Bring Back Bounce With a Deep Conditioner

Now is the time to undo any summer damage caused by your styling or the sun’s rays. “The need for conditioning throughout the fall [is often] due to the stress the hair [experienced] during the summer… we see a tendency for hair to get distressed during the hot summer days,” says Nova Arts Salon owner Sal Salcedo. Fall is a great time to help your hair heal in preparation for winter, she tells us.

“Treating your curls every week is just insurance to keep them healthy,” adds stylist Sophie Rose Gutterman. Both experts note that you’ll want your hair in tip-top shape by the time holiday parties roll around, and since those tend to involve some heat styling, autumn is the perfect time to make sure your strands can handle it.

Consider a New Cut

Whatever your hair length, think in layers this season. “Layered cuts with soft, face-framing curls are always a favorite because they enhance natural shape and volume when worn loose,” explains Ogle School’s beauty education specialist Stanley Nolan. As a bonus, “the layers slip easily into protective styles like braids or twists without adding bulk.”

Salcedo (who recently gave me an amazing, medium-length cut full of choppy layers that I’m hopelessly in love with) notes that “full manes with face framing or bangs will continue to thrive” through the fall. Gutterman agrees and recommends livening the look up further by learning to “play with baby hairs to make the style your own.”

Try a New Protective Style

Braids, twists, and wigs are all excellent ways to avoid heat styling and weather damage. “This fall, protective styles are all about effortless elegance and versatility, with an emphasis on keeping hair healthy,” Nolan tells us. “Knotless braids are always a favorite for their lightweight feel and endless styling options, while butterfly and boho braids are trending for their voluminous look that pairs perfectly with fall fashion.” And “for quick, low-maintenance changes, wigs (especially headband and U-part styles) are a go-to.”

Protect on the Daily

If the commitment level of a long-term protective style intimidates you, you can still reap the benefits in the shorter term through buns and ponytails. Whether you love a slicked-back ponytail, a messy bun, or a chic updo, a one-day protective style lets your hair stay tucked away from the cold and free from the need for heat styling.

“Switching up and giving the hair a break is important before it breaks,” says Salcedo. “Buns and ponytails allow the hair to get a little rest, protecting [it] from the elements after the harsh sun of the summer.” (Of course, you’ll still want to be mindful of tension and make sure your hair isn’t pulled too tight.)

Think Warm for Colors

Our stylists all agree that warm, deep colors are the it shades for autumn. Even as someone whose hair is normally rainbow-bright, I dimmed my curls to a chocolate-burgundy and am thoroughly enjoying the shift in mood that came with it. “Fall is the perfect time for rich, cozy hair colors with just a touch of warmth,” says Nolan, citing deep shades like chocolate, chestnut, and espresso. “If you’re feeling bold, jewel tones like burgundy or auburn make a statement, while soft brown-to-bronde blends are an easy, low-maintenance way to transition into the season,” she adds.

Get a Bob

Are bobs ever not having a moment these days? Bobs are great for curls thanks to their versatility; you can achieve an entirely different shape each time you see your stylist, should you care to. A bob is “chic, low-maintenance, and works beautifully on its own, but can also be braided or tucked under wigs and crochet styles,” Nolan says, making it easier to drift between wearing your hair out and in a protective style. Salcedo concurs, telling us that this fall, “I think we will see more micro curly bobs, little bob haircuts that are shorter in length yet with packed with a whole lotta sass.”