There is a restlessness that comes with the end of winter. We start looking for the first green shoots in the garden; we crack a window open just an inch to let in fresh air; we begin to mentally retire our heaviest coats. Nature is waking up, and interestingly, our bodies often follow suit. But for our hair, this transition—"The Thaw"—can be a period of volatility. Just as leaves fall in autumn, many people experience a distinct period of shedding as winter fades into spring. It is a biological reset, a reaction to the changing light and rising temperatures.
If you are not prepared for it, this seasonal shed can feel alarming. You might notice more hair in the shower drain or in your brush than you did in December. This is often the result of the hair cycle shifting from the resting phase (telogen) back into the growth phase (anagen). The old hairs are pushed out to make room for the new. While this process is natural, the goal of a transitional hair care routine is to minimize the loss and maximize the strength of the new growth emerging. We want to ensure that we are shedding only what is necessary, not losing length due to breakage.
This is the season of "root fortification." During the deep winter, our focus was on the ends—sealing them against the wind and friction. As we move toward spring, the focus must shift to the scalp. We need to create a fertile environment for that new spring growth. This is where the nutrient density of Rooted Treasure Jamaican Black Castor Oil becomes essential in a new way. We aren't just sealing anymore; we are stimulating.
The Ricinoleic acid in authentic JBCO is a known circulation booster. By increasing blood flow to the scalp through regular massage, you are essentially delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle. This is crucial during a shedding phase. It strengthens the anchor of the hair strand. A strong root is less likely to fall prematurely. We recommend increasing the frequency of your scalp massages during this transitional period. Instead of once a week, try dedicating five minutes every other evening to working a small amount of oil into your roots. Think of it as waking up the soil after a long freeze.
Simultaneously, "The Thaw" is the time to deal with the buildup of winter. For months, we have been layering heavy creams, butters, and oils to survive the dry heat. As the humidity in the air naturally rises with the approaching spring, our hair doesn't need to be weighed down quite as heavily. We need to slowly lift the weight.
However, stripping the hair with a harsh clarifier can be a shock to the system. A better approach is the "hot oil pre-poo." Before you do your spring cleaning wash, apply a generous amount of Rooted Treasure to dry, dirty hair. Cover it with a warm towel for twenty minutes. The oil binds to the winter grime and product buildup, lifting it gently from the cuticle. When you finally shampoo, the dirt washes away, but the moisture remains. You are left with a clean slate that isn't stripped bare. It is the perfect middle ground for transitional weather.
You may also notice that your texture changes slightly as the dew point rises. Hair that stayed sleek in January might start to frizz in March. This is the hair reaching out for atmospheric moisture. Instead of fighting it, work with it. Use Rooted Treasure to "seal and scrunch." After washing, while the hair is damp, apply a very small amount of oil to your palms and scrunch it into your curls or waves. This locks in the water from your wash day so your hair doesn't feel the need to pull water from the humid air, which is the primary cause of frizz.
Finally, there is a mental shift required here. We are moving from preservation mode to growth mode. Winter was about survival; spring is about flourishing. Look at your edges, your nape, and the overall density of your hair. Acknowledge the work you put in over the last three months. If you’ve been consistent with your oiling rituals, you should see that despite the cold, you have retained length. Now, the job is to carry that length into the sun.
"The Thaw" isn't just about melting snow; it's about revealing what has been protected underneath. With a little patience and the continued support of the earth’s best ingredients, you can step into the new season with a crown that is ready to bloom.