Top ten ways to weather winter hair damage

1. Retain moisture. Masks are often overlooked but applying them once a week helps to give your hair back what it needs. Make sure the mask is combed all the way through your hair and wrap your hair in a hot towel or even cling film /shrink wrap and leave on your hair for a good 20 minutes. This will keep the heat in and open the cuticle of your hair more so the ingredients of the mask can penetrate the hair shaft better. You'll notice a huge difference in the condition of your hair afterwards. Pureology has a great Hydrate or Strength Cure Superfood Mask, which are really great. You can also try a steam treatment, this will open the cuticle layers before a deep conditioning treatment. We offer them in the Neil Moodie Studio. Also a very relaxing thing to do on a cold winter's day!

2. Beat static. When the material in hats or scarves rub against your hair in dry conditions, electrons transfer, creating an electric charge that makes strands repel each other, causing static. Go for smoother fabrics like satin or silk-lined hats that can reduce friction, preventing frizz and static.

3. Sleep. Buy a silk pillowcase to help reduce breakage as you sleep. It's also good for your skin and is widely thought to reduce wrinkles - so a double whammy there.

4. Humidity is sometimes good for hair. We've all seen the famous Friends episode with Monica's humidity hair disaster. However, during the winter it's a good idea to keep a humidifier indoors. This can maintain hair moisture levels and mitigate static issues commonly encountered during winter's dry conditions caused by indoor heating. It could also be good for your houseplants - again, another double whammy!

5. Eat well. It seems basic but of course what we put into our bodies has an effect on everything and our hair is no exception. Whilst we head into the season where overindulgence is everywhere, make sure to stock up on fish for Omega fatty acids, vitamins B12, iron and protein. Increase your amount of dark leafy greens for vitamins A and C. Eat pulses and legumes for added iron, zinc and biotin.

6. Handle with care. Think about how you're treating your hair in the winter months. Combining your hair is good and helps to distribute natural oils, but try using a wider toothed comb to avoid unnecessary breakage.

7. Don't overdo it. Try to limit washing your hair to 2-3 times a week and use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid further drying out your strands. Overwashing can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage, as can using hot water. Opt for lukewarm water when washing your hair to help maintain its moisture.

8. Limit heat styling. Hot styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can further dry out your hair, so try to limit their use during the winter months. When you do use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.

9. Oil treatments. Incorporate oil treatments into your hair care routine to provide an extra boost of moisture. Coconut oil, argan oil, and olive oil are great options to help nourish and hydrate your hair. Simply apply the oil to your hair, focusing on the ends, and leave it on for a few hours or overnight before shampooing as usual.

10. Finally, trim split ends. Winter weather can lead to split ends and breakage, so regular trims are important to keep your hair looking healthy. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks will help prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further damage.