7 ways to adjust your red hair care routine for autumn/winter
As the vibrant leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, autumn presents a unique opportunity for redheads to embrace new haircare rituals. The transition from sunnier days to the cooler months requires a shift in how we care for our red hair. Here’s a guide to help redheads maintain their radiant hair colour while keeping it luscious throughout the autumn season and into winter.
1. Transition with hydration
The drop in humidity during autumn can lead to dry and brittle hair, making extra-hydration key. Start by swapping your regular conditioner for a deep moisturising one and increase your hair mask sessions if needed. Look for products enriched with natural oils like argan oil or coconut oil, which can deeply nourish red hair and enhance its natural sheen.
2. Embrace seasonal ingredients
Harness the power of autumn’s bounty by incorporating natural ingredients into your haircare routine. Pumpkin, rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, helps promote hair health by maintaining moisture in the scalp and strands. Why not create a DIY pumpkin hair mask by mixing pumpkin puree with honey and coconut oil. Leave it on your hair for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly for a hydrating boost.
3. Rinse with apple cider vinegar
To balance your hair’s pH, try an apple cider vinegar rinse. This natural ingredient helps remove product buildup and enhances shine. To incorporate it into your routine, after shampooing, mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water, pour over your hair, and rinse with cool water. This rinse smoothens the hair cuticle, giving it a healthy sheen.
4. Protect against harsh weather
With the arrival of blustery winds and cooler temperatures, it’s important to shield your hair from environmental stressors. Consider wearing a stylish hat or scarf when outdoors to protect your hair from moisture-stripping winds. Additionally, incorporate a leave-in conditioner or serum that offers protection against cold weather.
Tip: if you don’t have a leave-in conditioner to hand, we like to leave some of Gingerful’s Henna & Rose conditioner in, by only rinsing out about 75% of the conditioner in the shower.
5. Focus on scalp health
A healthy scalp is the foundation for vibrant hair. As the season changes, remember to massage and exfoliate your scalp to remove dead skin cells and promote circulation. You can make a DIY scrub at home using brown sugar and olive oil, or use an oil to massage in your scalp ahead of your wash day.
6. Get regular trims
Autumn is the perfect time to book regular trims to eliminate those summer-damaged ends and prevent split ends from forming.
7. Red colour boosting + protection
As at any time of year, use products specifically designed to protect and enhance red hair, whether it’s naturally ginger or dyed that way. These products help lock in colour and prevent fading, which often happens in winter.
By incorporating some simple adjustments, such as more natural ingredients, at-home treatments and protecting against seasonal elements, you can ensure your red hair looks its best all season long!