Image: @haleyjakobson
If your hair starts looking dry, flat, and lifeless every autumn, you are not alone. Many of us experience changes to our hair’s volume and texture at this time. Women tend to have more hairs in the telogen (growing”> phase in July to protect our scalps from the heat of the summer sun, and that hair falls out approximately 100 days later leading to less hair density. In addition, cooler, less humid air can also take the body out of your waves and make them more prone to frizz and flyaways. The following suggestions can keep your hair looking and feeling its best throughout these cooler months and beyond.
1. Trim those tresses.
A good fall haircut can work wonders for the health of your hair, particularly if you have spent a lot of time outdoors over the summer. Split ends can pull your waves straighter and make them less able to clump properly. In addition, the summer growth that you might have incurred has likely led to length at the exchange of volume.
2. Keep your scalp clean.
If you tend to get flat, greasy roots, it is important to cleanse your scalp thoroughly. Excess sebum and debris, particularly on your roots, can really weigh your hair down, and can cause scalp issues like dandruff. Girl+Hair Clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse deeply cleanses while it strengthens. The ACV removes impurities and buildup. Citrus-scented Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo will give your hair a fresh start. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Squeaky Deep Cleansing Shampoo will leave your scalp thoroughly cleansed and refreshed.
3. Use moisturizing daily and deep conditioners that have a bit of protein in them.
While moisture is critically important, particularly when the air is a bit drier, protein is necessary as well. It can help provide some structure to waves to keep them from losing their shape. DevaCurl One Condition Original Creamy Daily Conditioner got many wavies and curlies started on their CG journeys and it is still a Naturally Curly Favorite. Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment works as both a deep treatment and a leave-in, and will give your waves loads of much needed hydration while making your hair stronger.
4. Find a favorite foam.
Foams can give you lots of extra body along with light hold and definition. They can be used on wet hair as a styler, or on dry hair to help perk up waves at the end of the day. Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Mousse moisturizes with shea butter and helps those waves hold their shape. To pump up the volume on your roots try Dippity-Do Girls with Curls Curl Boosting Mousse. Treat yourself to the luxurious scent and shine-enhancing properties of Jane Carter Solution Wrap & Roll.
5.Scrunch with steam.
If you rely on humidity to make your hair look more voluminous, an inexpensive face steamer can give your waves back the body and bounce of summer. Simply apply your leave-in conditioner and stylers to thoroughly saturated hair, and then allow the steamer to heat. Stand over the device, and scrunch your hair. Flip your head over so that the steam can reach all sections while you continue to scrunch. Allow your hair to dry thoroughly before picking and fluffing it out. For more on scrunching with steam, click here.
6. Add elevation to your roots as they dry.
Many of us struggle with flat roots. Wavy hair tends to show its pattern at ear-length, and everything above it tends to be straighter, and more likely to dry close to the head. Keep this from happening by trying any of the following on wash day after you have applied your styling products:
- Rainbow clipping.
- O-clipping.
- Removing excess moisture from your roots after you wash your hair. Too much water at your roots can lead to your hair drying flatter than it should. To combat this, scrunch out excess water from your roots using a microfiber towel, and then scrunch your roots again with your bare hands. This will give you more texture and definition at your roots.
- Plopping with a microfiber seamless scarf. Here, instead of a towel, put on the scarf so that your wet ends are exposed. Scrunch around your hairline using the scarf to absorb excess moisture. Keep the scarf on until your hair is at least 75% dry, and then diffuse the rest of the way, or allow your hair to dry on its own. You will have lots of extra volume at your roots.
- Diffuse your hair. This is best done on hair that is almost dry. Flip your head over, and then diffuse-dry your roots. Cup sections of waves in the diffuser, and push them up towards your scalp as you dry. Finish with a cool shot for voluminous, shiny waves that last.
What are your favorite volume-building tips? Let us know in the comments. For more products to get your waves back to looking their fullest, click here.
