As the warm, humid days of summer fade into the crisp, cooler air of fall, your curls may start to behave differently. The change in temperature and humidity can lead to dryness and frizz, making it harder to maintain your curl definition. Fall brings unique challenges for curly hair, but with the right care, you can keep your curls moisturized, frizz-free, and looking fabulous all season long.
Here are some essential tips to help you prevent dryness and frizz as you transition into fall:
1. Hydrate with a Deep Conditioning Routine
Dry air is one of the main causes of frizz, and as the humidity decreases in the fall, your curls will need extra hydration. Deep conditioning treatments are a must during this season to prevent dryness and keep your curls moisturized. Look for deep conditioners that contain rich, hydrating ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and honey.
Try to incorporate a deep conditioning session into your routine once a week to lock in moisture and keep your curls soft and smooth. If you’re dealing with extra dryness, leave the conditioner on for 30 minutes under a shower cap for maximum hydration.
2. Switch to a Heavier Leave-In Conditioner
During the summer, you may have gotten away with using lightweight leave-ins, but fall calls for more moisture. Switch to a heavier leave-in conditioner that provides long-lasting hydration to protect your curls from the dry, cool air. Look for products that contain natural oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil, which can penetrate the hair shaft and provide lasting moisture.
Apply the leave-in while your hair is still damp to ensure your curls absorb the product and stay hydrated throughout the day.
3. Protect Your Hair from Friction
Scarves, hats, and woolen fabrics are a fall fashion must, but they can cause friction that leads to frizz and breakage. Protect your curls by wearing silk or satin scarves under your hats, or invest in satin-lined beanies to reduce friction. You can also pull your hair into a loose bun or braid before slipping on a hat to prevent tangling and breakage.
If you’re wearing sweaters or jackets, try to keep your hair off your shoulders with an updo or protective style to avoid snags and friction.
4. Seal in Moisture with Oils
Once you’ve applied your leave-in conditioner, seal in the moisture with a natural oil. Sealing is an important step for curly hair in the fall because it locks in the hydration you’ve added during your wash and conditioning routine. Oils like argan, grapeseed, or jojoba oil are light enough for curly hair but powerful enough to lock in moisture and add shine.
Apply a few drops of oil to your palms and gently scrunch it into the ends of your curls to prevent frizz and keep your hair hydrated all day long.
5. Minimize Heat Styling
Heat styling can dry out your curls, especially when the air is already dry. Try to embrace air-drying or diffusing on a low setting to reduce heat exposure during the fall. If you do need to use heat, make sure to apply a heat protectant to minimize damage.
Air-drying is a great way to prevent frizz in the fall, but it can also lead to damp clothes while you wait for your curls to dry. That’s where Monii comes in! Monii’s protective cape is perfect for keeping your clothes dry while you air-dry your hair. Simply drape it over your shoulders, and you can continue your day without worrying about water-soaked shirts or frizz-causing friction.
6. Refresh Your Curls with a Hydrating Spray
As the day goes on, your curls might start to lose moisture and shape, especially in the dry fall air. Keep a hydrating curl spray on hand to refresh your curls and tame any frizz that pops up throughout the day. Look for sprays that contain water and natural oils or humectants like glycerin, which will help draw moisture from the air into your hair.
Simply spritz the spray on your curls, scrunch them gently, and enjoy renewed, frizz-free curls!
7. Sleep on a Satin or Silk Pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair and cause friction, leading to frizz and dryness overnight. Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase to keep your curls smooth and hydrated while you sleep. The soft texture of silk and satin reduces friction, allowing your curls to glide smoothly and retain moisture.
You can also wear a satin or silk bonnet for added protection, ensuring that your curls stay defined and frizz-free come morning.
Curly hair needs extra care in the fall to stay hydrated, frizz-free, and healthy. By following these simple tips—like deep conditioning regularly, sealing in moisture, and protecting your curls from friction—you can prevent dryness and keep your curls looking their best all season long.
And don’t forget to use Monii to keep your clothes dry while you air-dry your curls. With the right routine and a little extra TLC, your curls can thrive in the crisp fall air without a hint of dryness or frizz!