Doctor Reveals Autumn Haircare Trick: “Your Hair Needs Repairing After Summer, Not Punishing Further”
The flip-flops may be shoved to the back of the wardrobe and the BBQ long forgotten, but your hair hasn’t quite moved on from summer. Sunshine, chlorine, salt water and humidity all take their toll, leaving strands brittle and scalps thirsty. Many people forget that hair suffers just as much as skin under UV rays. Add in chlorine from swimming pools and the dryness of sea salt, and you’re left with hair that desperately needs hydration and rest.
The first step is moisture. I always recommend introducing a weekly deep conditioning treatment or mask. Think of it as giving your hair a glass of water after a long, hot day. Moisture masks restore the lipid barrier that protects each strand, and without that, hair becomes fragile and prone to breaking.
Autumn weather doesn’t exactly help either. Once we put the heating on, the air indoors becomes very dry. That dryness pulls even more hydration out of the hair. If you don’t put that moisture back, the damage worsens.
It’s not just about slapping on a mask and hoping for the best. The important thing is to trimming split ends.
One of the simplest, most effective things you can do in autumn is book in for a trim. Cutting away split ends prevents them from travelling up the shaft and making the hair look dull. You don’t need a dramatic chop, but tidying the ends makes a world of difference.
While many people reach for their hair straighteners to combat autumn frizz, I warn against over-reliance on heat styling. Hair that’s already weak from summer is more vulnerable to heat damage. If you must use straighteners or curlers, always use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature lower than usual. Better still, embrace your natural texture during these cooler months.
Another surprising culprit is your morning shower. Hot water strips away natural oils from the scalp. That’s why I advise washing hair with lukewarm water instead. It might not feel as cosy on a cold autumn morning, but your hair will thank you.
Your choice of shampoo matters more at this time of year than most people realise. Avoid shampoos that contain strong sulphates. They’re very effective at cleansing, but too harsh for fragile hair. Opt for gentle cleansers or hydrating formulas that clean without stripping away the scalp’s protective barrier.
Beyond the shower, there are small changes that can protect hair from further seasonal wear and tear. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction at night, which helps prevent breakage. Even your choice of hat matters. Wool and cotton can rough up the hair shaft, so a silk-lined beanie is a stylish but protective option in colder weather.
And it’s not only about the outside. Nutrition and hydration are vital. Hair is made of protein, so eating enough protein-rich foods supports stronger strands. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and walnuts, are excellent for scalp health. Don’t underestimate the role of diet when it comes to healthy hair growth.
As for those already noticing extra hair in the shower drain this month, autumn shedding is normal. Many people panic in September when they see more hair falling out. But this seasonal shedding happens because hair that started growing in spring reaches the end of its cycle now. While it can look alarming, it usually settles after a few weeks.
How you treat your hair now has a lasting impact. Autumn is about damage control and preparation. If you take care of your scalp and hair in these months, you will notice thicker, shinier hair by winter. Ignore it, and you may find yourself battling even more breakage and dryness.
Written by Dr Cinik, hair transplant surgeon