Healthy hair is difficult to maintain throughout the winter months, as the harsh weather conditions wreak havoc on our hair. The bitter cold outside combined with biting wind dries out our hair. Electric heat indoors also dries out our hair. These conditions seem designed to work against us!

You could always jetset to a tropical island to escape the winter weather, but if your budget isn’t forgiving, follow these tips instead!

1. Shampoo less often. The winter cold already dries out your hair. Shampooing it too frequently will strip it of its natural oils, making it brittle and prone to breakage. When you do wash your hair, opt for a sulfate-free shampoo like Dr. Marder’s Total Relief Shampoo and Conditioner. The nourishing formula contains a botanical complex as well as 1% hydrocortisone, which helps relieve dry, itchy scalp.

2. Deep condition. Your hair is bound to get parched this season so treat it to some TLC with a DIY mask, or purchase an all-natural, sulfate-free hair mask to nourish your strands.

3. Don’t go outside with wet hair. We all run a little late sometimes, but do your best not to leave the house with wet hair! Wet hair is much more fragile than dry hair, and more prone to breakage. Leaving the house with wet hair can cause the water particles to freeze and any wind factor will cause the hair to tangle. This stress on the hair will cause it to stretch and break.

4. Find creative ways to wear your hair! Hat hair is terrible. Flat hair is terrible. Tangled hair is terrible. To avoid all these winter woes on your hair, try wearing it in a different style! A top knot is a classy look that always looks clean. It will keep your hair out of your mouth and draw the focus to your face. You can also wear your hair in braids. There are tons of fun braids that are both functional and chic. Play around with different styles! They also double as great next-day hair as your hair will settle in effortless waves once you undo the braids!

5. Trim it! Some breakage and winter wear is unavoidable. Keep your locks fresh by getting your ends trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Research shows frequent trims also promotes hair growth!