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Winter is certainly still here – and with it comes the challenges of dry air, breakage, and cold-weather frizz. But it’s also the perfect season to refresh your look with bold, low-maintenance hairstyles and protective routines. From moisture-rich wigs and braids to heatless styling tools and fun accessories, South African women are embracing winter hair trends that keep their strands safe and their confidence high.
Whether curly, coily, wavy or straight, hair is a powerful extension of self-expression. For many women, it’s also part of their daily ritual and a form of creative exploration. This season, online marketplaces are helping local shoppers embrace the joy of great hair without breaking the bank.
For Monique Botes, a 31-year-old mom and content creator from Cape Town, hair has always been a big part of her identity. “Accepting my hair for what it is allowed me to accept who God has created me to be,” she shares. Her approach to hair is grounded in one simple truth: healthy hair is good hair, no matter the texture.
Winter trends this year are all about protection and practicality, with a stylish twist. Monique is loving the return of the ’90s supermodel blowout – “a voluminous look that can actually be achieved without heat, especially when paired with a thick headband to extend wash day.” According to Vogue, other trending looks include sleek centre partings, sculptural braids, ultra-short bobs and all manner of braided styles – tribal, Fulani, knotless, and more.
“Classic box braids and twists are coming out as the ultimate low-maintenance hairstyle,” says Monique. “They’re protective and perfect for winter when you don’t want to style your hair every day.”
And when it comes to easy style switches, wigs are having a major moment, especially with more affordable options available online. “My first purchase was a red wig, and also the first wig I’ve ever owned, says Monique.”
She’s not alone. On TikTok, South African creator ms_siyaa shared her experience buying a 16-inch waterwave wig and called it a steal at just R1450.
Cost-effective ‘experiments’ like these are a great way to try something new without the commitment – or the heat damage. Whether you’re switching up your style or embracing protective looks for winter, online platforms can offer a wide range of affordable products to support your hair journey. Think silk bonnets, wig caps, scalp protectors, detangling brushes, heatless rollers and more.
And while experimenting is fun, care still comes first. “My hair routine needs to be simple, effective and long-lasting,” Monique says. When it comes to wigs, that means using the right products, formulated for either synthetic or human hair, and gentle care practices like detangling from ends to roots, washing in cool water, and air drying where possible.
Hair accessories and wigs should also be stored and treated mindfully. “Some people even put their wigs in a plastic shopper bag and microwave them for a few minutes to soften them — it actually works,” Monique laughs.
Temu is helping women across South Africa enjoy better hair days, even in winter, with options that are budget-friendly and trend-forward. A recent survey showed that 46% of South African shoppers save more than half of their budget by using Temu, with nearly 40% shopping on the platform at least once a month.
As Monique puts it: “Healthy hair and confidence is all you need to feel unstoppable.”