You’ve probably heard the saying, “sweater weather is better weather.” While we’re all for temperatures cooling down (the weather is still convinced it’s summer here at the Pomades headquarters), chilly weather means less moisture in the air. And less moisture means hair with a general hay-like, parched crispiness that isn’t helped by heat styling and central heating.
The reality is that fall (and winter) subject your hair to the harshest conditions it will encounter all year. But fear not, because we’ve got your 7-step guide to preserving your hair – AND your hairstyle – this fall.
Here’s to sick hair no matter what the weather throws at you.
—
Use a Heat-Protecting Product
As soon as temperatures drop, we tend to use heat styling products more often and put the blow dryer on full blast. Although it might be tempting to use the highest heat setting, fight the urge (and protect your hair) by sticking with the low setting.
Don’t forget to prep your hair with a heat-protecting spray, mousse, or cream to prevent hair breakage.
SHOP: Verb Styling Cream
—
Invest in an Ionic Blow Dryer
Cooler temps = less humidity = more static. Combat frizz by investing in an ionic or tourmaline hair dryer. When it’s cold, hair picks up a positive electrical charge that leads to annoying static. Ionic and tourmaline hair dryers blast hair with negatively-charged ions, neutralizing the cold air’s effects.
SHOP: Revlon RV544PKF 1875 Tourmaline Ionic Hair Dryer
—
Get a Trim
It’s always wise to get a hair trim every 8 – 12 weeks, but doing so is especially important during the fall. Dry air causes dry hair and split ends, and no matter how steadfast you are about using moisturizing products, you’re bound to end up with some casualties. Ultimately, the longer your hair, the more susceptible it is to damage, so a trim is always a good idea.
Plus, you’re likely now feeling the cumulative effects of a summer’s worth of sun exposure, salt sprays, chemical treatments, and sunscreens.
Go an inch or so shorter, or if you’re up for it, opt for a new hairstyle altogether that’s lower maintenance.
—
Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers aren’t just good for your throat when you’re sick. These inexpensive contraptions distribute soothing moisture throughout the room, rehydrating parched skin, scalp, and hair. This means your hair will be stronger and less prone to static.
SHOP: Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifer
—
Switch to a Richer Shampoo and Conditioner + Use a Hydrating Mask
Try to cut down on the number of times you wash your hair every week, with 1 – 3 X/week being optimal. Overwashing your hair strips it of natural protective lipids. If you have oily hair and refraining from washing means an oil slick, try rinsing with water and using conditioner only on the ends.
When shopping for shampoos and conditioners, look for creamy formulas free of drying sulfates.
In addition to using hydrating shampoos and conditioners, give your hair an extra boost of moisture with a deep conditioning treatment 1X/week. This will ensure your hair is smoother and easier to manage.
SHOP: D. R. Harris Coconut Oil Cream Conditioner
—
Use a Smoothing Cream
The first line of defense against harsh fall weather, a smoothing cream seals in moisture and adds shine. Look for natural hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil and avocado oil, which absorb deeply into hair follicles. Smoothing creams also alleviate tangles that come from fall hats and scarves.
SHOP: Dax Roots Jojoba Oil
—
Opt for Heat-Free Hairstyles
Consider this one extra credit. We get it – the whole idea of styling your hair means altering it to achieve a certain look, and often this involves a blow dryer and/or a flat iron. As such, we don’t expect you to give up your pomp or quiff altogether; rather, switch it up with a heat-free style every couple of days.
If you have a shorter haircut like the buzzcut, it should automatically be wash-and-go. If your hair is any longer, a quick way to style is to towel dry hair and then spray a sea salt spray throughout strands and scrunch for casual waves.
SHOP: Hairbond Texturiser Professional Sea Salt Spray
