5 Ways to Prep Your Natural Hair for Fall

During the summer months –whether you realize it or not — we subject our hair to a lot of damage.  UV rays from the sun can damage your hair down to the cuticle resulting in dry, brittle hair that is susceptible to breakage.

Salt water, since it is osmotic, can draw moisture out of your hair. Chlorine can wreak havoc on your hair as it can be particularly drying.  And humidity can not only cause frizz, but cause “mushy”, weak hair susceptible to breakage. Also, all of that humidity can cause your hair to shrink and tangle… especially at the ends, causing knots, tangles, and split ends.

Hopefully, you have been taking special care of your hair this summer. Here are 10 Summer Natural Hair Tips Every Woman Should Know

But just in case, here are some tips to help you start the fall with a clean slate:

Clarify Your Hair

Chances are that you have subjected your hair to sand, salt water, and chlorine this summer. And to protect your hair from the elements and frizz, you probably used heavy conditioners, ant-frizz serums, oils, and butters.  Your hair needs a reset button from all of this.  Get rid of the dirt and buildup and make sure to follow up with a conditioner.  (When picking a clarifying shampoo, make sure to pick one that clarifies the hair but doesn’t strip it of its natural oils. Then follow up with a deep conditioner.) Some of our favorites clarifying shampoo/treatments are Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo, Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse or Bentonite Clay Hair Treatment.

My favorite Clarifying Shampoo is Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo

SEE ALSO: 5 Ways You Know Its Time To Clarify Your Natural Hair

Do A Protein Treatment

Summer humidity will make your hair swell and show visible frizz. But did you know that humidity can also weaken the hair? Visibly, your hair will look mushy. That mushy hair is weak and susceptible to breakage. Use a protein treatment to strengthen your hair.  Unlike the winter months, you don’t have to worry about protein overload. So give your hair that extra dose of protein it needs. Here are the 5 Best Protein Deep Conditioners

Trim Your Ends

If you opted to wear your out this summer, and the humidity caused shrinkage, it likely caused a lot of tangling too. It probably also caused knots and split ends too.  If this is case, then start your fall with a clean slate. Get a trim! You don’t want to head into fall and winter with damaged ends. The cold, brittle hair that is coming will not show those damaged ends mercy…so get a trim. Here are some other Signs Its Time To Get A Trim.

Deep Condition Your Hair

The summer has been harsh on your hair. So make sure you deep condition your hair with heat to give it some extra TLC.  As the summer transitions into fall, more moisturizing deep conditioners will be your friend.  To penetrate your hair strands, make sure you to use heat for 20-30 minutes — or as directed on the bottle.

Seal Your Hair and Ends

Now that you have hit the reset button, don’t forget to protect your strands. As the weather gets colder, make the switch to heavier oils and butters.  Pay special attention to your ends since they are particularly susceptible to breakage in the colder months.  As the colder air draws closer, you may want to opt for protective styles where you can tuck your ends away.  10 More Tips For Moisturizing Natural Hair

So there you have it… tips to transition your hair into fall.

What will you be doing to your hair this fall?