(Photo : Vecteezy/Mariia Markevych)

The winter season isn't just tough on your skin; it can also take a toll on your hair. The cold, dry air tends to strip moisture from your hair, leaving it dry, dull, and prone to frizz and breakage. As the temperature drops, so does the hydration level of your locks.

The good news? You can protect your hair from these common cold weather hair issues with some simple yet effective ways.

Below are five tips to safeguard your hair from winter's harsh effects:

1. Avoid hot showers

Hot showers during the cold weather can be extremely tempting. However, they are damaging to the scalp and hair, as they are for the skin.

Hot water makes your scalp produce too much oil and can harm your hair, causing damage and breakage, according to Coco & Eve.

It's understandable that taking cold showers in winter can be challenging, so instead of extremely hot or cold water, it's recommended to use lukewarm water during baths.

2. Use a hair mask every week

As mentioned above, your scalp often feels dry and is prone to breakage or hair loss during winter. One way to combat this is by incorporating hair mask treatments to your routine every week.

Hair masks can significantly improve your hair's condition by enhancing shine and softness, infusing essential moisture, reducing breakage, and taming unruly frizz.

Moreover, they contribute to a healthier scalp, fortify your strands, and act as a shield against damage caused by environmental factors and excessive product usage.

Incorporating hair masks into your routine during the winter can be a key step in maintaining luscious, resilient locks despite the challenging weather conditions.

3. Avoid frequent hair washing

Washing your hair often and using shampoo frequently can strip away your locks' moisture, leaving it even drier and more brittle, especially in the already dry winter weather.

To maintain your hair's natural moisture, it's advisable to avoid daily washing and allow your hair to retain its natural oils. This helps keep your hair healthier and more hydrated during the winter months when dryness is already a concern.

4. Commit to hair oil treatments

This simple trick can be a game-changer for your winter hair care routine. According to Gisou, oiling your hair offers numerous benefits, including nourishing and hydrating the scalp, fostering healthier hair growth and alleviating dryness.

Hair oil ingredients such as coconut oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, and mineral oil provide well-needed hydration and moisture for your hair during the cold weather.

5. Steer clear of heat styling

Even when it's not winter, styling the hair with heat by using hair straighteners, curing irons, and hair dryers isn't advisable due to common risks of hair breakage and damage. When combined with the drying effects of winter, this can further harm your hair.

According to Healthline, heat styling can leave straight hair looking dry and fragile, worsening split ends and making it difficult for your hair to stay sleek.

To safeguard your hair from damage, it's best to steer clear of heat styling as much as possible.