5 Hairstylist Tips to Keep Hair Healthy for Fall and Winter

If your Summer looked anything like mine, you probably spent a good amount of time in the sun, in the pool, and lounging around in air-conditioned rooms. What does this mean for your hair? It’s probably seen better days, and could use a little TLC to bounce back to its healthiest state.

Fall is the perfect time to refresh our routine to play damage control and keep hair healthy throughout the rest of the year, as more environmental factors can suck the life out of it. Keep reading to discover how to keep hair healthy for Fall and Winter, maximizing both strength and shine, with tips from NYC/Miami Hair Stylist Lucy Planck.

1: Seal & Prevent Split Ends with a Coconut Oil Treatment

It’s important to note that that once ends are already split, they cannot be completely repaired— they need to be cut off. However, keeping your hair hydrated will help prevent more damage from happening while also sealing split ends for a more healthy appearance between cuts. An easy, affordable and effective way to prevent split ends is with coconut oil, which Lucy suggests using as a moisturizing treatment. “Use about a teaspoon and start at the ends working your way up to the root; leave in for about an hour and shampoo. The coconut oil will help keep hair hydrated, silky and shiny.” My fave choice for beauty purposes: the Queen Helene 100% Coconut Oil. It’s super affordable and comes in a huge jar!

2: Biotin Supplements Nourish From the Inside Out

Biotin is a natural supplement that is usually lacking in people’s diets, contributing to dry or weak hair. “I always tell my clients to take biotin year round to maintain a strong, healthy glow to their hair and it also helps with split ends,” says Lucy. She specifically recommends Vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin and Nails, which is available at Target! Vitafusion contains 12 key nutrients, including Biotin and Vitamins C and E to help nourish beautiful hair, skin, and nails all in one. Plus, they’re yummy gummies!

3. Rinse Hair in Cold Water

As much as a hot shower can feel amazing when the weather gets chilly, hot water will dull your shine and dehydrate your strands, causing frizz. Lucy suggests to rinse hair with cold water after shampooing, “which closes up the cuticle and keeps your hair shiny. Cold water really helps keeping your hair healthy.”

4. Leave-In Conditioner is Your Best Friend

Leave-in conditioner not only helps boost hair hydration, but will also protect it against heat tools and the environment. It’s your best friend and secret weapon against frizz and dullness. Lucy recommends a leave-in conditioner that contains coconut milk. “The natural oils inside of the coconut are what keeps frizz in check. All of the vitamins and minerals that are in the coconut keep frizz tamed. Use a dime-sized amount of leave-in conditioner and work through your hair, paying special attention to the ends.” My favorite coconut milk leave-in product is the OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum. It won’t weigh your hair down, and helps restore damaged hair with silk keratin proteins. Use it while hair is damp for a flawless air dry, and before heat styling.

5. Try a DIY Avocado Hair Mask

Avocado isn’t just great on toast— it’s a superfood for hair, too, as it contains fatty acids that make hair soft. Here’s a recipe Lucy uses to create a DIY hair mask for healthy hair:

Put 2 teaspoons of avocado in a blender with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Blend the two together until smooth. Apply it to the roots first, then work your way down to the ends. Leave it in for 30-60 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.

Do you switch up your hair routine for fall and winter?