Take stock of your locks

Winter is not just about giving your body the much needed warmth, it is also about protecting your hair from the harsh weather. While you get ready with your cup of hot cocoa, it is time to map out right precautions and hair care routine. You can't ignore the damage that the dry and dull weather does to your hair, as your tresses lose moisture and become prone to breakage.

Here are five tips that will help you maintain healthy, beautiful hair even in the chill:

Deep conditioning

It's a great idea to use hair oils and going in for deep conditioning treatments at least once a week. It is important that you end every wash with a conditioner. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes and then rinse it out with cool or lukewarm water. I would advise to end the wash with cold water, the cooler the better! This will close the cuticles and seal the moisture.

Dry it the right way

I understand that drying your hair, especially if it is long, can be tiresome, but avoid blow drying and brushing your hair when it's still wet. Blow drying will dry out your scalp, especially during this season. Avoid putting your hair up when it's still damp, this will cause breakage. The best way to dry your hair is to gently squeeze the excess water out with a towel.

Olive oil massage

Regular use of olive oil is extremely important during this season, as it adds a natural shine and helps maintain the healthy texture of your hair. Warm up two teaspoons of olive oil and massage it slowly on your scalp. This will allow the oil to enter deep into the roots. Tea tree oil can be an alternative for thin hair and walnut or almond oil for wavy hair.

Use a hair mask

Coconut cream hair mask may be sticky and time consuming, but the end result will be worth it! Take a chunk of coconut cream and warm it up. Rub in on your palms and softly massage it on your hair and scalp. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and let it sit for an hour. Wash the mask off with a mild shampoo and let your hair dry normally. Another quick remedy would be to apply raw honey to your hair and cover it with a shower cap. Wash it after 30 minutes with lukewarm water. This will restore your lost shine and maintain a healthy bounce.

Get rid of the flakes

Winter can make your scalp dry and itchy due to lack of moisture. This in turn causes flaky dandruff that can aggravate scalp irritation and affect your skin as well. All you need to do is mix a couple of tablespoons of olive or coconut oil with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Heat the oil for few seconds and mix it well. Massage it on your scalp and leave it in for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with shampoo.

Let's take a look at some quick precautions you can take for winter:

Don't use hair sprays with high alcohol content, as they can make hair brittle.

Avoid using curlers and blow dryers frequently.

Regular trims are essential. It is the most effective way to keep your hair healthy and get rid of those dry split ends.

It is also vital to fill your plate with foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, olive oil, flax, sardines, and avocados and stay hydrated. Don't forget to load up on vitamin C by consuming citrus fruits and dark, leafy greens.

(The author is founder of Kosmoderma)