It seems the minute our hair has finished battling the summer sun, humidity and frizzies, winter comes snapping at our heels, bringing with it a whole new set of healthy-hair challenges. As the cold weather hits, hair starts to behave differently. When outside temperatures dip and the inside heat cranks up, hair tends to dry out and is difficult to manage, but there are lots of little things that you can do to protect it.

Master stylist Teddie Kossof, founder and owner of Teddie Kossof Salon in Northfield, stresses the need to manage the winter elements that can play tricks on hair. While our hair has it rough all year, Kossof agrees that winter assaults hair in the worst ways.

“From November through February, one of winter’s biggest beauty challenges is dealing with dry conditions created by the combination of very low moisture in the air and cold outdoor temperatures,” explains Kossof. “It’s important to have a few tricks up your sleeve so that your hair is healthy and beautiful when spring rolls around.”

Problem 1 : Dry hair and fuzzy ends

Solutions:

Use shampoos and conditioners containing vitamins and nutrients that lock in moisture. Look for products that are specially formulated for dry hair and be sure that the products you purchase are alcohol-free; products containing alcohol will only increase the drying effects crisp winter air has on your hair.
Don't wash your hair too often during the winter months. Using a dry shampoo will give it a well deserved break.
Use finishing products (serums, gels, sprays, etc.) that either contain silicone or are silicone-based. These provide a protective coat that seals in moisture.
Leave-in conditioners are also a big help in the winter. Again, you want to use products that contain silicone, oils and vitamins, such as A, E, and B5.
Schedule trims religiously -- every four to six weeks – thereby preventing fried ends from getting worse, and split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.
Because curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, it needs special attention in winter to prevent frizziness and split ends. If you have curly hair, don’t rinse out all your conditioner, or reapply a very light coat after towel-drying
Avoid over-exposure to dry heat from blow dryers, curling irons and hot rollers. When using such tools be sure to use a thermal protectant or straightening balm to protect your hair.
If your hair is very dry and brittle, apply conditioner to your wet hair before you shampoo. It will help ensure that you don't wash out all of sebum that is so necessary to your hair.

Problem 2 : Static and flyaways

Solutions:

Spritz on a leave-in conditioner before you style; it will tame static by weighing down the hair. When hair is dry, apply a small dab of shine serum with your hands, or mist on a light dose of hairspray.
If you have oily hair, you still need to apply a conditioner to the ends of your hair to keep it healthy and to prevent frizziness and flyaways. A clarifying conditioner will detangle and add moisture without weighing down the hair.
To prevent flyaways, spray a little hair spray on your brush and brush hair lightly.
For killer static, rely on hairstylists' age-old solution: Spray a brush with Static-Guard, and run it through your hair.

Problem 3 : Dullness

As low temperatures and low humidity work to dry the hair shaft, and we spend less time in the sun, the natural highlights nature paints into our hair become less noticeable, and hair loses its healthy shimmering look, explains Kossof. The cold winter air is more drying and less humid, and therefore more abusive than at other times of the year. Indoor heating devices create a dryer climate as well. All of this spells out duller looking hair.

Solutions:

A great way to enhance your hair and your spirits is to add a few highlights or apply cream with silicone (a shine enhancer) before you style your hair.
If you've had any chemical work on your hair, add moisture with a conditioner with cetyl alcohol, a moisturizing agent derived from coconut.
Color-treated, permed and damaged hair needs even more conditioning in the cold months, so use a revitalizing shampoo and conditioner.

Problem 4 : Hat-head

Solutions:

Be sure your hair is completely dry before you put on a hat; wet hair will dry under the cap, giving you irreparable hat-head. If you have long hair, gather it into a loose ponytail and lightly spritz hair with styling spray before putting on your hat.
When removing your hat, shake out hair; if you need to tame any flyaways, wet your hands and lightly run them through your hair. For short hair, bring a small jar of pomade with you and lightly apply post-hat for a piece-y look.
Another way to prevent hat head: Wrap your head in a silk scarf before putting on your hat.

Problem 5 : Dandruff

Because dandruff is essentially dry scalp skin that flakes out, winter is the time when it strikes hard. The key is to retain moisture in the scalp so that the skin doesn't peel off.
Solution:

Apply oil to your hair twice a week and wash it with a good anti-dandruff shampoo with lukewarm water to prevent the flakes from falling.

“The cold temperatures and brisk winds can do as much damage to our hair as it can do to our skin,” says Kossof. “This is not the time to cut back on hair care. In fact, spend a few more minutes giving your hair a little TLC.”

Adds Kossof, “And if the winter blahs get you down – pamper yourself in the shower with a fragrant shampoo and conditioner … and dream of summer.”