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As the seasons shift from sun soaked summer days to crisp fall evenings, your hair feels the change just as much as your wardrobe does. While summer brings humidity, chlorine and UV exposure, fall introduces cooler air, lower humidity, indoor heating and stronger winds, all of which can leave your strands drier, frizzier and more fragile.
That’s why updating your hair care routine isn’t just a luxury, it’s a seasonal must. The right shampoos, conditioners, masks and treatments can help you seamlessly transition into fall with stronger, shinier and healthier hair.
If you missed it, we also shared our favorite Best Shampoos for Dry Hair (Amazon Finds Under $20), a perfect companion guide to this post, especially if your strands need a hydration boost heading into cooler weather.
1. Switch to a Nourishing Shampoo
Summer shampoos are often clarifying to remove chlorine, sunscreen and sweat buildup but once fall arrives, your hair craves hydration and gentle cleansing. Look for shampoos with oils, shea butter or hyaluronic acid to restore softness.
What we recommend: OGX Extra Strength Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo — under $20, sulfate-free, and enriched with argan oil to smooth frizz while keeping your scalp balanced.
Want even more options? Don’t forget to check our list of hydrating shampoos under $20 for dry hair, they’re fall hair care lifesavers.
2. Upgrade Your Conditioner or Mask
As air gets cooler and drier, your hair needs extra moisture retention. A lightweight summer conditioner might not cut it anymore. This is the perfect time to add in a thicker conditioner or a weekly hair mask.
What we recommend: Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Mask — for under $8, this honey-rich formula strengthens brittle strands and smells divine.
3. Seal in Moisture with Oils & Serums
During summer, lightweight serums work well but fall calls for nourishing oils that protect against cold winds and indoor heating. They act as a sealant to lock in hydration.
What we recommend: Harbor natural cosmetics argan hair oil — under $30, this cult favorite is lightweight and replenishes dry brittle strands with rich moisture.
4. Reset Your Scalp Care
Sweaty summer days can leave behind buildup from sunscreen, salt water and styling products. Fall is the time to refresh your scalp with exfoliating scrubs or soothing treatments.
What we recommend: Kristin Ess Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub — under $20, this gentle scrub clears buildup without irritation, leaving your scalp ready to absorb hydration.
5. Protect from Heat & Dryness
As we head into fall, many of us return to blow-drying, straightening, or curling more often. Combined with drier air, this can lead to breakage if you skip heat protection.
What we recommend: PURA D’OR 8 Oz Argan Oil Heat Shield Protectant Spray — under $20, this lightweight spray guards against heat up to 450°F while adding softness.
6. Don’t Skip Trims
While trims don’t technically make your hair grow faster, they prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft, which keeps your hair looking thicker and healthier. Fall is a great time to book a seasonal trim to refresh your ends after summer damage.
7. Lifestyle & Wellness Tweaks
Your hair health starts from within and fall is the season to support it with hydrating habits and nourishing routines.
- Stay hydrated: Colder air can be just as dehydrating as summer sun.
- Switch to silk pillowcases: Reduce breakage and frizz overnight.
- Use a humidifier: Indoor heating can zap moisture from your hair (and skin!).
What we recommend: Bedsure Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin — affordable, silky-soft and available in tons of colors.
Quick Fall Hair Care Checklist
✅ Switch to a hydrating shampoo.
✅ Add a deep conditioner or mask weekly.
✅ Seal in moisture with oils or serums.
✅ Refresh scalp with exfoliation.
✅ Always use a heat protectant.
✅ Book a trim to prevent split ends.
✅ Support hydration with lifestyle habits.
Your Fall Hair Reset
Transitioning your hair care routine from summer to fall doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. By making a few thoughtful swaps like a nourishing shampoo, strengthening mask and scalp refresher, you can prevent dryness, frizz and breakage before they start. Think of it as a seasonal reset, giving your hair exactly what it needs to thrive in cooler weather.
Want to double down on hydration? Pair this routine with one of the best shampoos for dry hair under $20 to keep your hair moisturized, silky and ready for fall.
FAQs
Q: How often should I deep condition in fall?
A: Once a week is ideal but if your hair feels extra dry, you can increase to twice a week.
Q: Do I need to change my shampoo every season?
A: Not always, but swapping to a more hydrating formula in fall/winter helps protect against seasonal dryness.
Q: Can I still air dry my hair in cooler months?
A: Yes, but make sure your hair is at least partially dry before heading outdoors to avoid damage.
Q: Are these products safe for color-treated hair?
A: Most of them are sulfate-free and safe, but always double-check labels if you’ve recently dyed or lightened your hair.
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