I have always had dry hair. And now that I live in a drier climate, my hair is even more dry. Through a bit of research (and trial and error), I have found a few ways to keep my hair healthy during the cold, cold winter months.

1. Moisturize! I find that I do not like to put too much effort in my hair during the winter time. There is something about the cold weather that makes me want to neglect my hair care routine. While moisturizing your hair is important year round, it is even more important during the winter. Cold air is drier than warm air which increases dryness in our skin and hair. It is imperative that we maintain (and in some cases increase) our hair moisture schedules during the winter.

2. Bottoms up. We often hear about the importance of staying hydrated during the summer time. However we sometimes neglect to stay hydrated during the winter. Water is the best source of hydration. Drinking plenty of water ensures our that body is hydrated from the inside out.

3. The touch, the feel of cotton. If you are anything like me then you probably wear a lot of hats and beanies during the winter. Not only do these accessories help to keep us warm but they can be quite stylish. The downside to this is many of them are made of cotton. And because cotton is very absorbent, it can rob our hair of it’s moisture. Try looking for beanies that are lined in silk or satin. If you are unable to find any, try wrapping your hair with a silk scarf before putting on your hear gear.

4. We go deep. My hair requires deep conditioning on a weekly basis. However in the winter time, I find that my hair can use an extra dose of moisture. I have found my homemade concoctions to be the most effective. You can view my winter deep condition recipe here. If you are not the DIY type, try using moisture rich oils such as jojoba, coconut, almond, olive and grape seed. You can also opt for thick conditioners that coat the hair.

5.Protective styling. It is a good idea to give your hair a break every now and then. This is especially true for the winter time. Protective styles not only give your hair a break but they also keep your ends protected from the harsh weather. There are so many protective styles that keep your hair healthy. Use this time to experiment with different styles. Just remember to moisturize your hair while it is in the protective style.