A new year marks an opportunity to start fresh, set reasonable goals, and invest more in yourself – and that includes your hair. Whether you’re the “wash ‘n go” type, have been sporting the same cut and style for decades, or are noticing changes like thinning or balding, now’s a great time to some hair resolutions for healthier, better-looking locks.

Stick with a cleansing system formulated for your hair. Mixing and matching can be fun, but when it comes to your hair, stick with products from the same hair system as they are likely formulated to be used together. By picking a shampoo from one line, conditioner from another, and a deep conditioning mask from yet another, you might not realize the best results.

Turn down the water temperature. A steaming hot shower can feel luxurious, especially during these cold winter months, but scorching hot water can strip your hair of its natural moisture. Dial it down to as close to lukewarm as you can manage.

Exfoliate your scalp. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. If you find that your hair feels and looks weighed down, a scalp scrub might be the answer to remove product build-up. Then, closely examine your hair care products – are they filled with ingredients that don’t wash away clean? If so, ditch them.

Reduce tension. This is sage advice for your life and hair alike. Tight ponytails, buns, and braids can put stress on your hair and cause breakage. Instead, choose loose, low ponytails and buns and use scrunchies over elastics if you must pull your hair back away from your face.

Go au natural. Heat-styling is one of the worst offenders for hair damage. Air dry as often as possible and if you must use a blow dryer, flat iron, or other heat-producing product, first apply a heat protectant to your hair first and select the lowest heat setting.

Give temporary color a try. Regular permanent coloring can damage your hair over time, leading to split ends, dryness, and breakage. Try a temporary dye that washes out in a few shampoos. Bonus: you can play with color without the commitment or consequences!

Don’t over-wash. Frequent washing strips your hair of its natural oils and can lead to dryness. Try washing just 2 to 3 times a week and use a high-quality dry shampoo in between washes. Keep in mind it might take your hair a few days to adjust to this new routine.

Add in a deep conditioning treatment. If your hair is dry or you color or heat-style frequently, give it some love with a deep conditioning treatment. Make sure the product you choose is free of harmful chemicals and is formulated for your hair type.

Make hair care a priority. Whether it’s getting regular trims, giving yourself a relaxing scalp massage, or finally seeing someone about that receding hairline or thinning, make your hair a part of your self-care routine.

Man or woman, we hope you’re not experiencing hair loss to any significant degree. If you are, don’t despair. Instead, pick up the phone and call DiStefano Hair Restoration Center for a free consultation. It could prove to be your best move of the New Year.