The winter is so hard on your hair. When that cold wind hits it, it can dry out your hair and damage it beyond repair and the only hope is to trim your hair to "cut off" the damaged ends. Wait! I don't want to cut my hair!

Here are some tips to get through the winter with the least possible damage to your hair. Maybe this year you won't have to cut it.

Shampoo every other day or less frequently, if possible, unless you exercise regularly or work outdoors. Excess shampooing strips natural oils from the hair.

Let your hair air dry whenever possible. Blow-drying can dry out the hair and damage it even more. When using hot rollers or a curling iron put thin strips of cotton fabric around them to lessen the damage done by them to your hair.

If you're in a rush and have to blow dry your hair, use the dryer on the lowest, coolest setting or stand in front of a fan and run your fingers gently through your hair as it dries.

Massage your head daily for 5-10 minutes to promote blood flow to the scalp and improve the quality of your hair. Start at your temples and work toward the back of your head, apply pressure in circular motions.

Turn your head upside down and give it a good brushing from the scalp to the ends, which stimulates the scalp and spreads natural oils through the hair.

Be sure to take your B vitamins. B6, B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin are associated with moisture rich hair. You can take a multivitamin or eat foods rich in B vitamins including soybeans, bananas, beans, yogurt, avocados, eggs and grains.

Be sure to eat enough protein. Your hair is composed of protein and if you don't get enough it could cause your hair to become dry and brittle. Make a protein shake twice a day just to be sure.

Protein Shake Recipe

2 Tbs. Soy Protein Powder (your favorite kind)
1 cup milk or juice
1/4 cup fresh, canned or frozen fruit ice

Mix in a blender until smooth and creamy.

Try this wonderful deep conditioning treatment once a week to rejuvenate dry damaged hair.

Egg Shampoo

1 egg
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 Tbs. castile soap
1/2 cup water or herbal tea
5 Drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)

Combine all in blender and whip until smooth. Shampoo with mixture using warm, not hot water for the shampoo and rinse. Store any remaining shampoo in the refrigerator for use the next day.

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© 2002-2007 Tracie Johansen. Want more ways to feel better? 1001 Beauty Tips. Pamper yourself with our homemade head to toe body treatments. Complete recipes to soften and smooth your skin and hair, plus weight loss tips and more. http://www.1001beautytips.com/ebook.html

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