Winter Essential:
Hair Caps to Protect Black Hair

Winter is here, the time of year when we reach for thick blankets and heaters. While staying warm is important during the winter months, Black hair requires special care to maintain healthy moisture levels. The cold, dry air outside and the effects of indoor heating can easily dry and damage hair, making hair caps a must-have winter item to prevent the damage. Let’s take a closer look at why you need a hair cap and learn about the differences of various types and materials of hair caps.

 

1. Why is Black hair more vulnerable in winter?

The structure and texture of black hair is generally more prone to moisture loss than other hairs.

• Curly structure: Black hair is strongly twisted into coils. The curlier your hair is, the harder it is for the natural oils (sebum) produced in your scalp to spread evenly throughout your hair, and the hair tends to get even drier towards the end.

• Oval cross-section: Black hair often has an oval or rectangular cross-sectional shape, which means that the cuticle layer of the hair is not evenly arranged and is prone to lifting and opening. Once the cuticles open, moisture can easily evaporate.

• The thinness of the hair: Black hair is relatively thin and weak. The thinner the hair, the less it will retain moisture. They lose moisture easily, especially when subjected to heat or chemical treatments.

 

2. Bonnets, an essential part of your winter hair care routine

Bonnets have long been a staple in Black families and communities. It’s as common and important as nail clippers, and interesting stories about its use and meaning have surfaced on social media lately.

Perception of Bonnets

The image of women wearing bonnets at an airport recently made a hot topic among African Americans on the internet. Opinions on wearing bonnets in public were mixed, with most believing it was polite not to wear them in public. These comments show that bonnets are perceived as a tool for a deeply personal hair care routine. Most tend to think of it as something you wear to sleep, and when it comes to preference, most people consider personal taste and desired functionality above anything else.

Bonnet as a Cultural Symbol

A Black woman in her 70s took to TikTok to share a photo of a white woman wearing a bonnet she had seen at the airport, expressing it was both refreshing and baffling. This is likely due to the fact that in the Black community, bonnets are seen as a hair care tool as well as a cultural item steeped in long-standing traditions and routines. There were a lot of different opinions on this, and a lot of interesting discussion about what it means and why.

Hair Care Benefits of Bonnets

Bonnets are excellent for protecting dry, fragile hair. By wrapping your hair while you sleep, the bonnet reduces friction between your hair and the pillowcase and preserves moisture in your hair. It helps keep hair healthy and soft by preventing cuticle damage, split ends, moisture loss, and more. It’s great for protecting thin, brittle hair as well as styled hair.

 

3. Different protection by hair cap materials

• Silk
  It is an excellent material for protecting hair in the winter. It retains the hair’s natural oils without taking away moisture, which prevents dryness and damage. The soft material also minimizes friction, which prevents split ends.
• Satin
  It provides a similar effect to silk but is more affordable. It has a silky smooth surface that reduces hair friction and helps retain moisture. Satin is usually made of polyester and is durable, easy to clean, and easy to care for.
• Microfiber
  Less moisture-wicking and more breathable, it is effective in preventing moisture from escaping from the hair. Microfiber caps are lightweight, comfortable, and soft enough to wear safely without damaging your hair.

April William, ___ of Braid Masters, emphasizes that “the most important part of protecting your hair in the winter is the frontal line and nape of the neck.” This area is prone to damage from unnecessary friction, and clothing and accessories. Especially wool hats, scarves, coat collars, and turtlenecks can snag or pull on the hair, which can be detrimental to delicate hair. This repeated friction makes your hair more prone to breakage and requires extra care because it doesn’t retain essential moisture,” she says, adding that many women have long been meticulous about styling in a variety of ways to prevent this.

 

4. Hot items that are fashionable, warm, and damage resistant

AB Plus

Premium Turban Cap

Premium quality with a variety of colors and a clean design. Comfortable and durable material makes it easy to use and care for. And the warm, velvety texture adds an elegant and luxurious touch.

 

 

 

 

Annie

Ms. Ramey Sapphire Wide Stretch Headwrap
They come in a variety of colors, so it’s fun to choose. It’s a comfortable scarf that can be used as a stylish accessory while maintaining your hairstyle, and it can also double as a protection for your hair. It features a wide 7-inch width, premium silky material, and a stretchy finish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cantu

Textured Fabric Easy Wrap
An easy-to-use slide-on hair wrap. It fits all sizes and is great for boosting your style or protecting your hair. It’s receiving good reviews online.

 

 

 

 

 

Firstline

King Cap
Black men also need bonnets because of the nature of their hair, but they tend to avoid bonnets for being too feminine. For these men, the King Cap, designed like a chef’s cap, has become a men favorite. Bonnets for boys are now available, and it’s expanded to colors other than the best-selling black.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genesis

Nightlocks Satin Lined Beanie
Regular beanies tend to ruin your hairstyle and damage your hair after wearing them, but this satin-lined beanie keeps your hair moisturized while protecting your hairstyle. The sleek colors and trendy design make it easy to blend in with any look, and it’s extremely versatile. It’s a product that truly satisfies both function and style.

 

 

 

 

Kiss

Pre-Tied Glam Wrap
Made from luxurious silky satin, this hair wrap is perfect for those who want a modern and sophisticated look. The durable, pre-tied elastic design allows for quick and easy styling, so you can combine practicality with fashion.