Winter brings with it frosty nights, sparkling snow, crisp air, crackling fires … and dreaded hat hair. The bitter weather can make it difficult to have good hair days, but there are ways to keep hair strong, healthy and shiny even if it is stuffed under your ski hat.

“You need to pay extra attention to your hair in the winter even more than other times of the year,” says Brian Magallones, celebrity stylist for Garnier Fructis. “The dry air and harsh weather can strip strands of moisture leaving them dull and straw-like.”

Magallones shares the following tips for keeping hair fabulous and healthy all winter long.

*Schedule a trim every six to eight weeks. Snipping away brittle and split ends is an instant hair makeover.

* Shampoo every other day with a moisture-rich product and condition your hair every time you shampoo. “Preferably, use a conditioner that contains strengthening vitamins like Garnier Fructis Moisture Works,” says Magallones. “This will protect hair from damage caused by hot styling tools -- hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons -- used often this season for special occasions like holiday parties.”

* Be sure to use the lowest heat setting on the hair dryer and take warm, not hot, showers to avoid over drying hair. Do still dry your hair, though. Going outside with a wet head can cause hair to freeze and break.

* Cold temperatures and warm hats can cause flyaways. A shot of a static-preventing spray or a light sweep with a fabric softener sheet can stop static from making your hair stand on end.

* If you’re wearing a hat, fix hair by adding texturizing paste or freshening spray to restyle and shape hair.

* Use a room humidifier to add moisture to the air and drink lots of water. Being hydrated on the inside can make your hair and skin look hydrated on the outside.

* Get highlights. Winter hair is exposed to less sun and can be darker and duller than in summer. They also brighten up any complexion.

Healthy winter hair may take a bit of extra work, but with a little added moisture and vitamin fortified shampoos and conditioners you can turn nasty, weak and dry strands into strong and beautiful locks that will shine all winter long.

Courtesy of ARAcontent