The cold weather is just around the corner. Although it is known that the dropping temperature has an effect on your skin and hair, don’t let it keep you from having healthy hair. To help your tresses sparkle during the cold season, we rounded up these 12 tips to keep your hair looking shiny, gorgeous, and healthy all winter:

Do you think your hair is all set for the cold weather? Add these hair care tips to your current hair care routine. You'll then realize that a little care can make a huge difference.

1. Style less.
As much as you want to look and feel good about your hair during winter, it is best that you limit your use of heat styling tools. The heat can only cause your hair and scalp to dry out, putting you at risk of damage.

2. Keep your hair color darker.
Winter is a great time to let go of your dream to become a blonde. Of course, this color is awesome, but it also does a pretty great job at damaging your hair. If you insist on coloring your locks, leave the roots a bit darker and apply a semi-permanent hair color until the weather is gentler.

3. Keep the temperature warm.
Be sure you don’t get a temperature whenever you leave the premises of your home and when you arrive. If the temperature inside is warmer than the inside, it can cause your skin and scalp to be irritated.

4. Do not use hot water.
Yes, it’s cold. However, if you truly care for your scalp, just don’t rinse with hot water because it will dehydrate your hair and scalp. It’ll help if you keep the water heater temperature at the same level the whole year to be fair to your hair.

5. Wash less frequently.
How often do you shampoo? Well, you might be tempted to shampoo regularly for grooming purposes. But hair care products experts found that if you shampoo your hair only twice or thrice a week, you can help prevent your hair from becoming dry and dull.

6. Apply natural oils.
When it’s cold, your scalp tends to be drier, making it prone to scalp irritation, dandruff, and hair fall. Don't worry because no matter how busy you are, you can at least use natural oils to keep your scalp moisturized. The best natural oil you can use is coconut oil. Massage it gently into your scalp and leave it there for 10 to 15 minutes. After which, rinse it with your favorite shampoo and conditioner.

7. Condition, condition, condition!
It is normal for us to use conditioner every after we shampoo. After all, it is an important part of any hair care regimen. But during winter, we suggest you use a deep conditioner and a leave-in treatment to keep your strands moisturized and protected.

8. Dry your hair the right way.
When drying your hair, you have to treat it with TLC. Even if a blow dryer is a great tool for drying and styling the hair, it can be harmful when not used properly. Before you even use a blow dryer, apply a heat protectant first. You can easily purchase one online or in local stores.

9. Let your hair air dry.
If you are not in a hurry, it’s better that you just let your hair dry than use a blow dryer. That way, you can protect your hair against the heat from heat styling tools. Then again, you still have to be aware that stepping outside your house in cold weather with wet hair can cause it to quickly freeze and break.

10. Trim your hair regularly.
Regardless if you have short or long hair, know that the winter weather can make your hair tips brittle and dry. With regular trims, you can keep your hair in good shape and reduce the risk of having split ends.

11. Wear a hat.
Once you feel the cold wind starts to blow, go to your closet and wear a hat. Although it may mean you have to say goodbye to that beautiful hairstyle, wearing a hat can add a sassy edge to your overall look. Just make sure you wear a hat that compliments your facial shape and outfit.

12. Stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet.
To keep your scalp and hair healthy, you simply have to eat a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated.

Author's Bio: 

Catherine finds joy in the simplest things. Her passion for traveling is equally matched by her love for animals. When she’s at home, you can find her in her room writing about her travel experiences or outside the house playing with her fur babies. Whenever she’s in the mood for experimenting, you can see her in the kitchen trying out new recipes, most likely desserts. Despite her busy lifestyle, she makes sure to spend time with friends, participating in various charity works and running for a cause.

She shares her expertise about nutritious and organic foods like coconut oil on her blog Free Coconut Recipes. Find out what she’s up to by following her social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.