5 Steps to Fabulous Fall Hair

At-home Hair Detox

Happy memories aren’t the only souvenirs you have from the pool or the beach this summer -- the elements can wreak havoc on hair. To cleanse locks of chlorine and salt, wash with a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos remove chemical buildup along with salt and residue from styling products. Clarifying shampoos don’t typically lather as much, but that doesn’t mean they’re not effective. After massaging it into your scalp and working it through to the ends, let the shampoo sit for a minute to fully release the buildup from your locks. Rinse well with cool water. Your hair will be refreshed, and the summer dulls will give way to shine.

Lock in Moisture

Just as the heat from the summer sun dehydrates your body, it can rob your hair of moisture too. As you transition from summer to fall, conditioning is key. Soften and repair damaged hair and lock in moisture with weekly conditioning treatments. For serious damage or thicker hair, schedule in a monthly deep-penetrating conditioning mask to fix the damage at the cuticle. Hint: Be sure to towel-dry your hair first; dripping-wet hair can’t adequately absorb the conditioning treatment.

Decide on a New Hairstyle

Start the season with a fresh new look. Opt for a style that works with your natural texture, which will require less maintenance -- you want to cut down on washing, brushing and heat styling during the cooler months to reduce breakage.

Consider loose curls, long layers or a shag with soft bangs that frame your face, which are all stylish this season. Before heading to the salon, “do your homework,” advises top hairstylist Jet Rhys. “Scour magazines for inspiration, and use [them] as a guide to show your hairstylist your likes and dislikes.” If you are not ready for a whole new hairstyle makeover, at the very least, get a simple trim to clean up those damaged summer ends. 

Go for Deeper Hair Color

“Your hair color has an expiration date, just like your cut,” says Rhys, so say goodbye to those bleached summer highlights. Instead, let the hues of the falling leaves guide you to rich browns, bronzes and auburns, or add lowlights to enhance your features and skin tone. Use an at-home gloss to enhance shine.

Change Your Hairstyling Aids

As autumn makes its grand entrance, there’s no avoiding the dropping temperatures or increased winds that cause static, flyaways and split ends. To reduce this trio of tress terrors, use a natural-bristle wooden brush, along with smoothing products and serums or a light wax-based pomade. In a pinch, a dryer sheet or an antistatic spray will help reduce static in hair, just as they do with clothes.

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