If your hair has suddenly started feeling drier, duller and altogether less cooperative, you're not imagining it. As the seasons change, so too do the conditions our hair is exposed to – and autumn can be particularly tricky when it comes to keeping strands soft, smooth and hydrated.

The main culprit? A drop in humidity. As temperatures fall, the air tends to hold less moisture, while central heating creates an even drier environment indoors. The result is hair that can feel rougher, look frizzier and become more prone to static. Add in blustery winds, friction from scarves and coats, and the lingering effects of summer sun, sea and chlorine, and it's little wonder our lengths can start to feel lacklustre.

Unlike skin, hair can't actively replenish its own moisture. Once it emerges from the scalp, the hair fibre is essentially dead, which means it relies on the right care to stay in good condition. When the outer cuticle is damaged or raised, strands lose moisture more readily and become more vulnerable to breakage.

So, what can you do about it?

Start by giving your haircare routine a seasonal refresh. Swap lightweight conditioners for richer, more nourishing formulas, and introduce a weekly hair mask to help soften and smooth parched lengths. A leave-in conditioner, a little hair oil or Almost Everything Cream through the mid-lengths and ends can also help reduce friction, seal in softness and keep frizz at bay.

It's worth reconsidering your styling habits, too. Excessive heat can exacerbate dryness, so turn down the temperature on your tools, always use heat protection and embrace air-drying (with our Air Dry Spray) when you can. And don't forget your scalp: while your lengths might need extra nourishment, a healthy scalp is the foundation of good hair, so keep it clean and comfortable rather than overloading it with heavy products.

The good news? A few small tweaks are often all it takes to restore some softness and shine – and ensure your hair looks as good as your autumn wardrobe.