We’re inching toward December, and for a lot of us curly-haired girls out there, the month isn’t all about ornamenting Christmas trees, contemplating resolutions for 2022, and hosting get-togethers with the family. A lot of us are doomed to pacing around with a pile of frizz on our heads. As winters start to rage on outside, temperatures and levels of humidity drop, leaving our already dry and delicate hair begging for some moisture. The good news? With a few handy tips, you can keep your curly from turning into a frizzy mess this winter.

Here are five winter hair care tips for curly hair.

01. Trim your hair

The dry air saps moisture from your tresses, leaving them more prone to breakage and split ends. That’s why it’s advisable to trim your hair every six to twelve weeks to maintain its health and bounce. You can ask your stylist for a ‘dusting’ instead of a trim — it removes just the dry ends of your hair.

02. Use a silk pillowcase

A silk pillowcase is not just a marketing gimmick but has actual benefits for the hair. When you’re lying in bed, you’re tossing and turning quite a bit, and this leads to breakage and frizz. Silk pillowcases, owing to their texture, are known to reduce friction that leads to tangles, bedhead, and breakage. Also, unlike cotton pillow covers, silk pillowcases don’t absorb any moisture from your hair, thus keeping it healthy and bouncy.

03. Switch to a microfiber towel

Swap your cotton towel for a microfiber one. The latter is gentle on your dry hair, and absorbs water quickly — so there’s less tugging, pulling, and rubbing going on. And because they have small fibres, they don’t tangle your hair. This results in reduced friction and strain, and in turn, less hair breakage.

04. Buy a humidifier

A humidifier is the answer to all of your woes. Don’t mistake this appliance for a heater. A heater warms a room, but it also robs the surrounding air of moisture. A humidifier, though, rehydrates the air in your room, and your hair requires this moisture to combat dryness.

05. Finger comb your hair

It’s not advisable to brush your dry curls out — at all. Run your fingers through your hair if they’re excessively tangled. Since your hair is extra delicate now, use a wide-toothed comb after you’ve applied conditioner to your tresses — this will help distribute the product evenly while also untangling the curls. But restrict the combing to shower only.