While chic bobs and vibrant copper hues are already popular this fall, industry experts are noticing one overarching trend emerging: the pursuit of healthy hair…
Wanting to keep your hair in good condition is hardly a new concept (in fact, for many of us, it’s a quest that’s been ongoing for years), but this season we’ve seen a noticeable shift toward prioritizing hair health. The evidence can be seen in fall hair color trends, which show a rise in elegant, natural hues with luxurious shine at their center. And hairstyles in general are becoming more and more dependent on shine, with trends like the glassy hair trend recently taking over the red carpet.
So, with that in mind, we asked the experts to find out more about this healthy hair movement and share some tips on how you can get healthier hair and maintain it in the months to come.
Why Hair Health is a Trend Everyone Should Embrace
So why is the state of hair such a concern now? “There’s a shift towards embracing natural beauty in 2024, and healthy, lustrous hair is a big part of that,” explains Edward James, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of The Hair Consult. “This season, more people are prioritizing the health of their hair over heavily styled looks. As an added bonus, healthy hair generally requires less styling and maintenance, which is appealing to those living busy lifestyles.”
James added that at London Fashion Week, “designers including Victoria Beckham, Burberry and Simone Rocha showed off models with sleek, shiny hair, sparking the healthy hair trend. And platforms like Instagram and TikTok are full of influencers promoting healthy hair care, making it a big beauty focus.”
(Image credit: Getty Images: (L-R) Kayla Oaddams/WireImage | Tristar Media/WireImage | Gareth Cattermole/BAFTA)
Helen Mirren, Naomi Campbell, and Jennifer Aniston are just a few of the celebrities who’ve rocked mirror-like hairstyles this year. As mentioned above, a lot of fall hair trends, from terra copper to cinder toffee brunette, revolve around having a luxurious, healthy shine, but unfortunately, that can’t be achieved or maintained without actually addressing the state of your hair’s length.
8 tips and habits to keep your hair healthy this season
Whether you’re looking to achieve a radiant autumn hairstyle or refresh and repair your locks for the harsh winter, James shares eight easy healthy hair care tips you can incorporate into your daily routine…
Use a bond protector and heat protectant: “Whether you color or heat style your hair, always use a bond protector like Aveda Botanical Repair. Coloring and heat styling can weaken hair’s bonds over time, so protecting the bonds is important to maintain your hair’s strength and health,” says James. Trim regularly: “Don’t neglect trimming. Doing so will prevent split ends and damage to the hair shaft that can lead to more breakage over time. It will also make your hair visibly look much healthier.” Reduce heat styling: James points out that heat is one of the main causes of hair damage, which is why he recommends limiting the use of hot tools and opting to air-dry instead. “If you must style, use a good heat protectant and use the lowest temperature setting.” Brush your hair through conditioner: This is an easy way to ensure moisture is evenly distributed through your hair. “When you’re in the shower, brush your hair with conditioner on. This helps to detangle and minimizes breakage that can occur when brushing dry or damp hair.” Air-dry whenever possible: “Allowing your hair to air-dry reduces the need for heat styling. If your hair is thick or prone to frizz, consider a Keratin Smoothing Treatment to tame frizz and reduce your reliance on heat tools,” says James, who recommends Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner, which is great for air-drying and fighting frizz. Braid longer hair at night: “This will help eliminate tangles and cut down on styling time the next day.” James also recommends investing in a silk pillowcase. Take time to repair: “If you shampoo and style frequently, spend five to 10 minutes once a week applying a hair mask to strengthen and moisturize your hair.” Don’t ignore your scalp health: What many people forget is that taking care of your scalp impacts the health and shine of your hair. As James points out, healthy hair growth is supported by taking care of your scalp, so “if your scalp is dry or itchy, use a scalp treatment once a week to unclog clogged follicles and improve blood supply.” James recommends Oribe Celine Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment, a soothing product that promotes a healthier scalp environment.
Expert-Approved Products to Invest In This Season
Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-in Treatment 25ml
Recommended retail price: £18
James recommends Aveda Botanical Repair for anyone who colours or uses heat on their hair, as the product works to protect, repair and strengthen hair’s bonds, which can be easily damaged by heat styling and colouring.
Oribe Celine Scalp Soothing Leave-in Treatment
Recommended retail price: £36.96
When it comes to healthier hair, the scalp is often overlooked, but its condition is key to making it stronger and shinier, so James recommends adding a targeted scalp treatment, like this one from Oribe, to your routine: its cooling blend of mint and chamomile helps soothe the skin and banish dandruff.
Kerastase Resistance Therapist Mask
Recommended retail price: £47
Adding a great hair mask to your routine is an easy way to give your hair plenty of much-needed moisture, and James recommends Kerastase Resistance Therapiste Masque, which nourishes brittle hair, reduces the appearance of split ends and adds a healthy, lustrous shine.
John Lewis Organic Mulberry Silk Standard Pillowcase
Recommended retail price: £45
Silk pillowcases are one of the top tips recommended by experts and beauty enthusiasts for supple skin and lustrous hair, and these pillowcases from John Lewis are available in a range of chic colours.
Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner
Recommended retail price: £36
A leave-in conditioner is a great way to moisturize your hair on the go. This conditioner from Aveda smooths and conditions hair while preventing frizz and tangles and protecting it from the sun’s rays.
Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Recommended retail price: £13
No.5 Bond Conditioner repairs and strengthens hair, leaving it softer, smoother and healthier. Suitable for all hair types, it is also great for treating split ends and frizz.
With a haircare routine that focuses on hair health and appearance, James shared a selection of repairing and shine-boosting products that can be easily used at home, from hair masks to bonding agents.
