How to Transition Your Summer Hair Care Routine for Fall
Expert Tips from The Gilded Lily Chicago
As the leaves begin to change and pumpkin-spiced everything fills the air, it’s a sure sign that fall is upon us. While we’re all excited to swap out our summer wardrobes for cozy sweaters, don’t forget your hair care routine needs a seasonal switch too! After months of sun, chlorine, and humidity, your hair could use some TLC to handle the cooler, drier months ahead.
At The Gilded Lily Chicago, we know that healthy, beautiful hair is a year-round commitment, and the transition from summer to fall can be tricky. Here are our top tips to make sure your hair stays fabulous, no matter the weather.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Fall air is crisp, dry, and can zap moisture from your hair. To combat this, it’s time to swap out those lightweight summer products for more moisture-rich formulas that will nourish and protect your locks.
Why It Matters:
Cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. Keeping your hair hydrated is essential to prevent frizz, breakage, and that dreaded straw-like feel.
Pro Tip:
In addition to using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask or treatment once a week. This extra bit of love will keep your hair soft, shiny, and smooth all season long. Look for ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and glycerin, which are superstars when it comes to hydration.
How We Can Help:
Need an extra hydration boost? Try our Hair & Scalp Facial at The Gilded Lily Chicago. This indulgent treatment cleanses your scalp while giving your hair an intense dose of moisture. It’s like a spa day for your hair, and trust us, it feels amazing. You’ll leave the salon with hair that’s nourished and ready to face the cool autumn air.
2. Protect Your Hair from the Elements
With fall comes wind, cooler temperatures, and the occasional drizzle, all of which can wreak havoc on your hair. Frizz, static, and breakage are just a few of the issues you might encounter. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to shield your strands from the elements.
Why It Matters:
Wind and cold air can lift the hair’s cuticle, leading to frizz, flyaways, and even tangling. Plus, if your hair is already feeling dry from summer, the fall weather can make it more prone to breakage.
Pro Tip:
Fight the frizz by incorporating a good anti-frizz serum or oil into your routine. Products that contain natural oils & plant based ingredients will help smooth the hair cuticle and lock in moisture, keeping your hair sleek and shiny. And when heading outdoors, protect your hair from wind and weather by wearing a stylish hat or scarf. Don’t forget UV protection—yes, your hair still needs it in the fall!
How We Can Help:
To keep your hair protected and shiny all season, try one of our smoothing services or a gloss treatment. These treatments help seal your hair’s cuticle, reducing frizz and adding a gorgeous shine that lasts for weeks. Plus, they provide an extra layer of protection against the weather.
3. Embrace Low-Maintenance Styles and Limit Heat
With the cool weather setting in, it’s tempting to crank up the heat—on your styling tools, that is. But overusing heat styling tools, especially in the colder months, can cause even more damage. Instead, fall is the perfect time to embrace low-maintenance, heat-free hairstyles.
Why It Matters:
Excessive heat styling can dry out your hair, making it more prone to split ends and breakage—especially when combined with fall’s drier air. Giving your hair a break from daily blowouts or flat ironing will keep it healthier in the long run.
Pro Tip:
Try heat-free styles like braids, buns, or air-dried waves for an effortless, fall-ready look. Not only are these styles on-trend, but they also reduce the need for heat styling tools. And if you do need to reach for the curling iron or straightener, always apply a heat protectant product to shield your hair from damage. We love air-dry products that help create smooth, frizz-free styles without the need for heat.
How We Can Help:
Want to learn how to style your hair without heat or need a new go-to fall look? Book a styling appointment with one of our expert stylists. We’ll show you how to create chic, low-maintenance hairstyles that fit your lifestyle and make your mornings a breeze. Or, let us take care of it for you with a quick and flawless blowout—perfect for looking polished without the daily styling stress.
4. Schedule Regular Trims and In-Salon Treatments
Let’s be honest, summer can be rough on your hair. Sun, saltwater, and chlorine are not your hair’s best friends. That’s why it’s so important to give your strands a fresh start for fall with regular trims and in-salon treatments that restore shine and strength.
Why It Matters:
Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks helps keep your ends healthy and prevents split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. If your hair is feeling particularly dry or damaged after summer, a salon treatment can work wonders to repair and revitalize your strands.
Pro Tip:
Don’t wait until your ends are looking frazzled—schedule regular trims to maintain healthy hair year-round. Pair your trim with a protein treatment or gloss treatment to repair any summer damage and add some shine back into your locks.
How We Can Help:
At The Gilded Lily Chicago, we offer a variety of conditioning treatments to bring your hair back to life. Whether you need a protein boost, a nice drink of moisture, or a shine-enhancing gloss, we’ve got you covered. Combine your treatment with a fresh trim, and your hair will be looking and feeling its absolute best for fall.
At the end of the day, transitioning your hair care routine for fall is all about giving your hair the extra moisture, protection, and care it needs. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining healthy, beautiful hair all season long. Ready for a hair refresh? Book an appointment at The Gilded Lily Chicago, and let’s get your hair fall-ready with the best in luxury care and styling.