As the temperature begins to drop and you pack away your summer dresses and swimsuits, your wardrobe isn’t the only thing that needs a post-summer upgrade. Your hair care routine also requires a major overhaul after months of heat styling, swimming in pools and oceans, and exposure to UV rays. After all, you’ll need your strands to be in the best shape possible before trying that new fall hair color.
If you’re wondering how to care for your strands after months of fun in the sun, look no further. We’ve got the perfect post-summer hair care routine for strands that are feeling dry or damaged. Read on for everything you need to know to get your locks back in tip-top shape.
Get a haircut
A good haircut is the foundation of any hair care routine, and unfortunately, there are no products or techniques you can add to your routine to get rid of unsightly split ends—you’ve got to cut them off. If you’ve maintained a regular haircut schedule with your stylist, this should be no problem. On the other hand, if all of your summer activities kept you away from the salon this summer, it’s time to make an appointment ASAP. A fresh haircut is not only one of the best ways to help your mane look and feel healthier, but it also allows you to switch up your style for the new season.
Use a hair treatment like Pureology Strength Cure Split End Salve Treatment if you’re struggling to manage split ends between trims. This strengthening formula helps prevent split ends while providing velvet-like softness and shine.
Give your mane a reset
Between your countless trips to the beach and pool, we’re sure you washed your hair plenty of times. The best thing you can do for your hair when starting a new hair care routine, however, is to begin with a clean slate. You'll want to give your scalp some special attention to really give your strands a fresh start as they transition from summer to fall. We suggest treating your scalp to an exfoliating product like Kérastase Scrub Energisant Deep Cleaning Fusio Dose Scrub. This energizing and purifying scalp scrub cleanses away impurities and hair buildup. If you’re not sure how to properly exfoliate your scalp, click here for our full guide.
After exfoliating your scalp, you’ll still need to remove any buildup from the rest of your strands—that’s where a clarifying shampoo comes in. A clarifying shampoo like Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo is formulated to remove product buildup, excess oil, and pollution particles in one use.
Switch up your shampoo and conditioner
An exfoliating treatment and clarifying shampoo are a great way to refresh your hair after the wear and tear of summer, but the combination can be too powerful to use daily. Save the combo for once every two weeks and use a separate system the rest of the time. Find a shampoo and conditioner system that specifically targets your hair concerns if you feel like your strands are still reeling from the summertime.
If you’re battling dryness, reach for a system like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner. This creamy,hydrating system revitalizes, softens, and nourishes dry, color-treated hair. For those experiencing hair damage, try Redken Extreme Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner. This system cleanses, strengthens, and restores distressed hair.
Photo Credit: @hunter.societysalon.
Add a hair treatment to your routine
Switching up your shampoo is a good start, but consider adding a treatment to your weekly routine if you really want to get your strands back in shape. There are countless hair treatments and masks on the market formulated to deal with every hair concern. If you’re not sure where to start, try one of these treatments to deal with the four most common post-summer hair woes.
If you’re dealing with breakage: Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Split Ends Hair Treatment
This leave-in hair treatment is formulated to provide heat protection and help protect against breakage and split ends.
If you’re dealing with frizz: Redken Frizz Dismiss Smoothing Hair Mask
Try Redken Frizz Dismiss Smoothing Hair Mask if humidity is still affecting your mane. The smoothing mask is formulated with Redken’s exclusive frizz-fighting Humidity-Resistant Complex.
If you’re dealing with dryness: Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment Mask
Bring dry strands back to life with this rich, deep treatment mask. The formula provides nourishment, touchable softness and color protection.
If you’re dealing with fading color: Redken Color Extend Vinegar Rinse
This formula rebalances hair's pH and gently clarifies for enhanced brightness, smoothness and shine.
Photo Credit: @beeblondor.
Take a breather from heat styling
If you love to heat style your hair, chances are good you’re pretty faithful to your heat protectant. While heat-protecting products are great at minimizing some of the damage associated with heat styling, the best thing you can do for hair that is heat styled regularly is to give it a break. If the thought or styling your hair without your blow dryer is giving you major anxiety, we’ve got just the hair product for you: air dry products. Air dry products are formulated to speed up air drying time and perfectly style your hair, all without the help of your beloved hair tools. Try them out for yourself if you don’t believe us!
If you have straight hair: Biolage Styling AirDry Glotion
This light hold, multi-benefit styling spray leaves a glossy, finished look. Hair dries fast without the damage of heat while protecting color and repelling frizz.
If you have wavy hair: Pureology Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray
Enhance your natural waves with a few spritzes of this texturizing sugar spray. The non-drying formula creates tousled waves while protecting the vibrancy of color-treated hair.
If you have curly hair: Mizani 25 Miracle Milk
This multi-benefit leave-in treatment does it all. Style, moisturize, and nourish your natural ringlets with one product.
Add shine
Sun exposure can seriously zap the luster from your mane. That’s why we recommend adding a shine-enhancing formula or two to your post-summer routine. Try a hair oil like Redken Oil For All Multi-Benefit Hair Oil to give hair instant shine, frizz control, and heat protection.
Interested in more healthy hair tips? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.