As we transition into cooler weather, the drop in humidity and the rise in indoor heating can create a perfect storm for our hair. Think dryness, static, breakage and frizz — not exactly our hair goals. When the air gets crisper:
-
The hair shaft loses moisture more easily.
-
Static builds as humidity falls.
-
Indoor heating dries out both scalp and strands.
-
Wind, hats and layers cause stress on hair strands.
For all of us who care about a healthy, strong hair game, it’s smart to shift your regimen as the seasons change.
What’s Actually Going On With Your Hair
Here’s a quick breakdown of how cooler temps impact hair:
-
Moisture loss and brittleness: Hair naturally holds moisture, but when the air is dry and heating is on, it loses more than it can replace.
-
Increased friction and damage: Hats, scarves, layering — all good for warmth, not so great for your hair. They tug at ends and roots.
-
Scalp issues: Dry air plus heating = potentially an itchy, flaky scalp.
-
Frizz and flyaways: Lower humidity means static and less weight in the hair, making flyaways more obvious.
Knowing this, we can adapt our hair-care regimen to give the strands and scalp the right support.
How to Adapt Your Hair-Care Routine for Cooler Weather
Here are some smart switches to make now:
-
Use a gentler shampoo that cleanses without stripping too much natural oil.
-
Introduce a deep treatment or mask at least once a week to restore and replenish.
-
Add a leave-in serum or oil to seal in moisture, tame frizz and add shine.
-
Consider a scalp treatment if itching or dryness flares up.
-
Be mindful of styling: reduce heat. Use protective products when you do heat style.
-
Wear hats and layers thoughtfully — try silk or satin linings when possible to reduce friction.
Top Product Picks
Here are five great products, each addressing one of the key issues we see when weather turns cooler:
-
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo - A luxury repair shampoo that uses a bio-restorative complex to strengthen and defend hair against environmental stress. Ideal if your hair is feeling stiff or over-processed this season.
-
Moroccanoil Treatment - A hair oil that delivers argan oil + antioxidant benefits — perfect for sealing in moisture, adding shine and fighting frizz when the air is dry
-
K18 Professional Molecular Repair Hair Mask - A high-performance leave-in mask that reconnects broken hair bonds — great for giving your hair a deeper reset as the season shifts.
-
L'anza Keratin Healing Oil Lustrous Shampoo - A keratin-infused shampoo that strengthens stressed, damaged strands — helpful when hair has been through sun, salt, heat and now drier air.
-
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo - A gentler, everyday cleanser that leaves hair feeling soft, clean and ready for styling — great when you want to maintain hair health and reduce additional stress.
Quick Routine Template for Fall/Winter
-
2–3x/week: Use your base shampoo (like Living Proof) to cleanse gently.
-
1x/week: Use your deep treatment/mask (K18) instead of conditioner or in addition.
-
Every time you style or after washing: Apply your leave-in oil/serum (Moroccanoil) to damp hair focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
-
If hair feels brittle or you use heat styling often: Swap in the Oribe or L’ANZA shampoo 1x/week for a strengthening wash.
-
Scalp care: If you feel dryness, tightness or flakes, consider adding a scalp specific treatment (you can scan SkincareEssentials for one).
-
Protect from friction: Use silk pillowcases, wear hats loosely, and don’t over-tighten scarves.
The Glow Down
Cooler weather doesn’t mean your hair has to suffer. By being proactive — understanding the environmental changes and adapting your care routine — you can keep your hair resilient, shiny and healthy through the season. Using quality products (like the ones above) from a trusted retailer like SkincareEssentials makes it even easier.