3 Relaxed Hair Regimen Updates For Fall

Ah, fall. It's one of my favorite seasons. There's a cooler nip in the air, the sky tends to be a pretty blue, and the leaves are changing colors. And I get to start pulling out some of my favorite sweaters and boots from the back of the closet.

Related read: 20 Must-have Relaxed Hair Products For Fall

Since I've been on my relaxed hair journey I've learned that change in the seasons doesn't just mean a change in my wardrobe. It also leads to a change in my relaxed hair regimen. The reason for this is my hair reacts differently to colder temps than it does during warmer ones. As well as less or more humidity in the air. With these different reactions comes the need for different hair products to counteract them.

(This post includes affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I may make a small commission.)

Over the years and living in two different states with different climates I've tried several things and have learned what works best for hair and what doesn't when the seasons turn to fall. Here are three tips that I use to update my relaxed hair regimen for fall.

1. Amp up the moisture

In the fall the air gets drier which can also dry out relaxed hair strands, especially the ends which are the older part of hair strands. This makes moisture-based products or treatments even more valuable.

Some ways to amp up the moisture are:

• Use moisturizing shampoos. Some shampoos have moisturizers in them so they not only clean the hair but also add some moisture back to it. I like to use moisturizing shampoos pretty much exclusively all year but definitely make sure to use them when the weather gets cooler and the air drier. Check out my list of Top 5 Moisturizing Shampoos For Relaxed Hair.
  

• Weekly deep conditioning treatments. If you weren't doing this during the summer, the fall is a great time to start. If you already were, continue doing so. Believe me, your hair will thank you. Here are some tips for deep conditioning your hair.
  

• Hot oil treatments. Doing these can help with correcting the moisture balance in hair. They also help with softening and nourishing the hair. Your hair will also thank you for this. See how I do hot oil treatments on my hair.
  

• Moisturize and seal more often. You may find that while you moisturize and seal a couple of times a week during the summer your hair may need moisture more often in the fall. Here is how I currently moisturize and seal my hair.
  

2. Change your oil

If you use lighter oils during the warmer temps, consider switching to heavier oils in the cooler temps. This results in more moisture retention because the heavier oils can better withstand the cooler air.

Coconut oil is a popular oil for hair care, but it solidifies in cooler temperatures that are 75 degrees and below. Something you don't want to happen when it's on your hair. So, if you use coconut oil or other oils that solidify, this is a good time to either use them up quickly before the temperatures drop or only use them in hot oil treatments. Or you can use a hair serum instead of a natural oil.

When the weather gets cooler, I will sometimes use sunflower oil because it's not too light and not too thick. I've used it for sealing in the past and will use it in my hot oil treatments.

Another oil I use is Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I use it in hot oil treatments, on my scalp, and to occasionally seal my ends.

Related read: Natural Oils That You Can Use On Your Relaxed Hair

3. Protect your ends

By wearing more styles that keep the ends tucked away you can keep that moisture from your hot oil treatments and deep conditioning from easily escaping. It will also protect your ends from rubbing on the rough materials of your scarves and sweaters which can cause split ends. 

Some good protective styles for the cooler seasons are

• Buns using satin scrunchies because they keep your ends tucked away
• Braids are good because you can leave them in for a few days. Also depending on the length of your hair, you can tuck it up or create buns and ponytails with them
• Wigs and weaves. They not only help protect your hair but can also help keep your head warm
  

What are your tips for a fall hair regimen?