If there’s one thing we love at The Runway Looks, it’s summer. We’ve said that before and we’ll probably say it again, but summer is winding down now and fall is starting to flirt with us. Suddenly, we’re ready to get back into our routines, but naturally, we think our hair (and yours) deserves the same kind of attention.
So, consider this your free fall hair reset, courtesy of The Runway Looks. It’s time to see what summer left behind and get your hair ready for everything the new season has coming. Plus, with Fashion Month getting started, there’s plenty of fall hair inspiration heading our way too.
From Summer Hair to Fall Hair
Summer may be on its way out, but your hair could still be showing signs of the season. Maybe it feels drier than usual or the shine has gone a little dull. Either way, September is a good time to check in and see what your hair needs now.
That’s really the secret to how to transition hair from summer to fall. Your post-summer hair care should respond to what you’re seeing instead of just following the same routine all year. If your hair needs more moisture, give it more. If it feels healthy, focus on keeping it that way. A good seasonal hair care routine changes with your hair.
Get Your Hair Routine Back on Schedule
First, forget the idea that there’s one correct answer for how often to wash your hair. Your scalp should lead the schedule. When it’s time to wash, concentrate your shampoo there rather than piling it through your lengths. The rinse will take care of the rest.
Conditioner belongs mainly through your lengths and ends, so give those areas extra time to soak up the moisture before rinsing.
Don’t forget that a weekly mask can also earn a spot in your fall hair care routine if summer left your hair feeling thirsty. Just adjust the frequency if your hair starts feeling heavy. It’s always best to keep in mind that product buildup can make even freshly washed hair feel less than fresh, so pay attention to what’s happening at the roots too.
That’s your healthy hair routine sorted. As you can see, it’s nothing complicated. These are just good habits that make sense for your hair and you can carry these through any season.
Now, just because we’re all about that wash routine, that doesn’t mean we stop there. Yes, we will always touch on it, but we want to get into some details with you now.
Your Fall Hair Routine at a Glance
If you’re still not sure what your hair is asking for, you can start with what you can actually see and feel. Just like the best stylists follow the palettes and prints for the year, you can use this table as your very own swatch deck… but for what your hair needs.
| If your hair is… | Try this for fall: | Here’s why: |
| Dry after summer | Add more moisture | Helps restore softness and manageability |
| Getting oily quickly | Focus shampoo on the scalp | Cleans where buildup starts |
| Frizzier than usual | Add smoothing care | Helps keep strands manageable |
| Heat styled regularly | Use thermal protection | Helps protect against styling damage |
| Color-treated | Prioritize gentler hair care | Helps maintain condition and shine |
The Fall Hair Trends We’re Watching
Life’s not all about the routine, though. Fall is giving us some seriously good hair inspiration this year and the best part is that these looks can actually work beyond the runway.
Big, Bouncy Volume
Volume is back and we are very happy about it. LaQuan Smith gave us full, glamorous blowouts while Collina Strada took volume in a more playful direction with teased height.
If your hair naturally has plenty of body, this is your moment. If it tends to fall flat, start by thinking about your wash routine. Heavy products can weigh finer hair down before you even pick up the blow-dryer. Our New York Volume Collection is designed for exactly this problem and gives you a better starting point for creating lift.
When you’re styling, concentrate your volume at the roots and use a round brush to create movement through the lengths. If heat is involved, thermal protection is non-negotiable. We want the blowout but we definitely don’t want the damage that can come with it.
Natural Texture Gets Its Turn
Here’s one of our favorite fall hair trends because it asks us to stop fighting our hair quite so much. At Coach, natural movement was allowed to show through with visible texture and even a little frizz.
That doesn’t mean abandoning your hair care routine and hoping for the best. There’s a difference between embracing texture and hair feeling dry or difficult to manage. If frizz is taking over rather than adding character, our Milan Frizz Free Collection can help you find that middle ground.
Try working with the texture your hair already has before reaching for a straightener. You might just find that the little wave you’ve spent years flattening is exactly what makes the style work.
Braids Are Back in the Conversation
Braids and braided updos are another of the Fashion Month hair trends we’re loving. They’re also incredibly adaptable. You don’t need runway-length hair or a professional stylist standing behind you to borrow the idea.
A simple crown braid can dress up an everyday look. We love a braided updo because it just gives you something more polished. The important part is starting with hair that you can work with. If your lengths are dry after summer, give them some extra moisture before attempting a tighter style like this. Also, avoid pulling too firmly around the hairline too because your hair is probably recovering from natural and artificial heat.
Sleek Is Still Chic
If you’re not ready to embrace big volume, you don’t have to. Sleeker runway hair trends are still giving us plenty to work with. A smooth ponytail or polished updo can completely change an outfit without asking you to completely change your hair.
This is where condition really shows. Smooth styling looks its best when the hair itself has softness and shine, so don’t rely on styling products to do all the work. If that glassier finish is your fall goal, our Paris Smooth & Silky Collection can help you build the look from the wash onward.
That’s really our take on this season’s fall hair trends. Don’t copy a runway look just because it’s trending. Steal the part that makes you want to try something new, adapt it to your own hair and take care of your hair while you’re doing it. That’s how you turn runway inspiration into your Runway look.
Take Your Routine Into Fall
So, what does all this mean for your bathroom shelf? Your fall hair care routine should start with what your hair actually needs.
If summer left it feeling dry or damaged, reach for our Paris Smooth & Silky Collection. Fighting frizz? Our Milan Frizz Free Collection can help you get things under control. If you’ve gone all pumpkin- spice red baddie on us, then definitely think about color upkeep with our London Color Treated Hair Collection.
Your hair care routine should be based on what your hair needs right now—not simply on the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you wash your hair in fall?
There’s no special fall schedule. Wash your hair when your scalp needs it. If cooler weather or changes to your styling routine affect how quickly your hair becomes oily, adjust your wash days accordingly.
Should you change your hair care routine for fall?
Only if your hair needs something different. If it feels drier after summer, add more moisture. If you’re using hot tools more often for your fall styles, make heat protection a priority. Let your hair tell you what needs to change.
How do you repair summer-damaged hair in fall?
Start by giving dry or damaged hair some extra care. Cut back on unnecessary heat and add conditioning treatments where needed. If your ends are badly damaged, a trim can give you a healthier starting point for fall.
What are the easiest fall hairstyles to do at home?
Try working with the trends that don’t require complicated styling. Natural texture, a smooth ponytail or a simple braid can all bring a little runway inspiration into your everyday look.
Great fall hair isn’t really about chasing every new trend. It’s about having healthy hair that makes you feel good when you walk out the door. That’s what we want at The Runway Looks. Whatever style you choose this season, wear it like the runway is yours.
Choose the fall look that makes you feel most like yourself. Healthy hair is the foundation. Confidence is what makes the whole thing work. Be sure to check out last year’s fashion week guide to compare notes! And don’t forget that you can shop your Runway Stack here.