by Kayla Weller

Created on: January 06, 2011

Winter in cold climates can wreak havoc on your hair. Not only does the air get significantly drier but you'll go through many drastic temperature changes as you move from warm indoor rooms to the frigid outdoors. The result is dry, hard to manage, static-y hair. To help prevent damage, follow these tips.

*Get your hair trimmed regularly. In the winter months, you're more likely to get split ends. If they aren't trimmed off quickly, they can worsen.

*Never go outside with wet hair. When your hair freezes, the ice damages the hair shaft.

*When you are outside, wear a loose-fitting hat or wrap a scarf around your hair. Even if your hair is dry, exposure to the wind and cold can cause damage.

*Use lukewarm water to wash your hair. Hot water can damage and dry out your hair even more than it already is. Cold water isn't much better since it won't properly clean your hair of dirt and hair products. But, once you've finished washing your hair, rinse with cold or cool water. This final rinse seals the hair cuticle and makes it less likely to frizz.

*Shampoo less frequently. You don't need to shampoo every day. All those chemicals do more harm than good when you shampoo daily. Once every couple of days will keep your hair clean. And, when you do wash your hair, use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.

*Once a week, use a deep conditioner. Products like "Nexxus Humectress Hydrating Treatment Deep Conditioner" and "Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner" will help replenish any lost moisture. Apply it to your wet hair from scalp to the ends. Cover it with a shower cap and blow dry the outside for about ten minutes. When you're done, rinse out the conditioner.

*Avoid using a blow-dryer to dry your hair. Instead pat it dry with a towel. If you absolutely must blow dry your hair, invest in an ionic hair dryer. They're expensive but they're less damaging. You can also use a heat protection spray such as "Nexxus Heat Protexx Heat Protection Spray" to help minimize the damage.

*When combing or brushing your hair, be gentle. Of course, this applies all year but, even more so in the winter, when your hair is more likely to break.

*Many gels, mousses, and sprays have a high alcohol content. That alcohol will dry out your hair. Look for styling aids that don't use alcohol.

With these tips, you should have healthy, shiny hair year round.

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