Preparing 3C–4C Natural Hair for the Change of Season
There’s something about the changing of the seasons that makes me want to take inventory.
We change our clothes. We put away some of our summer favorites. We pull out the sweaters, boots, scarves, and deeper fall colors.
But what about our hair?
Our natural hair goes through seasonal transitions too. The routine that worked beautifully during the hot, humid days of summer may need a little tweaking as we move into the cooler, drier days of fall.
And if you have followed Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks for a while, you may remember that I have had my share of adventures with natural hair—and yes, quite a few adventures with hair products too! 😂
I went natural in 2010, and one thing I have learned is this:
Natural hair is not something you master once and never have to think about again.
Our hair changes.
Our lifestyles change.
The seasons change.
And as we mature, our hair can change right along with us.
So as we say goodbye to summer, let’s talk about preparing our beautiful 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C curls, coils, and kinks for fall.
First, Give Your Hair a Fall Checkup
Before running out to buy another product—and I am talking to myself here too!—take a few minutes to really look at your hair.
How does it feel?
After a summer of sun, humidity, swimming, traveling, wash-and-gos, ponytails and other styles, your hair may be telling you exactly what it needs.
Check your ends. Do they feel rough or tangled? Does your hair feel unusually dry? Are you experiencing more breakage than usual? Is your scalp comfortable, or is there buildup?
Sometimes the answer isn’t another product. Sometimes our hair simply needs a good cleansing, deep conditioning, a trim, and a little less manipulation.
Moisture, Moisture…and More Moisture?
We hear the word moisture constantly in the natural-hair community, particularly when we’re talking about Type 4 hair.
But here is something I’ve learned: we don’t necessarily need to keep piling products onto our hair.
Water is the foundation of hydration. Conditioner helps make our strands more manageable, and styling products can help us maintain the style and feel we want between wash days.
As the air becomes cooler and indoor heat starts running, pay attention to how quickly your hair begins to feel dry.
Your fall routine may need to include a richer conditioner or leave-in—but let your hair, rather than the season or social media, tell you what it needs.
My Simple Fall Wash-Day Routine
I want to keep this simple because natural hair care does not have to require twelve products and an entire Saturday!
A good basic routine might include:
- Cleanse the scalp and hair. Use a shampoo that cleans effectively without leaving your hair feeling excessively stripped. If you’ve been using lots of gels, oils and creams during the summer, an occasional clarifying wash may be helpful.
- Condition and detangle. Work in sections, use plenty of slip, and detangle gently from the ends upward. Our goal isn’t to fight our hair—it’s to work with it.
- Deep condition when your hair needs it. If your hair feels especially dry or difficult to manage, this may be a good time for a conditioning treatment.
- Apply your leave-in and styler. You don’t necessarily need five layers of products. Start with what your hair needs and what works with the style you’re creating.
- Protect your hair at night. A satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase can help reduce friction and preserve your style.
And don’t forget those ends! They are the oldest part of our hair and often need the most gentle handling.
Now Let’s Talk Fall Hair!
One of my favorite things about natural hair is its versatility.
We can curl it, coil it, twist it, braid it, stretch it, pin it up or let it stand gloriously toward heaven!
And fall gives us some beautiful styling possibilities.
The Twist-Out is still one of my favorite transitional styles. It gives definition and volume while allowing us to stretch tightly coiled hair without necessarily using direct heat.
Mini Twists are perfect when you want to give yourself a break from daily styling. They can be worn loose, pinned up, pulled back or dressed up with accessories.
A Flat-Twist Updo is especially beautiful for fall. It keeps the ends tucked away and can transition beautifully from everyday wear to church, dinner or a special event. Just remember: protective doesn’t mean tight.
The Afro isn’t going anywhere just because summer is over! A beautifully shaped Afro with a sweater, statement earrings and fall makeup? Yes, ma’am!
And Knotless Braids can be a wonderful longer-lasting option. Fall is also the perfect time to experiment with warm shades such as cinnamon, auburn, chestnut, burgundy and chocolate.
Are You Transitioning From Relaxed to Natural?
I especially want to make room at the table for my sisters who are somewhere between relaxed and natural.
You do not have to do the Big Chop to be considered natural.
If you want to gradually grow your relaxer out and trim your ends over time, that is your journey.
The challenge is that you’re caring for two textures at the same time.
The point where your natural hair meets the relaxed hair—the line of demarcation—can be vulnerable to breakage. Gentle detangling, conditioning and low-manipulation styling become especially important.
Twist-outs, braid-outs, flexi-rod sets, roller sets and flat twists can also help blend the two textures while you’re transitioning.
And There’s Another Transition We Need to Talk About…
There is another hair transition that doesn’t get nearly enough attention:
Natural hair as we mature.
Our hair at 40 may not behave exactly as it did at 25. And our hair at 50, 60, 70 and beyond may introduce us to an entirely new crown.
Gray strands can have a different texture. Density may change. Some women notice increased dryness or thinning. Styles we once loved may no longer suit the way we want to care for our hair.
That doesn’t mean our natural-hair journey is ending.
It means our crown is entering another season.
And I think that’s a conversation worth having here at Crowning Glory.
Before You Buy Another Product…
Now, some of you who remember this blog are probably laughing already.
Because years ago I wrote about getting rid of my product stash.
Oh yes.
The Product Junkie struggle was REAL! 😂
And the natural-hair industry has certainly not stopped giving us beautiful jars, wonderful fragrances, new ingredients and promises that this will finally be THE product!
But this fall, I want us to try something different.
Shop your stash first.
Pull out what you already own. Check expiration or period-after-opening guidance where applicable. Look at what actually worked for your hair—and pay attention to the products you continually push to the back of the cabinet.
Before purchasing something new, ask:
What problem am I trying to solve?
If we can’t answer that question, perhaps we don’t need another jar just yet.
And yes…
I am talking to myself too. 😂
Your Crown, Your Journey
Whether your hair forms loose curls, tiny coils or beautiful zigzag kinks…
Whether your hair reaches your waist or you’re rocking a two-inch TWA…
Whether you’re transitioning from a relaxer, embracing your gray, dealing with shrinkage, rediscovering your hair after years of protective styles, or you’ve been natural for decades…
Your crown doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s crown to be beautiful.
Healthy natural hair isn’t about achieving someone else’s curl pattern.
It’s about learning your hair.
And perhaps that’s what Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks has always been about.
We’re still defining curls.
We’re still celebrating coils.
We’re still embracing kinks.
And we’re still learning.
Welcome back to Crowning Glory. 💗
Until next time, love your curls, embrace your coils, celebrate your kinks—and wear your crown with confidence.
💬 Let’s Talk!
Has your natural-hair routine changed over the years?
And which fall style are you planning to wear first: Twist-Out, Mini Twists, Flat-Twist Updo, Afro, or Braids?
Leave me a comment below. I would love to hear about your natural-hair journey.
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