Every year, during the transition between fall and winter, my hair tends to “act up.” Despite using conditioner, it still feels dry, frizzy, and brittle. I can style it perfectly in the morning, but by the time I step outside, the cold wind messes it up. Over time, I realized that hair care during the season change can’t just rely on regular daily steps—it requires more targeted and strategic care.

After a lot of trial and error, I’ve put together a comprehensive hair care routine tailored for fall and winter. From cleansing and conditioning to styling, daily care, and diet adjustments, every step is crucial. Today, I’m sharing my complete seasonal hair care guide, hoping it helps you maintain smooth, frizz-free hair throughout the chilly months.

Understanding the Culprits Behind Fall and Winter Hair Changes

During the fall and winter months, dry weather, strong winds, and significant temperature changes between indoors and outdoors can have a direct impact on your hair:

  • Increased moisture loss: Lower humidity can cause the outer layer of the hair shaft to crack, leading to moisture loss.
  • Frequent static: Dry weather generates static, making your hair frizzy and unruly.
  • Reduced sebum production: The scalp produces less oil, leaving the hair vulnerable without its natural protective layer, leading to split ends and breakage.
  • Frequent hat-wearing: While hats keep you warm, they also flatten your hairstyle and cause friction, which can lead to hair breakage.

To maintain smooth and glossy hair in fall and winter, it’s necessary to adjust your routine based on these seasonal changes.

Cleansing: Switch to Gentle Shampoo Products

During the seasonal transition, I avoid shampoos that are marketed as “deep cleansing” or “oil-controlling” because they can strip the scalp and hair of essential oils. Instead, I choose products with the following qualities:

  • Amino acid-based shampoos: Gentle cleansers that won’t leave your hair feeling harsh or dry.
  • Shampoos with nourishing ingredients: Such as plant oils (coconut oil, argan oil), keratin, or ceramides.
  • Silicone-free or low-silicone products: To avoid buildup that can clog the hair follicles, especially for those with oily roots and dry ends.

One shampoo I’ve been using recently is L’Oreal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo. It doesn’t dry out my hair and leaves it feeling more elastic. It’s available on Amazon UK, which makes it very convenient to purchase.

I recommend washing your hair 2-3 times a week and using lukewarm water, as water that’s too hot can disrupt the scalp’s oil balance.

Conditioning: Deep Care is Essential

  1. Don’t just apply conditioner on the surface
    In fall and winter, I pay special attention to how I apply conditioner. It’s not just about slapping it on and rinsing off. The proper method is:
  • Apply from the ears down, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
  • Leave it on for at least 5 minutes, and wrap your hair in a warm towel to enhance absorption.
  • Rinse first with cool water and then with lukewarm water to lock in the nutrients.

This simple trick can help reduce static and prevent hair from becoming brittle.

  1. Use a hair mask 1-2 times a week
    Hair masks are like face masks for your hair, and they’re a “rescue” treatment during fall and winter. Hair that has been colored, heat-styled, or exposed to the elements will absorb nutrients better in colder months. I prefer masks that contain argan oil, keratin, honey, or avocado oil, as they replenish lost oils and nutrients.

For example, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner is affordable and effective. It leaves my hair soft in just 3 minutes. It’s also available on Amazon, which is a huge bonus.

Blow-Drying Tips: Low Heat and Prevention of Heat Damage

With colder temperatures, many people tend to blow-dry their hair quickly using high heat. However, high heat not only evaporates moisture but also damages the hair structure. My advice is:

  • Gently press your hair with a dry towel first to absorb excess moisture; don’t rub it, as that can cause friction and breakage.
  • Set your blow dryer to a medium or low heat setting and use the “cool shot” at the end.
  • Dry your roots first, followed by the mid-lengths and ends to prevent the ends from drying out.

Before blow-drying, I always apply a layer of heat protection spray, such as TRESemmé Heat Defence Spray. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and provides a mild hold, which is perfect for fall and winter hair care and styling.

Daily Care: From Lifestyle Habits to Dietary Adjustments

Beyond hair care products, many of the finer details of hair care are reflected in our daily habits.

  1. Reduce frequent brushing and styling
    During times when static is high, avoid constantly brushing your hair. Don’t use plastic brushes either. I prefer using wooden or horn combs as they reduce static and massage the scalp gently.

If I need to style my hair, I tend to use foam styling products rather than sprays, as sprays can make the hair feel drier.

  1. Braid your hair before bed to avoid tangling
    During the fall and winter nights, I usually loose-braid my hair to prevent it from getting tangled as I move around in my sleep. I also swap my cotton pillowcases for silk pillowcases, which help reduce frizz.
  2. Balanced diet and hydration
    Hair health is a reflection of the state of your body. During fall and winter, I increase the intake of the following nutrients:
  • Protein: Fish, eggs, and nuts, which promote hair growth.
  • Vitamin E and B vitamins: To improve hair strength and shine.
  • Water: I aim for at least 1500ml of water per day.

If you’re dealing with hair loss, dullness, or dandruff, these could be signs from your body that you need to adjust your diet and routine.

Common Hair Care Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Can’t conditioner be applied to the roots?
    Actually, it depends on the product. Lighter conditioners can be used on the scalp, but heavier ones should not be applied to the roots.
  2. Is washing hair every day necessary?
    In fall and winter, your scalp produces less oil, so daily washing is unnecessary and may disrupt your scalp’s natural oil balance.
  3. Applying hair oil before blow-drying?
    Wrong! Hair oil is meant to lock in moisture, so it should be applied when the hair is about 70-80% dry, helping to seal in moisture and nutrients.

My Seasonal Hair Care Summary

Here’s my five-step seasonal hair care routine:

  • Switch to gentle cleansers that won’t irritate your scalp.
  • Deep conditioning regularly to lock in moisture and nutrients.
  • Blow-dry with low heat and use heat protection to avoid dryness and breakage.
  • Night care and lifestyle adjustments to give your hair the best care from within.
  • Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated, addressing the root causes of any hair problems.

Hair is an external reflection of our emotions. Especially during the fall and winter, when it’s easy to feel a little down, having smooth and healthy hair really helps lift my spirits and boost my confidence.

You don’t need expensive products, nor do you need an overly complex routine. With a bit of attention and the right adjustments to suit the changing season, you can maintain glossy, smooth hair even in the driest, coldest months.