5 Heat Free Hairstyles You Should Try This Winter

You would think that three years in the Midwest would have adequately prepared me for winter with the three winters that I have faced so far. Think again!

Getting used to the cold has been a slow going process for this young Florida native. I also will argue that I have been a bit spoiled because it hasn’t been that cold.

Not only did I have to learn how to dress for the cold, but I also had to learn what the climate change meant for my hair. As a recent survivor of the polar vortex this is true now more than ever. You may not realize it, but winter means a lot of changes for your hair.

The colder air is also dryer, meaning your hair can be starved for moisture which is one thing to contend with. Then, the materials that we wear to keep us warm (wool for example) are absolutely tragic for our ends. This means more split ends, more breakage and less moisture. Basically it’s a hair care lover’s worst nightmare.

Additionally, heat is already not the healthiest option for your tresses, but the colder weather and drier air makes it almost necessary to use it more often which is even more taxing on your hair in this season.

So, how is a girl to style her hair without heat in winter?

I am a firm believer in enjoying your hair and your hair journey. That means that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice fabulous hair styles for the sake of healthier hair. In fact, you can have both. Check out these five heat free styles that will make your winter a little less gray:

1. Flexi Rod* Set – Flexi Rod* sets have a lot of perks to them and are a great option for both natural and relaxed ladies. This style is low manipulation because at night you can just pineapple your hair and put a bonnet on top.

In the morning finger comb through and you are good to go. For natural ladies this is a great way to stretch your hair too. Applying the flexi rods* before bed time and air-drying is the best option for this set to keep it heat free.

Plus, the depending on the roller size you use you can achieve so many different looks. Below is MyInvisibleChyrsalis tutorial on a heat free flexi rod* set.

2. Bantu Knot Out – In the video Samirah Gilli pre-stretches her hair with a two strand twist out followed by a ponytail. She proposes using a product that does not contain water to set the bantu knots.

This prevent your hair from reverting if you are natural but if you are relaxed then feel free to use a light leave in conditioner* to set your knots. The results I’m sure you will agree are absolutely stunning!

3. Fun Updo – In the video HairDeLaCreme uses flexi rods*, however similar results can be achieved using bantu knots or a twist out. This style has the added perk of also being protective. It will keep your ends from rubbing against your shirt or jacket collar which often tends to be made of moisture sucking materials like wool.

Need more incentive for loving this style? Length doesn’t really matter! As your hair grows you can adapte it and it looks good every time. That is versatility at its finest.

4. Ninja Bun – Buns are a classic, effortless, go to style, but much like the ponytail they can get a little boring. Luckily there are tons of different ways to spice them up.

Braids, side buns, low buns, high buns, the list goes on. Another added perk is that since you can use a little bit of gel or hair cream to smooth down your edges, texture really doesn’t matter meaning if you’re relaxed or natural it should be simple enough to achieve this style.

This ninja bun is yet another variation to the traditional high bun and it looks super chic. Check out the version by EbonyCPrincess below:

5. Flat Twist Updo – When I was a little girl my mom would sometimes part my hair down the middle and give me two french braids. I look back at that hairstyle and wish I could still rock it now without feeling like a child.

Flat twists are the perfect solution! There is something about the flat twists along with the side part that gives this hairstyle the extra age it needs in order for you to pull it off as a grown woman. The pinned up ends make it a nice updo which also protect your ends. LHDC-TV shows us how she achieves this style:

You may have noticed that most of these styles are not just viable heat free options, they are also pretty great protective/low manipulation styling options too.

While protective styling isn’t necessarily a must for healthy hair in the winter it is definitely a good idea to try out for at least a couple days of the week.

Consider all the benefits you gain from staying heat free and wearing protective styles in the winter. Trust me your hair will thank you.