Preparing Your Hair for Fall Weather

Does your hair get an extra workout during the summer months? It could be dry and bleached out from spending more time in the sun or in the pool. Or, have you noticed more hair coming out when you shampoo or brush it? When hair is subjected to extreme weather, as much as 70% of hair strands can prematurely enter a resting phase called “telogen,” which leads to more hair falling out than usual.

As we head into Fall, here are some tips to revive summer hair:

To replace the moisture your hair lost in the summer, try a hair masque treatment. Look for one that requires some heat activation. Coat your hair before you hit the beach and then wash out after. Or use at home with a blow dryer.

Save an avocado from your summer guacamole recipe, mash it up, add an egg and apply to dry hair for 20 minutes. Rinse and repeat once a month to repair dry ends.

Did your hair color get a little brassy over the summer? Ask your salon about getting a gloss or glaze treatment. Glaze treatments put shine back into dull hair and can revive your color without using peroxide.

Still feeling the humidity where you live? Arm yourself with frizz-defying silicone products. They envelop each strand to help prevent kinks and frizz. Just make sure to dry your hair completely, removing every ounce of water, before you apply.

Once the colder weather sets in, avoid over-shampooing which can strip natural oils and make your hair limp and flat. Try washing with a moisturizing shampoo every other day. On days you don’t shampoo, wet your hair, apply conditioner and rinse.

On rainy days, even if you’re prepared with an umbrella, avoid shampooing. Use styling products like hairspray or a lightweight gel. If you have long hair, wear it up—or in a ponytail—to keep the frizz at bay.

Heating your home can make your hair dry out in the Fall, so break out your humidifier to add moisture back into the air of your house. This also works if you’re battling static.

Thinking about taking vitamin supplements to protect and improve your hair? According to Consumer Reports, there is no real evidence supplements can make any difference.

Your diet affects your hair health. Eat proteins rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Greek yogurt is another good source of protein for hair because it contains the vitamin B5, which can help prevent hair thinning and loss. For a healthy scalp, you’ll want to make sure you eat plenty of dark-green, leafy veggies, such as spinach and kale. The vitamins in these vegetables—vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C—work together to maintain scalp health and keep your hair moisturized so it doesn’t break.

Rieva Lesonsky is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and self-educated health nut. Follow her @Rieva.

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