Come along with us on a Curly Canadian Road Trip this summer! We'll be suggesting products based on the different climates we have in Canada so you can get the best out of your curls, regardless of where your holidays may take you.
The Curly Canadian Road Trip: The Prairies (AB, SK, MB)
Although there are some lakes and occasional rain in these provinces, the Canadian prairies have dry summers. This means that your hair will still need humectants as they help to keep water in your hair. Always remember water is moisture! You might find that simple humectants like glycerin(e), sorbitol and propylene glycol work perfectly in your hair year-round. Simple humectants are really great at keeping water in your hair and this can be good news: that leaves a whole lot of products for you to choose from.
If you find your weather is extremely dry, glycerin and other simple humectants may not work that well. Watch for your hair becoming brittle and drier than usual as an indication that it's time to switch products.
If this is the case, then a leave-in conditioner with some film-forming humectants like plant gels, polymers and proteins might be in order. You may need to use products where glycerin and other simple humectants are low in the ingredients list or products without them. As always, everyone's hair will react differently to the weather so you will have to do some trial and error to figure it out for you.
Product Choices for the Prairies
If your climate is particularly dry then a leave in conditioner with emollients (these are moisturizing ingredients) will slow down the loss of water in your hair. Here are a few to try:
If you have fine hair and find creamy leave in conditioners just too heavy, you can try one of these lightweight spray conditioners. If you struggle to apply them evenly, spray them into your hand and apply that way.
- AG Hair Remedy Apple Cider Vinegar Leave-on Mist
- Inahsi Naturals Pamper My Curls All-in-One Leave-in Moisture Mist
- Amika Vault Color-Lock Leave-in Conditioner Spray
On top of your leave in you will probably wish to use a gel, especially if your location is windy or you are outside a lot. For long lasting hard hold and frizz control, I recommend the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel (also available in Stronger Hold). If you'd like a medium-hard hold with no protein, try Jessicurl's Spiralicious Styling Gel. For a gel with protein, try Curlsmith's Shape Up Aqua Gel instead. New from Inahsi is their Pamper My Curls Curl Sculpting Glaze Strong Hold Gel that would also be a good choice for the Prairies.
Deep conditioning is a good idea throughout the year in a dry climate, so be sure to read a bit more about this subject in my blog Do I Need to Deep Condition in the Summer?
More Tips for Dry Climate Hair Care
- Add more water to your routine: refresh with it and spray it daily over your hair.
- Try a cowash or wash with a conditioner in between your low poo or clarifying shampoo. Even the gentlest shampoo removes some of the moisture from your hair in its efforts to clean your curls.
- Use a pre-poo product like the Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Pre-Shampoo Treatment or oil like the Hair Dance Revitalizing Beauty Oil to maintain flexibility and lubrication.
- Keep yourself hydrated! Drink lots of water.
- Protect your hair from UV rays with a hat like the Curl Keeper Badazz Backless Cap.
- Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. Cotton absorbs moisture from your hair and skin while you sleep, silk and satin do not.
Bottom line – here in the prairies you will probably have a similar routine year-round to combat the dry air. The winter gives us the freezing air and summer gives us lots of sunshine, so give your hair lots of care!
