Looking your best this autumn

Summer has come and gone.

As the time you spend outside shortens, your sun-kissed look and highlights will start to fade.

It's time to replenish, restore and rebuild your hair from roots to ends.

The saying goes, "Sweater weather is better weather." But the change in temperature can really confuse your hair and we're talking both color and texture.

Here are a few tips from Jen Dardas, owner of Cutting Edge Hair Design in Coaldale.

• Start fresh and healthy. Cut off all those dry, frizzy ends. Hair tends to grow longer when trimmed regularly. It prevents weak ends that break off; when that happens, you don't gain any length.

If you're highly opposed to a good cut, it's critical to spend a little extra time giving your hair the TLC it was deprived of all summer.

• Clarify. Start the new season off right by giving your scalp a good detox by using a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks.

Summer can leave a lot of buildup at your roots salt sprays, sunscreens, and sand can all cause greasy, limp roots.

• Moisturize and deep condition. You know the itchy, dry skin that naturally comes with colder weather? The same goes for your hair.

The transition between summer to fall is when it is vital to add moisturizing shampoo (one that contains a color protectant) and conditioning treatments from rinse-out to leave-ins.

• Coloring. Always go dark gradually. Don't start with a super-dark dye, otherwise it'll be harder to take out and more shocking to get used to.

Instead, start with a lighter brown and then go darker in stages. Red is a popular fall color, but not always flattering on everyone.

Warm browns, mochas and chocolates are a nice way to incorporate deeper tones with the warmth we look for.

Another nice alternative for red are some violet shades.

• Heat styling. Heat protectant sprays help resist the heat that causes split ends and damage. Simply spray throughout your hair, focusing on the tips that will see the most heat action. Dry your hair and style as usual.

If you have extra fine hair, odds are you don't need as much heat to create your style.

Most curling irons and straighteners come with heat settings. Adjust the heat to be appropriate to your hair type.

If you take anything from this article, Dardas emphasized repeatedly "turn it down … 400 degrees is just too hot. Start out at 300 and go from there."

• Static. We all have those days during the colder months that static makes it impossible to deal with our styles.

An easy fix is a light leave in conditioner. Not a handful.

A small amount before you blow dry should help to eliminate it. Spray hats and scarves with hair spray before wearing and your hair will be static-free when you remove the head wear.

"Messy buns are cute and easy but we tend to rip the hair ties out and that leads to breakage which leads to split ends and ultimately FRIZZ."

Remember that good communication with your stylist is essential for getting the color and look you want.

A few minutes of pre-salon prep can help you explain your goals, and ensure that your hairstylist understands your desired result.