locs retain moisture while you sleep. Now, sometimes we are exhausted and we don't always feel like getting up to put our bonnet on, even if you forget one night try not to make it an ongoing habit. 


Keeping your locs moisturized during winter is essential for their health and vitality. By following these tips and incorporating moisture-rich products into your hair care routine, you can enjoy luscious, hydrated locs even in the coldest months. Remember, consistency is key – give your locs the love and care they deserve, and they will reward you with beautiful, well-moisturized locks throughout the winter season. Also, why did we stop greasing our scalps? Let's get back to that too!