There really is no other time of the year like the winter holidays for parties, events and the need to constantly be changing your hair style to get just the perfect look. All of this stress on our hair can often be easily visible after just a few days with hair becoming more flyaway, frizzy, dry and brittle.

However, what you may not realize, is hair damaged during this season of festive events may take a lot longer to repair than it takes to damage. Dry scalp, broken hair shafts and split ends can result in the need to pamper your hair for a few weeks after the holidays.

For some people with damaged hair, thin hair, or hair that is prone to being very dry in the winter, this extra need for styling, washing and drying can really cause long-term damage. To help you to avoid these issues, even if you have naturally healthy hair, here are five mistakes to avoid at all costs this Christmas season.

Mistake 1: Do-It-Yourself Home Hair Treatments

While it may be tempting to do it yourself and pick up that bottle of color, relaxer, root touch up or highlight or lowlight product, fight the urge and have it done professionally. These products are not customized for your hair, something your stylist will be able to assess and evaluate before choosing the right product for your hair needs.

Using these products at this time of year adds stress to already stressed hair. In addition, if you don't choose the right color or product it is very likely you will need to go to your stylist to have the problem corrected. This amounts to twice the processing for the hair, even if the second time it is done by a professional using the ideal products.

If you are going to a stylist, be sure to book early and avoid the holiday rush. You can also talk to your stylist about options to wear your hair to extend the life of your current treatment without the need to color, relax or touch-up.

Mistake 2: Speeding Through Hair Styling

Getting home from work or a busy day of taking care of the kids often leaves little time to get ready for those special evening events. One of the worst things that you can do is to use heated styling tools such as a flat iron on hair that is even slightly damp.

If you can, try to plan to get home with enough time to have a shower or wash your hair and then allow your hair to air dry for 10 to 15 minutes before you polish it with the blow dryer. Then, if needed finish the look with curling iron or iron on a low setting to finish the hair style for the evening. Always remember to use a thermal protectant when using curling wands, curling irons, flat irons or other types of heated styling products.

Applying high heat or even what may feel like low heat directly to the hair can actually burn or scorch the hair shaft and the hair follicle. This will result in dry, brittle and literally "dead" hair that will take time to regrow in new healthy hair.

Mistake 3: Not Choosing Quality Hair Products

This is the season to give yourself the gift of quality hair styling products. Go to your stylist and talk about the best products for your hair given the styles you are planning to wear.

While this may seem like a splurge; it is essential to your hair health. The products offered through a professional salon offer different levels of moisture for your hair and scalp. Your stylist will also be able to make suggestions of how to mix and match shampoos, conditioners and leave-in options to address common problems you may be experiencing.

Mistake 4: Overusing Product

Even the best products should be used at the lowest possible amounts. Often people seem to think that if a little does a good job and lot more will be perfect. The reality is that by adding a lot of unnecessary product to your hair you not only weigh your hair down, but you also increase the buildup of "gunk" on the hair shaft. This limits natural oil movement down the hair and also leads to dry, lifeless looking hair.

Mistake 5: Teasing Your Hair

While your stylist may back-comb your hair using the correct technique and tools, this is very different from the way you probably have learned how to create volume in a trendy holiday style or up-do. It is important to avoid teasing or back-combing if your hair is thick, textured and curly as this will just create messy areas that look like bird nests in your hair.

Additionally, don't tease wet hair or if you have just finished blow drying or using a heated styling tool. Teased hair also needs to be carefully detangled to avoid breakage and damage. While teasing can give you the lift and volume you need, consider some of the volumizing products on the market can save your hair from unnecessary and damaging styling techniques. For learn about the hair products for you, schedule a free, private consultation at Unique Hair Concepts.