It’s spooky season, and along with all the pumpkin spice a body can handle, many of us are considering switching up our hair color and routines to match the Fall colors.
But this year, clients are sticking fairly close to their current colors, and choosing a subtle shift to warm and neutral tones to suit the season, according to ACTIIV’s Head of Education and Hair Stylist/Colorist Dana Rollo.
While Dana usually sees a move to warmer, richer colors in the fall, this year she’s finding that clients are opting for colors they can wear continuously throughout the year.
“A blonde client will still love being blonde, but may want to try a neutral or warm gloss to change things up a bit for fall,” said Dana.
“In the past, it was always lighter in the spring with more highlights, and darker lowlights in the fall. Now, I get more requests to change the tone up, instead of that big jump of going from light to dark, or vice versa.
“For brunettes, espresso tones are always in style. When done properly, the hair has a beautiful mirror-like finish. I think we will see more glossing over natural tones for brunette and lighter clients alike, maybe adding a subtle pop of dimension, but definitely keeping it understated and more natural.”
Dana says that with natural, more understated colors trending, it’s a great time to play with a new tone. “Our wardrobes naturally shift toward neutrals or richer shades anyway, making a subtle hair change feel intentional, rather than drastic,” added Dana.
Your Fall Hair Routine Needs Adjustments – But Don’t Go Overboard
While summer haircare calls for UV protection, soothing hair after salt and chlorine water exposure, and battling humidity, fall is a time for a reset.
“With the arrival of fall, I encourage clients to shift their focus toward maintaining moisture in their hair and dialing back on excess heat exposure,” said Dana. “Color-treated hair has already been through a lot, so everything a client does between appointments can either help maintain their results, or contribute to additional wear and tear.
“One of my top recommendations for fall is adding a weekly deep moisture mask, like ACTIIV’s INTEGRITYrx Bio-Enrich Hair Mask, ideally after washing, because it can make a massive difference in the overall health and moisture balance of the hair.”
To protect color and keep hair vibrant and strong, Dana recommends using ACTIIV’s new INTEGRITYrx system, which starts working in as little as 10 seconds.
“In the salon, stylists will apply Processing Shield Chemical Protectant Spray before any chemical service to help protect and stabilize hair while it processes,” says Dana.
“After washing, and once the service is complete, stylists can use the REPAIIR Bio-Enrich Hair Mask in place of conditioner, then apply the REPAIIR All-In-One Heat Protectant for detangling, heat protection, and mending split ends back together.”
Dana also recommends that clients continue using a hair SPF, like ACTIIV’s DEFENSE SPF 30 Hair, Scalp + Skin Spray, because UV rays don’t stop in the winter. It’s also a great time to re-evaluate a haircare routine and fill in any gaps before the colder months set in.
Communicate with Your Stylist/Colorist for the Best Results
Stylist should know a client’s hair history, any color or treatments done at home, what their normal styling routine looks like, and what their goal is before they start the service, said Dana.
“The best thing client’s can do is be honest with their stylist,” she continued. “The best color plan takes into consideration what the hair can realistically handle and how clients are going to maintain those results long after leaving the salon, so go into your consultation ready to have that honest conversation.”