Winter is a tough season for your hair. The cold air dries them out, you shove them under your hats and hoods, and the fast heating that occurs when you are curled up in front of a heater or fireside can make your hair brittle. So how do you keep your locks looking charming when winter life tries to destroy them? Here are some suggestions we have found useful over the years.

Deep Conditioning

According to the experts at ScalpMed, most regular conditioners just coat your hair to make it feel and look silky. They do very little to improve the health of the hair itself. This is why it is a good idea to do an exercise regularly intense conditioning treatment. Look for a conditioner that contains protein and vitamins so it can help your hair be healthy from the inside, not just look that way on the outside. Healthy hair is better able to endure the bad elements that winter will bring. And, it will look even better while doing it.

Short and Cool

During winter, we like to turn up the temperature in the bathroom. There is no doubt that hot water can taste very good when we are cold. It can even help relax your muscles and relieve aches and pains that start to set in when the weather turns cold. However, when it comes time to wash your hair, it’s better to use cold water as hot water can strip your scalp and hair of its natural oils and dry and damage it more than help it. It’s also a good idea to keep those super hot showers short. Prolonged exposure to hot water can damage your skin.

Silk Scarf Is Your Friend

The best way to protect your hair from the elements is to protect it from them. For most of us that means wearing a hat. However, it can even damage your hair as it can build up static electricity, increase oil production, etc. The best way to stop this is to wrap your head and hair in a silk scarf before putting on a hat. This reduces friction and static. It also feels better on your head than the scratchy wool you use for warmth. And it prevents the damage normally caused by hats rubbing against your hair.

Wet Hair Is Not Your Friend

Wet hair causes colds has been disproved by science for a long time. Even so, it is not a really good idea to go out into the winter air while your hair is still wet. If you go outside with wet or even damp hair, the cold air will react with the moisture and cause your hair to become brittle and can even result in damage. Dry your hair utterly before going out–even if you plan on wearing a hat.

Dry Carefully

That said, not all hair dryers and towels are created equal. If you have time before heading out, it is best to simply dry your hair with a soft, highly absorbent towel and then let it dry on its own. If you need to use a hair dryer, choose one made for dispersing hot air rather than simply blowing it directly on your head. It’s also a good idea to treat your hair with products that will protect your hair from the heat. This way your hair can be dried without automatically causing quite a lot of damage.

A Humidifier Is Your Friend

Yes, yes, hot humid air can tangle hair. During the winter, however, turning on a humidifier can help counteract the drying effect caused by the heat throughout the day. It’s not only good for your hair. It’s also good for your skin and even your lungs. This can help stop the nosebleeds that tend to occur this time of year. And it can help your home feel warmer than if you were just using a heater (the humidity helps spread heat more evenly throughout a room, which makes it feel warmer).

Care and Maintenance

Much healthier for limit your shampooing be 2-3 times a week. This may feel gross at first because your scalp will still produce oil at a “wash every day” rate. But over time, your follicles will adjust and you’ll see how healthy your hair is. And, obviously, you want to stick to your pruning and trimming schedule.

Having healthy hair all winter is about protecting the inside in addition to the outside. Use these tips to help you have attractive locks all season long!