Winter can be harsh on your skin and wreak havoc on your hair.
But Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Dr. Wilma Bergfeld says shiny, healthy hair is possible regardless of the season -- it just takes a little tender loving care.
"You should treat your hair like a cashmere sweater," said Bergfeld. You're not gonna beat it up. You're not gonna scorch it with an iron. You're not gonna overheat it in the dryer, you're not going to use caustic chemicals on it. You should be remembering it is a fiber."
When it comes to washing your hair, it's not one size fits all. Bergfeld says oily hair may need to be washed daily, while chemically treated hair can be washed less frequently.
After washing, applying a conditioner that's specific to your hair type will help splint the hair fiber and make it stronger. In the winter, conditioner will also help decrease static electricity.
And when it comes to brushing, easy does it.
"You should be using wide-toothed, smooth-coated prongs almost, like a comb on a brush to comb through your hair when it's damp, not wet, because when it's wet it's more fragile," said Bergfeld.
Your diet can also affect your hair, especially if you are missing certain nutrients.
"Adding back iron in particular and vitamin D in particular, C and sometimes vitamin A is very important," said Bergfeld. "We use an H vitamin which is called biotin frequently because it seems to help hair and nails."
Finally, don't forget to give your hair a break. During the dry winter months, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends spacing out chemical treatments like color, a perm or straightening, leaving 8 to 10 weeks or longer in between, to help prevent hair damage.