Because of the cold, winter is the time of year when your hair's health is at greatest risk. While summer humidity makes hair dull and opaque, the temperature changes that come with the winter season can damage hair fibres and trigger skin abnormalities.

Hair is stressed by the dry air and heating indoors, as well as contact with wool scarves, hats and sweaters, which charge the hair with static electricity.

Here are 10 simple things you can do now to prevent winter hair damage

1. Weekly treatments to keep your hair hydrated

During winter, your hair needs more nourishment, so you should treat your hair to a deep conditioning once a week to help compensate for moisture loss from cold air and dry heat. If you tend to have oily roots, concentrate on just the tips. You can even use some conditioner as a styling product to get your dull, dry hair looking fabulous in a flash. Our Royal Cream conditioner helps lock that moisture in!

2. Shampoo less often

Shampoo can strip moisture from your hair, so washing it less often will help keep it from drying out, while helping to relieve your itchy, flaky scalp. If you have oily roots and tend to shower every day, try an alternative like dry shampoo to absorb the oil. Or wear a hat and try to go for two to three days without washing your hair. You can also try our Normalizing Shampoo—its unique formula gently cleanses and moisturizes, while restoring your hair's natural pH.

3. Hot water or cold?

Hot water not only dries out your skin but your hair too. Turn the temperature down in your shower—lukewarm or cool water is best. You can also close the hair cuticles by doing one last cold water rinse at the end of your shower.

4. Caution when wet

Your hair is at its weakest when wet, which is why you should be extra careful when brushing, drying and styling your hair. After your shower, using a soft towel to remove any excess water and a wide-toothed comb to comb out your hair while it's still wet will help protect it from breakage.

5. Cut down on your heat-oriented styling routine

Try to limit your use of hair dryers and heated appliances like curling irons, crimpers and straighteners. I know that it can be really hard to go without your straightener every morning, but resist the urge to do it every day. If you can't avoid them all together, use low heat and avoid the tips.

6. Never go outside with damp hair

Make sure to dry your hair thoroughly before heading out into the cold. Your hair is more fragile when wet, and in the cold weather, water molecules in your hair can expand, making it more likely to break. Plus, it makes your colour fade faster.

7. Trim those dry ends

One effective way to keep your hair healthy year-round is to get a regular trim every six to eight weeks, which is especially important in the winter months. Getting rid of the dry ends helps give natural curls an extra bounce!

8. Get moisture back into your hair

A humidifier can benefit not only your hair but your dry skin too, providing twice the benefit throughout the winter months.

9. Get rid of fly-away hair

You need a quick fix to zap the static electricity out of your hair? Mix three parts water with one part Royal Cream in a bottle and spray it on your hair, once dried, to eliminate the static. You can also apply a small quantity of Royal cream to your hands and lightly smooth it into the ends of your hair. But remember that in neither case should you apply it to your roots.

10. Stay away from plastic

Plastic combs and brushes can cause static electricity to build up on your hair. Also, plastic combs can have small ridges on each tooth that can easily damage hair and cause breakage. To avoid electrifying your hair, use wooden combs or bamboo hairbrushes instead.