How to Transition Your Hair from Summer to Fall

The bright sun, sea water, and chlorine are only a few of the things that can stress out your hair during summer. Now that we’re moving into fall, we have a whole new set of problems to face like wind and dryness. Before we get too pessimistic though, there are a few things you can do to repair summer hair damage so you have the best chance at having great fall tresses.

Image: Eugenio Marongiu / Dollar Photo Club

Snip Split Ends

According to Michael Sparks, NFL-player-turned-hair-stylist and co-owner of Cie Sparks Salon in Malibu, the first step you should take to transition your hair into a healthy fall ‘do is to trim dead ends. Regardless of what some products will have you believe, the only way to get rid of already-split ends is to snip them off. Sparks suggests a refreshing mid-length cut, framing your face with longer pieces in the front.

Relax with a Mask

Sun damage and chemicals from the pool can fry and dry your hair to the max. Start using a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any build-up weighing your hair down. After cleansing, slather on a healthy amount of a moisturizing hair mask to provide intense hydration while combatting frizz and breakage. I’ve personally been using the Nth Degree Smoothing Moroccan Argan Oil & Keratin Hair Mask for my hair transition. It’s got a thick enough consistency where a little goes a long way, but without feeling heavy.

Hands off Hot Tools

During summer, I tend to rely on hot tools for styling because the weather makes my hair naturally poof! Once I start the summer to fall hair transition, I keep my hands off the hot tools for as long as I can to move along the healing process. To help my hair style naturally, I’ve started using the Dippity-Do Girls with Curls Curl Defining Cream once I’ve towel dried my hair and it’s still damp. It really defines my curls evenly and without frizz for a low maintenance and heat-free hairstyle. During the week, I’ll refresh my curls with the Dove Quench Absolute Supreme Cream Serum to rehydrate and reshape my style.

Play with Color

Now is the perfect time to play with a new hair color, or subtly tweak your current shade to be on trend for fall. Colorist Heather Cie suggests toning down your beachy blonde locks while maintaining a sun kissed look. It seems like everyone is going “bronde” right now, which looks like a more subtle ombré, blending brown and blonde layers. If you’re working with darker hair, try warming up your hue with deep reds or browns with red undertones. You could also go for a jet black, which can hide summer damage while looking high-fashion.

What’s your secret to getting great fall hair?