Perfect your fall coily and curly hair regimen with these expert-tips and product essentials.

Jenn Barthole

During the transition to fall, adjusting your curly hair care routine to accommodate the changing weather is a must. This includes adapting to unsteady humidity levels, fluctuating temperatures, and increased rain, which can lead to some frustrating hair-related challenges. However, with the right techniques and products, you can perfect your personal fall curl routine and maintain healthy, well-defined curls and coils.

Fall air tends to be drier, making it significantly more challenging to maintain your hair’s moisture and appearance, especially for 4c hair textures. Due to hair porosity and structure of curly and coily strands, it is easier for humidity to penetrate the hair cuticle. When humidity is lower, it can lead to dehydrated strands, split ends, and limp curls. While there is no one-size-fits-all routine, experimenting to find the right balance of products and techniques can help you keep your hair hydrated.

To help, OurX Lead Hair Coach, Nidiyah Salahuddin is breaking down a day-to-day styling routine and top-rated products to combat the ever-changing fall temps. Keep reading for her expert, curl-defining tips to keep your hair soft, frizz-free, and moisturized all fall.

Adjust Your Cleansing Routine:

As temperatures cool down, it’s important to switch up your cleansing routine. Curly hair tends is more delicate and prone to dryness, so be sure to avoid over washing, which can strip the hair of essential natural oils. However, cleansing the scalp regularly is crucial to remove the mix of environmental and product buildup can slow down hair growth and leave your curls looking extra dull and dry. Therefore, “even during the fall months, you still need to cleanse frequently and co-washing should not replace shampooing completely” says Salahuddin. To “refresh the scalp between shampoos and optimize the pH balance”. She recommends using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed to replenish moisture like the OurX Nutrient Cleanse Complex. Also try a gentle exfoliant, like the OurX Scalp Purifying Solution, that effectively detoxes the scalp using a mix of chemical exfoliants, micellar water, and balancing symbiotics.

Prioritize Hydration:

To maintain moisture in kinky hair, “have a consistent regimen that includes a deep conditioning treatment and that you use on a regular basis” explains Salahuddin. She suggests applying the OurX Treatment Leave-In to damp hair, specifically focusing on the ends. The lightweight cream is formulated to protect hair from thermal heat and humidity. It “can be used to lock in moisture and seal the hair from humidity”. It also contains heat and UV protection to activate curls, reduce frizz, and boost shine. Conditioning regularly will soften hair, so it’s always prepped for styling.

Detangle With Care:

Exposure to both high and low levels of humidity for an extended period can cause coily hair to clump together, resulting in tangles and knots. Before detangling, apply the OurX Treatment Leave-In, which contains Saccharomyces Ferment, a powerful ingredient that “penetrates the hair evenly, to smooth hair and reduce breakage” states Salahuddin. Next, work through your tendrils slowly in small sections, using a wide-tooth comb, and slowly detangle the from the ends to the roots. As you remove knots from your ends, hold your hair on top to reduce pulling.

Remove Protective Styles Gently:

If you are removing braids or twists, “do not wait until each one is out to detangle. Instead, tackle each braid or twist as you remove it to prevent tangling or matting.” says Salahuddi. Next, rub in the OurX Pre-cleanse Micro Oil to strip any buildup (sebum, product, impurities) from the hair and scalp. “If there is a significant amount of knots near the roots I recommend finger detangling for minimal shedding” instructs Salahuddin. Follow up with the ”OurX Detox Cleanse Complex to gently shampoo remaining congestion out of the scalp and hair without removing natural moisture”.

Let Your Curls Shine: 

Now that your curls are popping, it’s time to style them. To avoid excess dryness, avoid using heat tools. Instead, air dry or use a diffuser on a cold air setting. “Diffusing generally produces less elongated, tighter coils. Air drying will leave the hair a bit more airy” explains Salahuddin. Also steer clear of heavy styling products that can alter your texture and weigh down your coils.