Why Haircare Deserves More Attention In Autumn

Many people are aware they have to take extra care of their skin when the weather turns colder, but it is also important to pay attention to your hair as well, as locks can take a battering during windy, wet autumns. 

How does autumnal weather affect hair?

There are many ways that autumnal weather can have an impact on hair, as a result of the drop in temperature, the decline in humidity in the air, use of central heating, and even wearing hats. 

Lower humidity levels, for instance, can cause the hair’s cuticle to open and this results in the hair losing moisture and becoming drier and frizzier. 

At the same time, the juxtaposition of cold outside air and warm temperatures indoors can cause the scalp to produce less oil, which can make it drier and itchier and lead to unsightly flakes. 

The cold autumnal weather also means we tend to put on the central heating, with the Energy Saving Trust saying this is typically when temperatures regularly fall below 15C, which is usually in October. 

Consequently, hot air indoors can make the scalp drier, and hair becomes more brittle. 

What’s more, wearing hats, hoods and scarves can often lead to hair getting tangled when you are putting them on and taking them off, leading to more breakages than usual. 

Autumn also tends to be the time for seasonal hair shedding, and lots of people lose thickness in their tresses at this time of the year following accelerated hair growth over the warm summer months. 

How to protect your hair over autumn

These are just a few reasons why you might start to feel your hair becoming weaker and more prone to breaking at this time of the year, so it is a good idea to take extra care of your tresses over the next few months. 

One way to do this is by protecting it from heat damage by minimising use of styling appliances and hair dryers. This is harder to do when the weather is cold as you probably won’t want to go outside with wet locks; however, you could change the time you wash your hair or use a protective spray if you do need to use a hot appliance. 

If you are air drying your hair, remember to blot it carefully rather than rub it. It is also a good idea to use a microfibre towel when drying it, as these are known to reduce frizz, as well as cut your drying time. 

You could also try to wash your hair less frequently, as washing it too much can remove natural oils. 

When you do wash it, try not to use very hot water, as this tends to cause the hair follicles to release natural oils too, making your hair feel drier. 

The key to having healthy, glossy hair over the colder months is keeping it well hydrated, so as well as using good-quality hair products, make sure you do not strip the hair of its moisture. 

Using natural hair products, such as SLS- and silicone-free nourishing shampoo with organic argan, aloe and macadamia, works wonders on hair at this time of the year, as it is very gentle and uses natural ingredients to boost hydration. 

It is also wise to use a good-quality hair conditioner, as this will lock in moisture, and keep hair looking and feeling its best. A leave-in serum is great for frizzy hair, while something like organic Moroccan argon oil works as a really effective conditioner for dry and brittle tresses. 

You could also use a stylist mist with Brazilian keratin and argan oil for the times you need to use appliances, as this will give your hair extra protection against the heat.

For those with very dry locks, you might find a weekly treatment really helps over the autumn and winter months. By leaving in the conditioner, you can do a deep condition, which will help the hair to trap the moisture and stop it looking dry and lifeless. 

Another top tip is to cut your hair regularly, even if you want to keep it long. This is because frequent trims will get rid of split ends, which make your hair look dry, brittle and unmanageable. 

And when the weather gets really cold, do not be afraid to cover up in order to protect it from the elements. While scarves and hats can cause frizz and breakages, if you are gentle and get the right materials, they can actually protect your locks. 

Hats with a silk or satin lining, for instance, are much better for your hair, as they reduce frizz as they cause less friction. Therefore, you are less likely to incur breakages from constantly removing it. 

Similarly, a silk scarf is best for your hair, as they do not cause tangles like woollen or synthetic ones. While this might not feel as warm as thicker scarves, your hair will certainly thank you for it!