The amber leaves turning crisp are a sign that autumn is here. It means binge-watching Gilmore Girls and getting cosy. The one thing that might come as a surprise? How your curls feel. Like our skin, strands can have quite an adjustment due to the return of brisk temperatures. This means experiencing dryness, frizziness and even breakages.
The bad news is that this will only become trickier to manage as the weather cools going into winter. We might still see the occasional sunny day in autumn, but once you get into the depths of winter, humidity is no longer around and instead, is replaced by drizzle, bitter wind and frosty temperatures, so it’s time to get your hair prepared.
Dry, cold air strips strands, causing dehydration, frizz and static, so it’s harder to get healthy-looking, defined curls. Moisture levels being low isn’t ideal for our hair cuticle either, leading to more split ends, a dry, brittle texture and even breakages. Our go-to scarves and hats only make matters worse, causing more friction and static, which can also make hair more prone to breakage.
There’s also the extreme temperature change of going from the chilly outdoors to the snug indoors, thanks to central heating, that can throw curls through a loop. Radiator heat is another factor that can pull moisture from the hair, making it dry and susceptible to static, causing excess frizz and flyaways. Not to mention the havoc dry air wreaks on your scalp, making it more prone to flakes and itchiness.
Without this much-needed moisture, not only can your colour appear duller than usual, but curls can look limp and undefined, while feeling rough to the touch. This is why it’s so important that we focus on replenishing moisture back into our strands.
Step 1: Pump moisture into your curls
Your hair also might need some TLC after a summer of chlorine, UV rays and salty air from sunning it up on a beachy holiday, so autumn is the ideal time to replenish moisture levels, right before winter hits and takes its toll. Curlsmith’s essential Moisture Shampoo creates a rich lather to remove grime and product build-up to refresh scalps, while aloe leaf and sunflower oil enrich ends, achieving softer, replenished curls.
Step 2: Layer your hydrating products
Like we layer our skincare, it’s important to take a multi-pronged approach to hydrating curls. Incorporating a hair mask will make a world of difference. Follow up with the Double Cream Deep Quencher post-shampoo. This rich butter can be left on for up to 30 minutes and will not only help detangle and work through knots, but thirsty curls will drink this up, leaving smoother strands behind. Hydration doesn’t stop there. The Moisture Memory Release Leave-In Conditioner is enriched with softening olive oil, nourishing ceramides and smoothing macadamia nut oil helps control frizz and plump curls. Think of it as a hydration booster to keep hydration levels topped up throughout the day.
Step 3: Be gentle on your curls
To help minimise the toll winter takes on your curls, there are small tweaks you can make. Opt for a woolly hat that features a silk lining to help minimise friction and avoid brushing your hair when it’s soaking wet, as this is when strands are most vulnerable. Investing in a humidifier will also prevent hydration levels from depleting. Skipping a heat styling session wouldn’t go amiss either, as this is only depriving the hair of hydration.
Above all, it’s about being gentle on your hair, especially as we’ll experience some seasonal shedding during the colder months, which is why fortifying your curls is so important. The Curlsmith Multi-tasking Conditioner can be rinsed out, used as a mask or as a leave-in product, depending on how much care your curls need. It features hydrolysed rice protein to strengthen strands, as well as castor seed oil to nourish, all without weighing your curls down. If you’re tight on time, the Bond Curl Rehab Salve is a pre-shampoo treatment that’s jam-packed with antioxidants, proteins and strengthening ingredients with the aim of fortifying and rebuilding fragile strands.
Step 4: Switch up your styling routine
Amping up moisture levels during your wash day is key, but what you do to your hair afterwards also plays a role in keeping curls defined. An easy addition is investing in a microfibre towel. It still soaks up excess water, but doesn’t cause friction, limiting frizz and helping to define curls. To seal the shape of your ringlets, apply a coat of the Curl Defining Styling Souffle. The jelly is filled to the brim with fatty acids and oils to lock in moisture and add a shiny glazed finish to your curls. If you’re looking for a curl-setter, look no further than the In-Shower Style Fixer. This gel essentially acts like a coat for your curls, keeping them defined, no matter what the weather, without any crunchiness. Add a lick of the Bonding Oil as a finishing touch to add softness and bounce, while sealing in moisture. Remember, never leave the house without fully dried hair; the wetter your strands are, the more susceptible they are to damage.
Just like we pack up our summer dresses in favour of chunky knits for winter, it’s time to customise your hair products for the seasonal changes ahead. Think of it as a haicare wardrobe, if you will. These small tweaks and additions are going to help winterproof your hair, no matter what the weather throws at us.
