Best

1. Sulfate-free shampoo. Shampoo and conditioner are year-round staples. As a general rule, avoid shampoos that are filled with drying detergents. There are many sulfate-free, nutrient-infused products on the market that won’t over-dry your hair. Dr. Marder’s Total Relief Shampoo and Conditioner are products specially formulated to nourish dry hair. The 1% hydrocortisone composition also helps relieve dry, itchy scalp in the winter months.

2. Hot oil treatments. Whether you go to a salon or indulge in the comfort of your own home, hot oil treatments are a great way to moisturize and nourish your hair from root to tip. As salon treatments can get costly, try heating some extra virgin coconut oil and distributing it into your scalp. Leave it in for an hour and shampoo as normal when you’re done. Your hair will feel super soft and smell like a tropical escape!

3. Eat well. Diet plays an important role on hair health. The winter months can make it more expensive to get fresh produce, but frozen ones can be just as good. Frozen fruits and vegetables are picked and frozen at the peak of their ripeness, sealing in essential nutrients. Foods high in Vitamins A and C, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein will help nourish your hair from the inside out.

Worst

1. Bleaching your hair. Bleach is incredibly drying. That combined with the cold, dry weather can only mean damage, frizz and breakage. Refrain from bleaching your hair until the snow melts.

2. Keratin treatments. Keratin is a protein that naturally occurs in our hair. Keratin treatments are done by applying a keratin solution to the hair and sealing it into the strands with a flat iron. While this process can reduce frizziness and future styling time, it is one that needs to be done with caution. If you’re set on getting this treatment, make sure you go to an experienced stylist who can comfortably answer all your questions. Much of the damage from keratin treatments comes from the flat ironing process. An inexperienced stylist may put too much heat in your hair, leading to breakage and split ends. Also keep in mind that many keratin solutions contain formaldehyde, a carcinogen that should not be inhaled.

3. Not using heat protectant. Heat protectant is your best friend when using hot tools. It moisturizes the shaft and keeps it from frying when you apply heat to it. It will help minimize breakage. Even on days when you aren’t using heat, a light spritz can help combat the drying indoor heat. Alternatively, a leave-in conditioner can be used.