When fall hits, our skin and hair need a little extra TLC. The dry and cold temperatures often cause frazzled and dehydrated locks, so it’s important to add nourishing and hydrating ingredients to help keep hair soft, smooth and free of unwanted breakage. To make sure your hair is on point this season, we asked experts — we’re talking master colorists and stylists — to share their top fall hair care tips. Read on for 12 dos and don’ts to keep in mind the next time you reach for your hairbrush.
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This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
12 Things Stylists Want You to Know About Your Hair This Fall
Do Use Scalp Treatments
"The scalp's connection to hair is overlooked, as it's truly the place where the health of hair begins," says Bridgette Hill, an expert stylist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa . As the seasons begin to change, skin and scalp can become unbalanced and unpredictable. To help correct this process, Hill recommends using scalp pre-treatments, like Paul Labrecque Repair Treatment Restorative Hair & Scalp Therapy , $58, at home or in between salon visits. Buy now at Paul Labrecque
Don't Stop Using Sunscreen on Your Hair
"Even though the time changes, the light differs and the weather shifts, you still need to be vigilant and use your best sunscreen hair product ," said Meri Stafa of Meri Hair .
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Don't Shampoo Daily
"Over-shampooing can be drying for the hair during cooler weather days," says Elly Torres, owner and lead stylist of Salon Ascend . If your hair is not overly oily, she recommends skipping the shampoo step and rinsing the hair with lukewarm water, conditioning and rinsing the conditioner with cool water instead.
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Don't Skip Out on Necessary Moisture
Torres says this is especially crucial for textured and curly hair types as the cooler weather brings a different type of dryness than the "fun in the sun" summer days. "This type of dryness from overly cold temperatures (and the ruffling of hats and high collars) can cause excess fly-aways, tangles and frizz," she says. "It is crucial to moisturize on a regular basis through the fall months."
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Do Rinse Out Conditioner With Cool Water
"Just like rinsing your skin with cool water helps to close your pores, cool water also helps to lay your cuticle down and seal in your conditioner," Torres says. This allows for the natural luster of hair to shine through.
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Don't Brush Your Curls
Torres says you won't want to brush out curls, especially when hair is dry. Instead, she recommends using a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair right after shampooing while conditioner is still on your hair.
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Do Use the Right Products for Your Hair Type
Torres says that stylers are key to achieving and maintaining your look. "The right products will also allow your style to bounce back after removing scarfs and hats," she says.
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Do Get a Trim
"Chances are, your strands took a beating over the summer with all the exposure to sunlight, salt water, varying hot temperatures and humidity," says Samantha Sheppard, lead stylist of GLAM + GO . See your stylist to at least trim off your ends to refresh your style, she recommends.
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Don't Dramatically Change Hair Color
"Hair color is such a fun way to express our personality, but you don't want to go from blonde to dark brown right away," Sheppard advises. Dramatically changing levels too quickly can really damage your hair and it takes a lot of skill from your colorist to get right, she adds.
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Do Use Hair Masks
"The fall weather brings cold temperatures and humidity changes, so your hair definitely needs more loving care," says Cris Baadsgaard, owner of Scene Salon and Colour Collective partner stylist. She recommends using hair masks , especially since you probably already use a good mask on your face .
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Don't Use Hair Serum on Your Roots
"Don't use hair serum on your roots, as fall air is dry, which tends to cause static," says Stephanie Angelone, stylist from RPZL . "Only use it lightly on your mids to ends, and use a light hairspray in your hands to smooth down flyaways at the root," she recommends.
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Do Find the Best Hairstyle for You
"Don't do something (whether it is a cut, color, etc.) just because it is a trend," says celebrity stylist Kendall Dorsey . Stay true to who you are and you'll always look and feel your best, he says.
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