Why Your Curls Feel Drier in the Fall (and How to Keep Them Hydrated All Season Long)

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Nov 1

Written By Alyssa Monét

If your curls start feeling more dry, frizzy, or brittle as soon as the temperature drops and seasons change, you’re not imagining it.

Cooler, drier air and a lack of humidity can take a serious toll on your curls. And when you add indoor heating into the mix, your hair is up against a perfect storm of moisture loss.

Let’s talk about what’s actually happening and how to help your curls stay hydrated, defined all season long.

Why Winter Air Wreaks Havoc on Curls

In the summer, there’s enough moisture in the air to keep your curls from drying out (it's usually the sun that is causing dryness in the summertime). But when the weather cools down, that humidity disappears.

Meanwhile, indoor heat pulls even more moisture out of your hair, leaving curls feeling dry and fragile.

Friction from coats, scarves, and hats also causes stress on the hair, especially on your ends. This combination can make length retention feel impossible if your curls are already prone to dryness or breakage.

The Secret to Healthy Winter Curls: Consistency

The best way to protect your curls during seasonal changes? Consistency.

Your curls thrive on a regular routine.

Stick to this consistent schedule at minimum every 7-10 days:

cleansing
conditioning
styling
nighttime care

That consistency helps lock in moisture and keep your curls balanced through the ups and downs of winter weather.

Even the best products won’t work their magic without a consistent foundation.

Small Tweaks, Big Hydration

You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine, just add in a few helpful hydration products.

Here are some products you may consider adding or rotating into your lineup:

Leave-In Conditioner: Adds an extra layer of hydration and helps your curls stay moisturized.
Deep Conditioner: If you’re already prone to dryness, deep conditioning will be essential this time of year. Try adding this step 1–2 times a month to restore elasticity and hydration.

These adjustments can make all the difference between curls that feel brittle and curls that stay hydrated and defined.

Don’t Skip Nighttime Care

Cold weather brings enough challenges — don’t add more stress while you sleep.

Nighttime protection is crucial for keeping friction and breakage to a minimum.

Swap cotton pillowcases for satin or silk to help your curls glide stay in tact while you sleep. You can also use a satin bonnet or scarf to protect your shape and moisture overnight.

This small step reduces tangles, breakage, and dryness, all things that stand in the way of length retention.

The In-Salon Boost Your Curls Deserve

If your curls need a little extra TLC this season, it might be time for a professional reset.

Adding a professional treatment helps deeply restore moisture and keep your curls thriving between visits.

Right now, when you add any in-salon treatment — Curl Detox, Curl, Luxury, or Elite Wellness Treatment — you’ll receive a Curl Care Set to take home: a satin pillowcase + detangler to help your curls stay hydrated and defined all winter long.