We hate to say it but summer has finally come to an end. We’re still enjoying a couple of sunshine-filled days reminiscent of the past few laid-back months but colder weather is just around the corner. As you break out your warmer layers and favorite fall recipes, something you’ll want to consider is updating your hair care routine for fall.
Just as cold, dry weather calls for us to switch up our skincare routines, it does the same for our hair. Read on for the best tips on managing your precious locks and keeping them hydrated all fall long. There’s nothing a hydrating hair mask and some scalp TLC can’t fix…even if the days are getting shorter!
Helen Reavey is a board-certified trichologist, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of the scalp care brand Act+Acre.
Updating your hair care routine doesn’t have to be hard. We’re not asking you to do a full overhaul of the products you keep in your shower or quit getting blowouts. Perhaps the best thing about hair is it positively reacts to small changes within its environment. Your routine may benefit from simply adding in a hair mask once a week or using a scalp exfoliant to remove product buildup and get better benefits from your products all around.
“Curly hair tends to be more dry and coarse in texture, so it is important to know what products/ingredients to avoid in the fall. At the top of my list, sulfates like ALS and SLS should be avoided. They can strip the hair and scalp and further dry out the hair, making curls appear frizzy and limp,” says Act+Acre founder Helen Reavey.
The main thing to keep in mind is we want to prevent dryness, frizz, split ends, and unnecessary stress to our hair as the weather turns colder. This means making sure to never leave the house with your hair wet (as the cold can overly dry it out), washing too much, limiting tight styles, and keeping the heat styling to a minimum.
“I always reiterate the importance of caring for your scalp like you do your face. So many concerns and conditions (such as alopecia, dandruff, etc.) come from an unbalanced scalp biome, which can be restored with the correct scalp care routine,” says Reavey.
You’re also coming off the summer months where SPF, messy buns, and dry shampoo were in abundance. Taking the extra time to make sure you have a smooth, clean, and balanced canvas (your scalp of course) is extremely important. Otherwise, making good choices within other steps of your hair care routine is kind of pointless. Hair health begins with the scalp and hair follicle health.
Reavey recommends using a gentle exfoliator to remove excess oil and product buildup once a week. You can also supplement with a scalp brush (try this one from Amazon) to massage hair follicles and remove any product buildup and dead skin.
We know what you’re thinking, but this step does not mean the age-old saying of “rinse and repeat.” That’s basically a waste of product. Instead, use a hair or scalp rinse before your shampoo. It will help to break up product buildup and cut through excess sebum and hair oils every time you wash your hair.
“Just like how we double cleanse our skin, we should always double cleanse our scalp. The first wash takes care of any oil, pollution, and product remnants, while the second go-around actually cleans and nourishes our scalp,” says Reavey. Try this Pre Cleanse from Kérastase for a deep double cleanse that won’t dry out hair.
Who doesn’t love a good hair mask? What’s even better is how your hair feels after using one in the shower. Depending on how dry your hair is or if you’re aiming to protect delicate curls, use your best judgment on how often you should use a hair mask. For most, one to two times a week should do the trick and ward off any unwanted dryness or frizz.
After shampooing, squeeze all the excess water out of your hair. This is essential as it preps your hair to take in as much moisture from the hair mask as possible. Then, work the product through from mid-length to end and leave it in for about 10 minutes.
“I love using our Conditioning Hair Mask as a weekly deep moisturizing treatment, but it also works as an amazing conditioner substitute for those with particularly damaged, brittle hair,” says Reavey. You won’t need to follow up with a conditioner. The hair mask will be enough of an intensive treatment. We also love the Reconstructive Moisture Mask from Kristen Ess if you’re looking for something a bit more lightweight—it’s amazing for fine to normal hair types and doesn’t weigh down strands.
When you think of the purpose of serum for your face, it’s the product with the most active ingredients within it to take a targeted approach for your skincare goals. The same goes for hair. You should be choosing a serum based upon your greatest need whether it be nourishment, re-growth, scalp soothing, or shine.
No matter the serum’s added benefits, using one will lock in moisture and promote healthy hair growth. You can likely apply this to your whole head and hair, especially if it is a scalp serum meant to soothe irritated skin or aid in regrowth from hair loss. We will always recommend Vegamour’s GRO Hair Serum, specifically for those who want longer, thicker hair, but for everyone. This serum does more for your hair than others on the market.
Dry ends are common in the fall and winter. This is from a lack of moisture in the air due to cold weather. Overuse of hot styling tools, hot showers, tight styles, and going outside with your hair damp can also cause dry and brittle ends.
After washing, Reavey suggests using a lightweight oil on the ends of the hair. We love the Ouai Hair Oil. “Not only will this make your hair look shiny and nourished, but it will also lock in the moisture from your cleanser and conditioner,” she says. What an easy way to update your hair care routine for fall.
Is TikTok's coveted hair potion worth using on your strands?
Tension-free hairstyles are the way to be.
Mane: (n.) A head of distinctly long, thick hair. Addicts: (tr.v) To occupy or involve oneself in something habitually or compulsively.