Winters may be good for the social calendar and wardrobe choices, but certainly not for the skin and hair. We spoke to a dermatologist on how to best look after your locks in the chilly season.

Winter means socialising. Cool weather and the festive spirit really brings out the best in you. Go easy on your hair; back to back styling during the wedding season with hot irons, crunches and curls might damage your hair fiber.

The Tips

1) Befriend a Heat-Protection Spray

Limit heat as much as possible and use a heat protective spray or serum before using hot styling tools. Never use a hot iron on wet hair, you’re going to burn the cuticle and damage permanently. Unfortunately, cold weather doesn't only lead to dry skin but it also tends to make your hair very dry. If you have split ends, it's a high time to get a haircut. A low maintenance easy hair styling will be a great choice for this weather.

2) Moisturising Shampoo? Yes, please

First tip is to use a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Use deep conditioning hair protein masks and cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, atleast once a week. Like skin needs a moisturiser, so does your hair.

3) Stubborn dandruff? Medicated shampoo really helps

If you are prone to dandruff, then this is the season you might end up having some. Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It isn't contagious or serious. But it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. Mild dandruff can be treated with a gentle daily shampoo. If that doesn't works well for you then switching to a medicated shampoo might help. Symptoms may return later, so your shelves must have something to counter that. We recommend ketoconazole shampoos to be used atleast thrice a week.

4) Scalp health is real

An irritated, itchy red scalp needs to be seen by a dermatologist it might add on to your hair fall. Diseases like psoriasis also exacerbate during winters, a timely visit to your derm will be beneficial. It’s very important to get rid of scale buildups timely. People having dandruff have greasy scales. These scale buildups will further add on to your condition later becomes more difficult to be treated.

Bust them hair myths! 

One of the most common misconceptions that you must reduce your shampoo to a minimum during winters which is very wrong. It's important to wash your hair with the same frequency as you do in summers not to use excessive hot water. A gentle massage with a nourishing warm oil followed by steamed towel wrap, and a wash after two hours is a great regime to moisturise and cleanse your scalp and a much needed treat at the same time. Shampoos containing Sulphates strips off natural oils and moisture from your hair resulting in dry frizzy hair. Better to try a sulphate free shampoo followed by conditioner which can be a leave in conditioner in some cases.

Bonus minute tips for healthy mane

· Never tie wet hair. It's advisable to take out adequate time for your hair care routine from your busy schedule, it's the crown you never take off.

· Your diet plays a very important role in your hair health. Walnuts are seasons best treat and great for hair too. Add an adequate portion of protein to your diet.

· Eggs and fish are a rich source of good quality protein also contains omega 3 fatty acid which is great for hair.

· Milk is an abundant source of proteins and vitamins.

· Excessive hair fall may occur due to iron and vitamin D deficiency. Keep a regular check on your blood levels too if you are experiencing a hair fall out of normal.

· Leafy greens are not to be forgotten.

· These delicious winter bounties are a great source to keep your hair healthy and shiny and of course not to forget adequate water intake. Life may not be perfect but your hair can be. - Mahwish Fawad