The Fall Haircare Guide

BEAUTY | SEEMA The Fall Haircare Guide

Harsh summer elements, and the change to cooler fall weather, can often take its toll on your hair

MELANIE FOURIE

Sun-kissed windswept hair is as synonymous with summer as airy dresses, tank tops, and flipflops. However, summer is also associated with harsh UV rays, excessive humidity, chlorine-infused pool water, and salty seawater. These elements are a harmful concoction for your scalp and hair. That being said, the season’s change from warm to cool temperatures, may expose your hair to further damage. Here’s how you can restore your tresses after a long summer, and prevent further damage as the season transitions to fall.

HOW SUMMER MAY RAVAGE YOUR TRESSES Your hair comprises substances like melanin and keratins that guard your hair from UV rays. However, too much exposure to the sun can deplete your keratin levels. This can leave your hair looking dry, brittle, or lackluster. If your hair has been overexposed to heat, it doesn’t replenish itself automatically.

Also, it may take more than just regular conditioning to revitalize your hair. Keratin protects your hair’s elasticity by acting as a buffer around your hair shaft. When keratin depletion damages elasticity, you may experience split ends and hair breakage. Overexposure to UV rays may also leave your scalp dry, and this may lead to dandruff.

HOW CHANGING SEASONS CAN AFFECT THOSE LOCKS Summer may have presented its fair share of problems for your hair and scalp. With the transiting of seasons from summer to autumn, the air may become drier. This can dry your hair out further. Also, it tends to be windier in the fall. This leads to excess friction between your hair strands, making your hair even more prone to hair breakage. In fact, the end of summer, with its harsh environmental factors, and the loss of humidity seen in fall, is one reason why many people lose more hair in the fall.

TIPS TO RESTORE AND PROTECT YOUR CROWNING GLORY It may be a great idea to go natural for a bit in the fall. Think about this way. Just as the foliage sheds for new leaves to form, so your hair needs a break from chemical treatments. This also enables your scalp to breathe and your skin to rejuvenate itself.

You should also reduce the amount of friction strong wind creates, with a protective hairstyle. For instance, if you have straight hair, you could wear your hair in a fishtail braid to protect it from wind and friction.

If your hair is curly, try wearing your hair in an up style, and don’t forget to moisturize it. Fall is also synonymous with wool scarfs and clothing. Friction with those clothing items can harm your hair. Therefore, it is best to tie your hair up when wearing woolen scarves, coats, or tops.

You can also treat an itchy, flaky, or dry scalp by reducing the number of times you wash your hair, if you are overwashing it. You may have been swimming too often in summer, which may have stripped your hair of its natural oils. For a healthier scalp in fall, always use warm water to wash your hair, as this will help keep your skin more moist. Besides using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, you should also invest in a reliable humidifier, as this boosts air moisture.

To help replenish dry, brittle hair and prevent further moisture loss, try treating your hair with hot oils. For this, you can use jojoba, coconut, or almond oil. These oils comprise antioxidants and Vitamin E, which seals your hair cuticles and prevents further moisture loss.

You could also buy haircare products with avocado, or make your own avocado hair paste. Avocado is packed with just the right minerals and vitamins to help nourish and replenish dull-looking hair. If you don’t know how to make an avocado paste, here is a simple way: peel and mash an avocado, then add an egg to it.

Mix well into your hair and leave it in for about 20 minutes. Depending on the severity of the dryness, you could leave in the mixture for slightly longer for added nourishment. Rinse your hair well afterwards, and style your hair as usual.