Skin isn’t the only thing to get dry and suffer in winter weather. Your hair may be prone to damage during dry, cold months. Here are some tips for having healthy hair year round.

Use conditioner: Conditioner helps keep your hair shiny and soft, but it also protects it from breakage.

Shower in warm water: A hot shower may seem appealing in winter’s cold but it actually dries your skin and hair. Warm water is best for avoiding damage.

Wear a hat: The less your hair is exposed to the elements, the better. When it’s cold, wear a hat to protect your hair as well as keep your head warm! Make sure your hat is snug, but not so tight that it restricts circulation in your scalp.

Shampoo less: Shampooing less frequently allows natural, protective oils to remain in your hair. Try shampooing just twice a week, rinsing your hair in warm water on the “off” days.

Air dry: Avoid using your hair dryer if at all possible. Air drying is the most natural and safest way for your hair to dry, and heat sources like hair dryers and curling irons can cause damage. If you have to blow dry your hair, use the lowest setting and apply a leave-in conditioner first.

Consider a simple style: The less maintenance your hair requires, the less likely it is to damage from combing, styling, too frequent washing, etc.

Avoid alcohol: Alcohol is an ingredient in many hair sprays and other products, but it can dry out your hair. Check the ingredients list on your products and when shopping, opt for alcohol-free.

Boost humidity: During dry months it will help your hair and your skin to have a humidifier running, to normalize the humidity in your living and working spaces.

Keep it trimmed: We tend to associate warmer months with beauty and winter months with bundling up – so the temptation to let your hair grow longer and skip a few salon sessions is greater in winter. But trimming dead ends is very important – if you don’t, your hair may split, break and generally look dull. Depending on how fast your hair grows, you may need to see your stylist every 2-3 months for longer locks and 4-8 weeks for shorter styles.