Autumn might be the season of great coats, cosy knits and excellent haircuts, but it's not always quite so kind to our hair. Between falling temperatures, central heating, blustery weather and the friction from all those extra layers, our strands have rather a lot to contend with. The trouble? Many of the season's biggest hair problems begin long before you actually notice them. Here's what to look out for – and how to stop them in their tracks.

1. Dryness that creeps up on you

Your hair might feel perfectly healthy now, but the combination of colder outdoor air and dry, centrally heated rooms can gradually leave it feeling parched. Before you know it, strands are rougher, duller and harder to style. The trick is to introduce moisture before your hair starts crying out for it. Work a little Hershesons Almost Everything Cream through mid-lengths and ends to help soften, smooth and keep hair feeling nourished.

2. The breakage you don't see coming

Scarves, high-neck jumpers and coat collars might be autumn essentials, but the constant rubbing against your hair can create friction, tangles and, eventually, breakage – particularly around the nape of the neck. If you've noticed shorter, flyaway strands appearing in this area, this could be why. Keep hair well-conditioned, detangle gently (our Detangling Brush is a godsend) and consider wearing it loosely tied up when you're wrapped in layers.

3. Frizz that starts before you step outside

Think frizz is just a rainy-day problem? Think again. As hair becomes drier, its outer cuticle can become less smooth, making strands more susceptible to changes in humidity. Add a little autumn drizzle and suddenly your carefully styled hair has a mind of its own. Prevention is easier than correction: use a smoothing product before styling, make sure hair is completely dry before heading outside and finish with a cool shot from your Great Hairdryer to help set your style.

4. A scalp that's getting drier

We tend to pay plenty of attention to our lengths, but our scalps need seasonal TLC, too. Colder weather, indoor heating and changes to your washing routine can all contribute to tightness, dryness and flaking. Don't wait until your scalp feels uncomfortable to take action. Avoid washing with excessively hot water, use a gentle shampoo and make sure you're rinsing products thoroughly. A happy scalp is the foundation of great hair, after all.

5. The gradual loss of shine

One day your hair looks glossy; the next, it seems to have lost its sparkle. Often, it's not an overnight change but the cumulative effect of dryness, heat styling and everyday wear and tear. When the hair's surface becomes rougher, it reflects light less evenly, leaving it looking dull. The solution? A little extra conditioning, less unnecessary heat and Almost Everything Cream to bring back that expensive-looking shine.