Healthy Winter Hair

This season for dry hair. And it's not just the cold, dry outside air that's to blame. The warm, dry inside air is just as bad for your hair. The point is, you can't avoid it. But while you can't change the climate, New York City hairstylist Christo, of Christo Fifth Avenue Curlisto.com, promises you can prevent its damaging effects by following some simple tips.

  • Get your hair trimmed. It sounds like a no-brainer, but it's not always easy to fit more frequent haircuts into a busy schedule. "Dryness starts from the ends," Christo says. "If you normally get your hair cut every 10 weeks, get it cut in eight weeks." If you usually trim your hair every six weeks, get it trimmed monthly.

  • Use conditioning products before using heated styling tools. "A gel or mousse alone isn't enough to protect the hair," he says. "If you normally use a gel before blow-drying, apply a repair cream, heat-protecting cream or leave-in conditioner first." Use it sparingly, especially on the ends, but don't forget it. "You don't want to make your hair heavy or gunky," he says, "but more importantly, you don't want hot rollers applied directly to the ends of your unprotected hair.

  • A weekly deep-therapy mask is a must. "You need to pamper your hair this time of year more than any other, especially if it's curly," he says. If you use a mask that requires heat to activate it, cover your hair with plastic first and use low heat. Christo recommends his own Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque because it contains rice protein to help rebuild and strengthen hair, and corn protein for body and manageability.

  • Eat a balanced diet. According to Christo, people on low-carb diets have drier hair. "Be aware that what you eat affects the health of your hair," he advises. "Don't make up your own diet. Some of my clients lose five pounds, but their skin and hair look bad. If you're eating lots of protein and fewer carbs, you may need to take a biotin supplement." And of course, he says, drink lots of water.