When winter?s chill sets in, your curly hair needs heat, too!

We dress differently in winter. We drive differently in winter. And it’s no secret that when the weather changes and the temperatures drop, women should treat their hair differently too. Women and girls with naturally curly hair, particularly multi-ethnic or biracial women and girls, must understand that as the seasons change, so too must their hair management techniques.

Since naturally curly hair is typically drier than straight hair, it requires moisturizing treatment more regularly. As the temperatures drop and the airs dries, moisturizing treatments should become more frequent. In fact, Mahisha Dellinger, founder of CURLS hair care products for multi-ethnic women and girls, recommends a deep treatment that includes heat at least once a week during the winter. Replenishing moisture in your thirsty locks is critical in maintaining healthy, manageable, frizz-free curls, Dellinger says.

She recommends using CURLS’ Ecstasy Hair Tea Deep Conditioner & Hair Therapy Wrap to give your naturally curly hair the ultimate moisturizing treatment. That and CURLS’ many other hair care products for women with naturally curly hair are available at www.curls.biz.

To avoid further dehydrating their hair, women should shampoo less often during the winter. Shampooing strips hair of the natural oils that the scalp creates, and since we produce less of it in the cold months, there’s less to strip away. Instead, Dellinger suggests using a sulfate-free cleanser, which works more gently on your hair and scalp.

Women are also advised to consider different hairstyles during the winter months, perhaps a look that doesn’t require heat-based styling. Curling irons cause dry hair, and Dellinger recommends wearing an occasional slicked-back bun, ponytails or chignons. When you do opt for a ‘do that requires styling products, opt for rich creams in place of gels, and use as little as you can get by with.

The key is adding moisture, moist heat preferably. Dellinger’s favorite technique calls for warming up a little natural oil and applying directly to the scalp. “Follow up with a little CURLS Ecstasy – the size of a half-dollar for your entire head. It’s an awesome leave-in during the winter months.” A once-a-week treatment program, along with products like CURLS’ Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream, and Dellinger’s tips on daily care will keep your hair beautiful, healthy and manageable until spring.

To see the entire CURLS lineup of hair care products and read more of Dellinger’s hair care tips, visit www.curls.biz.