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When the world is gloomy and the skies are dark, your hair doesn't have to be dull and lifeless too. You just need to follow a few simple rules to keep your hair healthy all winter long.

Give your hair love, (aka moisture)

The dry air caused by constant blowing of the heater inside and cold temperatures outside can be hard on your hair. So slather on a deep conditioning mask or natural oils such as argan, loosely pull your hair on top of your head and forget about it. As often as twice per week, treat your hair to this sort of conditioning bath while you clean house, work out or even sleep!

Stylist Kelley Kruger, of Bellezza Salon in Beverly Hills, shares her favorite way to do this sort of treatment: "Whatever conditioner you use, add your favorite essential oils to it. Cocktail it up! Wrap it in a towel for about 20 minutes and rinse. Never comb out your hair with a brush; always use a wide tooth comb. Brush bristles are way too harsh and pull hair out especially when it lacks moisture."

Eat well

Just as in in any season, your diet is important to the health of your skin and hair. Be especially aware of this in the cold months, because comfort food sneaks in, and fresh produce can be harder to come by. Protein and "good" fats are essential for the growth of strong hair, so include more oily fish such as sardines and salmon, and dairy products, chicken, cereals and vegetable oils.
 
Use gentle shampoo

Read labels and be sure your shampoo does not contain sulfates. You should never shampoo daily. But in the winter, it's especially important to stretch out your "hair-washing nights". Embrace dry shampoos and learn sassy up-do styles to help disguise dirty hair. Those with very dry, textured hair may opt to condition with each shower but only wash once per week.

Control the static

Who wants to leave the house with static hair? Certainly not you. Fight back by using hair balm or a drop of essential oils smoothed over the hair (not too close to the roots though or you'll need to shampoo soon!). Here's a great secret: You can also run a dryer sheet over your hair to remove static - it really works! Be sure to tote a few along with you as you'll need to re-use throughout the day. If all else fails, wear a really cute hat and don't remove it.

Get rich — color, that is

Hair color doesn't fade as fast in winter due to less time in the sun. But if your skin is prone to looking paler than in the summer for the same reason, you should go for slightly richer shades to warm your overall look.

Reduce the heat

Here's some good advice from Donna Kniss of [Salon Tranquility] in Calimesa, Calif.: "Remember that although a hot shower in cold winter months sounds comforting, hot water damages your hair by washing away the oils that hold the cuticle together, which can cause frizz and breakage. Wash your hair in tepid water and do a final rinse with cool water to help smooth your hair — and don't forget the leave-in conditioner. On the same note, the less time you spend with a blow dryer on your hair, the better. I know it's hard when you are wet and cold, but take one for your hair! Instead of the dryer, soak up the excess water by wrapping your head in a towel and leaving it there while you do your makeup and get dressed. Finish your style with a wet-to-straight flat iron or a blow dryer on low heat.

Your hair has a fighting chance at staying lovely during the cold, dry months ahead if you follow these important "winterproofing" rules.