Best Winter Hairstyles for Curly Hair

When the temperature drops, hairstyles heat up; it’s a magical time of year for your beautiful curls to shine. Below, you’ll find some tried-and-true tips and tricks, as well as six different ways you can make the most of your curly hair as we enter the winter months. 

Style With Satin Hair Accessories

Satin is most commonly known as a synthetic fabric that's glossy-smooth on one side and matte on the other, but the name actually refers to the textile weave used to create it. But no matter how it’s defined, it’s an incredible tool for keeping curly hairstyles looking amazing. It won’t pull or drag the way rougher fabrics do, and it also won’t rob curls of their necessary moisture. In the already-dry winter climate, satin hair accessories are a must-have and can be paired with smart styling tips for better looking and feeling curly hair.

One of the biggest concerns of the dryer winter months is making sure curls retain enough moisture. Instead of dry-brushing your curly hair which can cause hair shaft breakage and unwanted volume, detangle curls using a wide-tooth shower comb while your hair is at max moisturization in the shower.

Pack the right styling tools on the go. If you find yourself reaching for a hair tie in the middle of the workday, choose one that respects your curls rather than working against them. Ouidad’s Made for Curls™ XL Coil Ties are an excellent choice.

Even adding a satin pillowcase or a comfortable satin-lined bonnet to your nighttime routine will help protect your curly hair as you sleep, leaving them as juicy and delicious as ever.

Hairstyles With Satin Headbands

Satin is not only great for your curly hair, but it also a fashionably chic and polished way to dress up your outfit and look. Incorporating satin headbands into your winter hairstyles is a smart, easy choice that gets you out the door and ready to face the day sooner. Here are two great ideas for hairstyles with headbands for curly hair. 

  • Try a simple updo. Gather your hair into a bun or ponytail, depending on your hair length, and fasten with a curl-friendly clip like the Made for Curls™ XL Claw Clips. Stretch your headband over your head, and, starting from the neck, simply smooth it up your forehead to sit just behind your hairline.
  • Use your satin headband to secure a scarf. Fasten your curls into a low bun with a Made for Curls™ XL Styling Pin. Once your bun is secured, cover it with a favorite lightweight scarf in a complementary color. Knot the scarf at the nape of your neck and use your headband to cover the edges.

Satin Scrunchies Three Ways

With so many accessories available to the modern fashionista, choosing your favorite curly winter hairstyles may be a difficult decision! Satin scrunchies give you even more options, ensuring that you’ll have plenty of looks to try before spring comes around.

  • Loose and lovely high pineapple bun. Let your beautiful locks steal the spotlight by looping a satin scrunchie one or two times around piled-up curls. This look is easiest to achieve with an oversized satin scrunchie. Add Featherlight Styling Cream to keep your hair looking glossy.
  • Clever edge curls. For a fun look for days when you don’t expect to take your hat off, create a low ponytail with a satin scrunchie, flip it forward, and use your favorite bobby pins to secure it to the crown of your head. Add a hat and tug a few curls down under the brim for a carefree just-pulled-this-on look that will last all day.
  • Preppy pigtails. Start with a few spritzes of a high-quality leave-in conditioner. Divide your hair down the middle and use two matching satin scrunchies — or contrasting ones, for a bit of funky style! — to make pigtails. These can either be worn as-is or threaded through the side holes of a pigtail-friendly winter hat. 

Satin Scrunchies vs. Velvet Scrunchies

No two heads of curly hair are the same, which means that hair tools are very much a personal choice. You’ve likely heard the "are velvet or satin scrunchies better for curly hair?" debate a great deal over the years. The answer isn’t cut and dried, however; it depends heavily on the quality, quantity, and length of your curls. Satin helps prevent tugging and breakage but may not be the best choice for wearers worried about slippage. If you favor a tighter, smoother style when you pull back your hair, velvet scrunchies or hybrid designs like the XL Coil Scrunchies offer a little more staying power, particularly if you plan to move around a great deal. 

 

The Flat Twist Ponytail

Flat twist ponytails are amazing go-to winter hairstyles that won’t take a lot of effort but still look took-me-all-morning gorgeous. Start with a treat for your hair and scalp like BYE-BYE DRY!® Soothing + Moisturizing Scalp Serum and divide your hair down the middle. On one side, start with a two-strand twist. As you work your way down, grab new sections from either above or below the twist and incorporate them, alternating with each rotation of the twist, following the curve of your head around your ear. Keep the overall twist as close to the scalp as possible, and once done with one side, repeat on the other side. This keeps your curls secured, can be worn under a hat, and protects your hair from winter wind and snow.

With the right products and the right style, winter can hold its own against summer for being the best season to debut unforgettable looks. As things get chilly this year, use these curl-care tips and curly hairstyles for winter ideas to take the world by (snow) storm.