Seasonal Hair Care Guide: How to Keep Your Locks Thriving All Year Long

Seasonal Hair Care Guide: How to Keep Your Hair Looking Great All Year

Your hair doesn't need the same thing in January that it needs in July. We tell our clients at The Warehouse Salon in Fairfield, NJ this all the time: if your routine never changes, your hair is going to struggle at some point during the year. The seasons in North Jersey are no joke, from freezing dry winters to humid sticky summers, and your hair feels every bit of it.

Here's what we recommend for each season based on what we actually see and deal with behind the chair.

Spring (March through May)

Spring in North Jersey means unpredictable weather. It's 40 degrees one day and 75 the next. Your hair is transitioning out of winter dryness but isn't quite ready for humidity yet.

What to focus on: Recovery and prep. Your hair probably took a beating from winter dryness, indoor heating, and hat friction. Now's the time to repair.

• Switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. The Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner are perfect for rehydrating after winter.
• Get a trim. Cut off those dry, split ends before they travel up the shaft.
• Start using a leave-in conditioner if you aren't already. The Milk Shake Leave In Conditioner adds lightweight moisture without weighing you down.

Summer (June through August)

North Jersey humidity is the number one thing our clients complain about from June through August. Frizz, flat blowouts, sweaty scalps. It's all happening.

What to focus on: Frizz control, UV protection, and oil management.

• Keep a dry shampoo in your bag. The Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo is a summer essential for extending blowouts and managing oil between washes.
• Use a lighter conditioner or switch to a leave-in. Heavy conditioners in summer can make your hair feel limp and greasy.
• If you swim, wet your hair with clean water BEFORE getting in the pool. Saturated hair absorbs less chlorine.
• Consider a keratin treatment if frizz is your nemesis. They last 3 to 4 months, which gets you through the worst of the humidity.

Fall (September through November)

Fall is actually the best time for hair. The humidity drops, the air is crisp, and your hair cooperates. It's also the perfect time for a color change.

What to focus on: Color maintenance and prep for winter.

• This is when a lot of our Fairfield clients go warmer or richer with their color. Think deep brunettes, warm caramels, and copper tones. If you're doing fall color, use a color-protecting shampoo like the Lakme Teknia Full Defense Shampoo to maintain vibrancy.
• Start incorporating a weekly deep conditioning treatment to build up your hair's moisture reserves before winter hits.
• Get your last trim of the year to go into winter with healthy ends.

Winter (December through February)

Winter in New Jersey is rough on hair. Cold, dry air outside. Blasting heat inside. Static electricity everywhere. Hats creating friction and flyaways. Your hair is fighting on all fronts.

What to focus on: Moisture, moisture, moisture.

• Upgrade to a richer conditioner. The Milk Shake Integrity Nourishing Conditioner is excellent for adding deep moisture without being too heavy.
• Use a leave-in every single day. No exceptions. The Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner is a winter staple for us.
• Lower your hot tool temperatures by 25 to 50 degrees. Winter hair is more fragile and breaks easier at high heat.
• Line your beanies with silk or satin to reduce friction and static.
• Don't skip the heat protectant just because it's cold out. The Milk Shake Lifestyling Thermo-Protector is non-negotiable year-round.

The One Rule That Applies Every Season

Protect your hair from heat. Every season, every style, every time. This is the single most important thing you can do for your hair health regardless of the time of year. If you remember nothing else from this guide, remember that.

If you're not sure what your hair needs right now, come into The Warehouse Salon in Fairfield, NJ and let us take a look. We adjust our recommendations for every client based on the season, their hair type, and what's actually going on with their hair that day. That's the benefit of working with a stylist who knows your hair.

From the team at The Warehouse Salon in Fairfield, NJ. Questions? Book a free consultation or call (973) 500-4536.