Whether you call it fall, autumn, “sweater weather,” or “pumpkin spice season,” every summer gives way to cooler temperatures and lower humidity that change the way you approach your haircare. But don’t mourn the end of warm weather! Think of the change in seasons as a time to recover from chlorine, sunscreen, and everything summer throws at your hair. Here’s how to keep your hair healthy this fall.
Keep It Dark
Highlights look great under the summer sun, but as the days get shorter and the skies get cloudier, it’s time to bid farewell to the blonde for the season. With less natural sunlight, those summer highlights will look as out of place in the fall as a sundress. Holding onto your highlights for too long also runs the risk of them becoming brassy and unnatural looking. Not only should you stop stripping color from your hair in the fall, you should embrace a rich brunette tone that supplements your natural hair color and complements all your best earth-toned outfits.
Pump Up the Volume
Autumn in Colorado is beautiful, but it means thin, cold, and dry air, which can be the enemy of finer hair. Those stiff breezes can go beyond giving you “that windswept look” and leave you looking disheveled. Volumizing shampoos and conditioners will help you avoid the worst of the wind, but remember, overapplying volumizing products or rinsing insufficiently can result in hair that sits too heavy on your head, thus appearing greasy.
Hold Off on Hot Showers
This one is tough. When you wake up on a cold November morning, the first thing you may want to do is start the day off with a hot shower. But what feels good in the moment may be bad for your hair. Too much hot water can dry out your hair, causing it to frizz. This doesn’t mean every day has to begin with a polar plunge, but consider topping off at merely warm water and leaving the steam to your coffee or tea. Your hair will thank you.
Lather, Rinse, But Definitely Don’t Repeat
If you’re avoiding the swimming pools and spending less time outdoors, your hair probably doesn’t need a daily shampoo. In fact, it may even appreciate a few days off. Over-shampooing can strip natural oils from your hair, forcing your body to overcompensate and make too much. This leaves you with dry, cracked hair, and days with hair that’s too oily. Consider shampooing every other day, or even every three to five days, but not daily.
For more tips on how to keep your hair healthy this fall, don’t hesitate to consult a hair stylist in the Denver area who can give you personalized guidance and product recommendations. Schedule an appointment for your next consultation or service today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I change my haircare routine in the fall?
Fall is a time to recover from summer’s effects on your hair, chlorine, sun exposure, and heat. Key adjustments include transitioning away from bright summer highlights toward richer brunette tones, increasing moisture and volume in your routine to combat dry autumn air, cutting back on daily shampooing, and avoiding excessively hot showers that can dry out and frizz your hair.
Should I keep my highlights through the fall and winter?
It’s generally better to transition away from summer highlights as fall arrives. With shorter days and less natural sunlight, highlights can look out of place, and may start appearing brassy and unnatural if kept too long. Embracing richer brunette tones in the fall is a common recommendation among professional stylists, as warm, deep shades complement earth-toned outfits and the cooler season aesthetic.
How does fall weather in Colorado affect hair?
Colorado’s autumn air is thin, cold, and dry, which can be especially rough on finer hair textures. Stiff winds can make hair look disheveled, and reduced humidity can lead to dryness and frizz. Using volumizing shampoos and conditioners helps combat these effects, though it’s important not to overapply or under-rinse volumizing products, which can make hair look heavy or greasy.
Can hot showers damage my hair in the fall?
Yes, very hot water can dry out your hair and cause frizz. While a hot shower may feel appealing on a cold morning, it’s better for your hair to use warm water rather than hot. Scaling back water temperature is a simple daily habit that can meaningfully improve your hair’s moisture levels through the dry fall season.
How often should I shampoo my hair in the fall?
In fall, when you’re spending less time outdoors and away from pools, your hair typically doesn’t need daily shampooing. Over-shampooing strips natural oils, causing your scalp to overcompensate with excess oil production, resulting in dry hair on some days and overly oily hair on others. Most stylists recommend shampooing every other day, or every three to five days, to maintain a healthy oil balance.
What products help keep hair healthy in cooler weather?
Volumizing shampoos and conditioners help fight the flattening effect of fall’s dry air. Moisture-rich treatments and hydrating formulas are also important for keeping hair supple and frizz-free. A professional stylist can provide personalized product recommendations based on your hair type and seasonal concerns.