There are some things you always do to prepare for the cold winter months: buying a new parka, sliding on some boots with a sturdy tread and stocking up on warm, comforting foods. So you should also be taking certain measures to keep your hair happy despite the frigid temperatures and dry air. The changes in climate can be harsh on your hair, and if you don’t tweak your routine, you could end up with dull, straw-like strands.

Here are a few tips to make sure your tresses stay healthy until spring:

Be wise about washing
The lack of moisture in the air means your hair is far more likely to appear brittle. You’re not sweating as much as you were in summer, so it’s OK to skip a day or two of shampooing. In fact, Nicholas Penna, Jr., owner of Boston’s SalonCapri, told Teen Vogue that washing once every three days is ideal. Be wary of using too much product, too. A quarter-sized amount is sufficient for average length hair, and using any more will strip all of the oils out so that your hair feels and looks parched. Try to turn down the water temperature to lukewarm, as hot water is harsh on hair. Dry shampoo can help you to keep your locks looking grease-free between showers.

Also, try to put down the blowdryer now and then, or at the very least, let your hair air dry almost completely before blasting it with heat.

Condition constantly
Leave-in conditioners and rich hair masques are a lifesaver during this time of the year. Consider a deep hydrating mask once a week to repair and fortify your strands so that they stay shiny and smooth. Plus, Penna pointed out that these products can act as a shield between your hair and heat from your styling tools, thus minimizing damage and breakage. You could even make you own DIY mask by warming up a few tablespoons of coconut, avocado or olive oil and mashed bananas and leaving it on your tresses for 20 minutes before rinsing.

Wear a hat
Putting on a hat in winter won’t only keep your head warm, it’ll save your strands. Opt for one in a soft fabric that won’t snag or break your hair, and also consider styles that won’t completely flatten your ‘do. Struggling with static? Greg May of Greg May Hair Architects in Toronto told Elle magazine that it’s best to look for alcohol-free hair styling products formulated with lanolin, which naturally fights flyaways.