Seasonal Haircare: Transitioning Your Routine for Fall/Winter
When the seasons change, so should your haircare routine.
Just like your skin reacts to colder temperatures, lower humidity, and indoor heating, your hair does too. Fall and winter often bring dryness, frizz, breakage, and static – especially if you don’t adjust your routine accordingly.
Whether you’re caring for your own hair at home or helping clients as a hairstylist, these seasonal haircare tips will help protect hair health all season long.
1. Switch to a Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
Fall and winter air lacks the humidity your hair thrives on in warmer months. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners infused with ingredients like:
- Argan oil
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Hyaluronic acid
Each of these can help restore lost moisture and protect your strands.
Pro Tip: Avoid shampoos with sulfates, which can strip natural oils and make dryness worse.
2. Reduce Hair Washing Frequency
Washing your hair too often can strip away natural oils that are vital during the colder months. If you’re used to washing daily, try cutting back to every other day or even twice a week.
Pro Tip: Use dry shampoo between washes to maintain volume and absorb excess oil without over-drying.
3. Deep Condition Weekly
A weekly deep conditioning or hair mask treatment helps replenish moisture and repair damage. Look for products with:
- Keratin
- Proteins
- Avocado oil
- Aloe vera
This step is especially important if you use heat tools or colour treatments.
4. Use a Leave-In Conditioner or Hair Oil
Cold wind, indoor heating, and static-prone scarves can all wreak havoc on hair cuticles. A leave-in conditioner or lightweight hair oil adds a protective layer that:
- Seals in moisture
- Tames frizz
- Adds shine
- Prevents static
Apply to damp hair before styling or lightly to dry hair as a finishing touch.
5. Protect Hair from the Elements
Wearing hats, scarves, and hoods in winter is a must, but friction from these fabrics can lead to split ends and breakage. To protect your hair:
- Line wool hats with satin or silk
- Tie hair in loose braids under scarves to reduce friction
- Use a silk pillowcase at night to prevent moisture loss and frizz
6. Trim Regularly to Prevent Split Ends
Even with the best care, colder weather can lead to brittle ends. Book a trim every 6–8 weeks to keep your hair healthy and prevent damage from traveling up the shaft.
7. Hydrate From the Inside Out
Healthy hair starts from within. Drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet rich in:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin E
- Biotin
- Zinc
Each of these supports hair health and resilience during the dry months.
Ready for Haircare That Goes Beyond the Basics?
At Modern College of Hairstyling and Esthetics, our Hairstyling program teaches students how to create and maintain healthy, beautiful hair in all seasons. With hands-on training, real salon experience, and lessons in advanced care and styling, you’ll graduate job-ready and confident.
Whether you’re thinking of a new career or upgrading your skills, we’re here to help. Contact us today!