Do you want shiny, moisturized locks all year long? Learn the dos and don'ts of winter hair care!

Have you ever noticed in the cold winter months your hair seems to be drier? You’re not alone! Indoor heating and dry weather contribute to hair damage during this time of year, the same way it does to our skin. But fear not, there are solutions! Below are 11 easy ways to keep your hair shiny and moisturized all winter long!

1) Be a little fashion forward this winter by sporting a hat or cap. Don’t feel a hat is your style? Try fashioning a scarf with your outfit. Protecting your hair with a hat or scarf from the winter’s wind a low temperatures will help prevent moisture in your hair from escaping. However, you still want good circulation for your hair to breathe, so make sure the hat or scarf is not too tight, otherwise you will only end up with an oily scalp. Otherwise, be sure to take it off when you are indoors and use it for warmth outside.

2) Afraid to wear a hat or scarf during the winter because of static? Use a conditioner with a higher PH level to give your hair a boost of moisture that will defend against static. The more you condition the less static you will have in your hair. Try a leave in spray conditioner to help treat static if beat you to the punch.

3) Condition your hair daily. Your hair needs extra moisture during the winter season. The more you condition the less dry your hair will look and feel. There are special winter shampoos, conditioners and hair products available that take extra good care of hair moisture, so opt for those if you can.

4) We are all aware that hot showers are bad for the skin but did you know that it is also damaging to your hair? The hot water can dry out your hair and so it is recommended that you wash your hair in warm or cool water, and especially that you rinse out your hair in cold water.

5) Use an intense hair mask or moisturizing treatment at least once a week, or more if your hair is already damaged. If repeated use doesn’t work on your ends, you’ll probably need a trim to give back your bounce and shine, sorry girl!

6) Do you remember how mom always said “do not go outside with wet hair?” Well who knew she was right. Chances of ‘hair freeze’ are higher in the cold weather (especially in places where it snows) which will then lead to breakage. Use a low heat setting to dry your hair or shower at night and let your hair dry as you sleep.

7) We all love our blow dryers and curling irons. However, during the winter it is best to avoid them. These items will dry out your already dry hair. If you do need to use a curling iron or blow dryer use a leave in conditioner to limit the damage.

8 ) Don’t use ‘volumizing’ shampoos since their trick is to dry your hair up to help it stand up more.

9) If you dye your hair, use a shampoo that is meant for colour treated hair.

10) If your regular regime is shampooing your hair everyday you should consider switching up your schedule to every other day. You want to limit the amount of times you shampoo your hair. Allow the natural oils in your scalp to moisturize your hair.

11) When combing your hair be gentle and try using a wide tooth comb to brush through those tangles. Your hair is very delicate in the winter and so the gentler you are with your hair the less breakage you will have.

Healthy strong hair is achievable all season long. Just keep in mind that different seasons require different care and so you will need to adjust your hair care regime accordingly.