The onset of autumn marks the transition of many things in our beauty routines. Fresh, fruity fragrances are swapped out for spicier counterparts, lightweight skincare products are replaced with richer masks and creams and even our makeup looks are reinvented (hello dark lipstick and warm eyeshadow palettes!). So why shouldn’t the same principles apply to our hair care products?
When the seasons change, it’s not uncommon for our hair to become dull or dry, and for our scalps to get a little bit irritated by the temperature drop. Summer usually brings its own hair care challenges: an oily scalp and dehydration or damage from UV exposure, sea water or chlorine. When temperatures drop, these concerns may change to static, a dry or irritable scalp, frizz and brittle hair. Establishing a routine that specifically caters to these issues while offering some repair to the damage done in summer, can help you achieve good hair days all throughout autumn. Follow these tips for a smooth seasonal transition.
Increase moisture
When the temperature drops, the humidity in the air decreases, which may lead to dry hair. Throw some indoor heating into the mix (heaters are known to zap moisture from the hair!) and you may be left with dull, brittle and dry hair. Now is the time to switch over to moisturising hair care products.
WE LOVE Creightons Argan Smooth Moisture Rich Shampoo (R99.95) and Conditioner (R99.95) is infused with Moroccan argan oil and silk proteins to restore and nourish. This combo replenishes lost moisture while leaving hair silky soft and more manageable.
If you prefer a plant‐based option, a great alternative is Renpure’s Keratin & Argan Restorative Shampoo (R149.95) and Conditioner (R149.95). This duo cleanses and nourishes dull and damaged hair while adding shine and vibrancy. The oil‐rich conditioner helps seal and protect the hair from further damage. A weekly or bi‐weekly hair mask works wonders to re‐hydrate and restore moisture. Harness the power of argan oil with Marc Anthony’s Argan Oil Ultra Hydrating Conditioning Mask (R65.95) – pure argan oil, keratin and grapeseed oil treat dry and dull hair while protecting against split ends and breakage. For a major hydration boost, we recommend OGX® Hydrate & Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Hair Mask (R209.95). This creamy mask intensely hydrates while locking in moisture, plus it detangles (bonus!) and helps strengthen hair.
Heat protection
Women tend to use heat styling tools more often during the colder months, probably due to the fact that in summer we’re in and out of the pool and wash our hair more often. Because hair is naturally drier during autumn, it’s important to take extra care when applying heat. Apply a heat protectant product every time before you blow dry, flat iron or style your hair.
Remove build-up
If you’re styling your hair more frequently during autumn, then chances are you’re using more styling mousses, gels, hairsprays or waxes too. If not shampooed thoroughly, this can lead to build-up on the hair, which not only leaves the hair looking dull, but it can also lead to an itchy scalp. We recommend using a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove build‐up. You can also do a double shampoo (like the salons do) every couple of days to ensure all impurities are removed.
TRY HASK’s invigorating and purifying Tea Tree Oil and Rosemary Shampoo (R179.95), which helps lift build‐up and impurities while nourishing the scalp for refreshed, healthy‐looking hair, or OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Shampoo and Conditioner (R199.95 each). This clarifying blend infused with coconut charcoal and kaolin clay busts through build‐up and rescues congested hair by offering a deep (yet gentle) clean.
Take care of your scalp
It’s not just our hair that takes a beating when the season changes; the scalp can get dry (which often leads to flaking) or irritable and itchy. Dandruff is also more prevalent in the colder months. Some experts argue that this is because we tend to wash our hair less often during the colder months, while others put it down to the scalp’s irritable reaction to dry and cold air.
A thorough scalp‐care routine is essential. A scalp mask can remove build‐up and residue, hydrate the scalp and soothe irritation.
WE LOVE Marc Anthony’s Detox Instant Cooling Scalp Treatment (R179.99) provides instant cooling relief for a dry or irritated scalp. Created with peppermint, castor oil, aloe vera juice and witch hazel, it may also be used as a pre‐wash treatment to help remove build‐up by gently loosening dirt, grime and oils.
Another favorite is HASK’s multi‐benefit Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary 5-in-1 Leave-in Spray (R179.95)
is infused with an invigorating blend of tea tree oil and rosemary to help condition hair and promote a healthy‐feeling scalp (it has a soothing and cooling effect), add shine, detangle and tame frizz.
Trying autumn’s hottest hair colour trend? Use a silver shampoo
Platinum blonde and other shades of silver‐ blonde is expected to be the major hair colour trend of autumn and winter 2021. Celebs like Hillary Duff, Selena Gomez and Megan Thee Stallion have already jumped on board this trend and are serving up major hair inspo. If you’re going the platinum route, we suggest investing in good quality silver shampoo and conditioner to brighten and maintain your colour, and prevent brassiness.
TRY PRO:VOKE Touch Of Silver Colour Care Shampoo (R119.95) and Conditioner (R119.95) are formulated with antioxidants and optical brighteners to safeguard your blonde, silver or platinum colour, while boosting shine.
Don’t wash your hair every day
While it’s important to shampoo your hair regularly, you can strip your hair and scalp of its natural moisture if you over‐shampoo. If you’re used to shampooing every day, we recommend skipping a day and opting for dry shampoo on the in‐between days.
WE LOVE COLAB Dry Shampoo (R88.95) lengthens the time between regular shampoos without drying out your hair. Not only does it leave your hair looking clean and smelling fresh, but it leaves no white residue – a major drawing card!
