From fall to winter, my hair looks completely different. These include frizz, dryness, flaky scalp, and static electricity, to name a few. Over the years I’ve learned that it’s just as important to consider changing your skin care seasonally (for example, using a light gel moisturizer when it’s hot) to keep your hair healthy. I learned that it is also important to replace some things. And it feels great.
Of course, everyone’s hair needs are different, but experts say you can swap out your regular shampoo and conditioner for a moisturizing one and incorporate hair oils, leave-in treatments, and scalp serums into your daily routine. It seems to have a big effect (especially every time the seasons change). Here, we talk to Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, San Francisco-based hairstylist Brendnetta Ashley, and board-certified dermatologist Dendi Engelman about the new era. We asked for tips on how to keep your hair and scalp as hydrated as possible. season.
How to change up your hair care routine for fall
Experts say that as the seasons change, you’ll want to make some changes to your hair care routine. “We recommend incorporating products that hydrate and lock in moisture to your hair and scalp,” says Dr. Engelman. This means adding hair oils, conditioning masks, bond-building treatments, and/or scalp serums to your routine (if you haven’t already done so).
Giannetos also highly recommends adding moisturizing products during the colder months, as well as getting regular haircuts. “It’s important to trim your hair regularly during the colder months. This will reduce breakage and split ends,” he says.
Related articles
What happens to your hair in the fall and winter?
“As we approach cooler weather, there’s less moisture in the air, making it even drier,” Ashley says. This strips moisture from your hair and scalp. “As a result, our hair can become brittle and break easily, and our scalp can become dry, itchy, and flaky,” notes Dr. Engelman. When you lack moisture, your hair loses its shine, luster, and strength, making it look dull and dry. “Winter air can affect your ends, especially if you haven’t trimmed them recently, making them feel and look more frayed,” Giannetos says. This can lead to flyaways, knots, and increased static, which is why experts say double down on your seasonal trim schedule if you haven’t already.
So how can you adjust your hair care routine for fall?
You can combat the effects of seasonal changes on your hair and scalp by utilizing moisturizing products such as hair oils, styling creams, leave-ins, and scalp serums. “You shouldn’t overuse your hair with product, but using a little extra leave-in conditioner will help smooth out your hair and make it softer,” Giannetos says.
Moisture shampoo & conditioner
First, experts recommend adding hydrating products to your hair care and scalp routine with hydrating shampoos and conditioners, like Oribe Shampoo for Moisture & Control ($50) and Oribe Conditioner for Moisture & Control ($52) We recommend that you do so. Both use plant extracts. Amino acids that smooth damaged cuticles. If your hair is prone to dandruff in the winter, Giannetos says incorporating a dandruff shampoo with salicylic acid, like OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($38), can help reduce dandruff.
Apply scalp serum or treatment
Scalp serums are also great for moisturizing dry scalps and relieving itching and dandruff. We love the Act + Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum ($86). This is infused with aloe vera, bamboo extract, and hyaluronic acid to soothe itching and irritation.
You can also treat your scalp with an exfoliant like Kristin Ess Hair Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub ($13) or The Rootist Pre-Shampoo Clarifying Scalp Treatment with AHA + Apple Cider Vinegar ($32) once a week. You can also choose twice to reduce itching and dandruff. “Scalp health has a huge impact on hair health and growth, so protecting your scalp is an important step to ensuring your hair looks and feels great,” Ashley says.
For straight and wavy hair
Next, choose a leave-in treatment or a light hair oil, depending on your hair type. Straight and wavy hair will benefit most from a lightly moisturizing leave-in treatment like Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner ($29) or Verb Ghost Oil ($20). However, experts note that if you have very fine or fine hair, proceed with caution. “If you have fine hair, oils or thick masks may feel too heavy,” says Dr. Engelman. Ashley loves Schwarzkopf OSiS Upload Volume Cream ($22). Here’s why: “This is a lightweight moisturizing cream that hydrates and adds volume,” she says. If you’re concerned about static electricity and flyaway hair, try Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream with Taming Wand ($18). This comes with a spoolie brush applicator so you can brush the formula into your loose hair. in place.
For curly or coiled hair
“Deep conditioners and oils are great for curly hair in the fall and winter, when the air is drier and you need extra moisture,” Giannetos says. We love Bread Beauty Supply Hair Oil ($24). It contains Kakadu plum oil (a great source of vitamin C) and fatty acid-rich safflower oil, which gives thick hair a nice non-greasy shine. . Adding a treatment mask to your routine can add extra moisture and shine to your curly hair. We love the Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating and Defining Mask ($39). It contains a blend of rice extract and avocado, castor oil, and chia seed oil, all of which work together to seal open cuticles and improve curl definition with just a single application. A few minutes after taking a shower.
Ashley says if you usually wash and condition your hair or style your hair in a straight-out-of-the-shower style, make sure your hair is completely dry before heading outside. . “Exposing your hair wet to cold, dry air can strip it of its moisture, which can lead to breakage,” she says. In other words, apply a moisturizing spray or cream after washing your face, use oil to lock in the moisture while it’s still wet, and wait until it’s completely dry before going out.
Compatible with all hair types
Dr. Engelman says that no matter your hair type, if damage repair and hair strengthening are your goals, you can benefit from adding bonding treatments to your routine. “Bonding treatments can also help strengthen hair, repair damage and prevent breakage,” says Dr. Engelman. . Bonding repair products work to rebuild broken bonds in the hair shaft and are available in a variety of formats, including oils and masks, such as Redken Bonding Leave-In Conditioner ($33) and Living Proof Triple Bond Complex Leave-In Treatment. and a hair mask ($45).
“We also recommend using a satin or silk pillowcase or scarf to reduce friction on your hair while you sleep, minimizing breakage and flyaways,” says Dr. Engelman. We recommend the Yanivest Satin Silk Bonnet ($14). This bonnet has an adjustable band that keeps the bonnet in place so it doesn’t slide down while you sleep. The Slip Silk Pillowcase ($89) is also great for sleeping. Made of mulberry silk to reduce chafing and splatter while resting.
final point
Seasonal changes don’t mean a complete overhaul of your hair care routine, but a few small adjustments to keeping your hair and scalp moisturized can make a big difference. Depending on your hair type, you may want to incorporate moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, leave-in conditioners, hair masks, and hair oils to lock in shine. If you usually style your hair with a wash-and-go, you’ll also want to make sure your hair is completely dry before going out to prevent breakage and split ends. Oh, and if you haven’t yet scheduled your fall trim (or haircut), now is a good time to shed the old end of summer and embrace new energy and a refreshed look.
These products are independently selected by our editors. When you buy through our links, Well+Good may earn a commission.
