Winter means snow storms, freezing cold, and hoods.  All of these forces seem to conspire to make your perfectly done hair look like you just rolled out of bed.  However, there are things you can do all winter long that will help you keep your style despite the chill.

Moisturize the Frizz Away

Frizz is caused by a lack of moisture.  Making sure your hair is never thirsty will take away that unkempt look and leave you feeling in control of your locks.

This should be done on several levels.  First, make regular trips to your hair salon for deep-conditioning treatments.  If going once a week is going to break the bank, consider going to a school like The Health and Style Institute.  You get better deals and quality stylists.  The deep-conditioning will keep your hair healthy and looking great.

While you’re there, pick up some leave-in conditioners and protective oils.  All the primping you put your hair through has worse effects in winter months than any other time.  Daily moisturizing is a great way to keep your hair healthy between salon visits.

Give your Hair a Break

Every time you wash your hair, you lose moisture and natural oils.  Try washing less frequently – maybe every other or every third day.  When you do wash it, think about how much stress your towel puts on it.  Rubbing your towel through your hair is asking for trouble.  Instead, take the gentler approach by just patting or scrunching your hair with the towel.

You already know the cold gives you chapped lips and dry skin – but did you know it does the same to your hair?  If you’re going out in the cold, wear a hat or scarf that covers your hair so it’s not as exposed to the harsh elements.  But beware of wool hats.  They actually dry out your hair, undoing all the good work you’re putting in.

Embrace the Chill

The more heat you expose your hair to, the less moisture your hair retains from the shampoo and conditioner.  Try to get around this by washing your hair in lukewarm water and reducing the amount you use your hair dryer.  By letting your hair at least partially air dry, you give the moisturizer in your products a chance to do its job.

If you do have to blow dry, consider investing in an ionizing hairdryer.  These use negative ions to interact with water molecules, lowering the necessary heat of vaporization.  In short, they let your hair dry faster.  Less time using dry heat means less damage to your hair.