After a season full of sun and heat, hair—specifically hair color—craves a little pick me up

With autumn on the horizon, skin isn’t the only thing that needs to recover; it’s time to give your hair a pick-me-up makeover. The summer sun and heat fade color, making it looked washed out, which is the perfect excuse to revamp your hair color for the season ahead. And with that fall transition, says color guru Amanda George, co-owner of LA’s Neil George Salon, blondes will be turning more bleached and creamy à la Michelle Williams and Carey Mulligan, while brunettes will trade in chocolate and mahogany hues for maple honey tones. Those with even darker hair are taking a cue from Jennifer Lawrence and Katy Perry and opting for indigo blue-blacks.

“I think most people want to refresh and get a good haircut [and fresh color] because all the fall sweaters and jackets just scream out for a more polished, tailored look,” says George, who’s responsible for the manes of A-listers like Reese Witherspoon and Renee Zellweger. George notes that for this time of year warmer honey tones work for most complexions while “darker, cooler shades look more flattering against a fairer or paler complexion.” To keep your new color from fading, George also suggests asking your colorist for a gloss or shine “to seal hair and add vibrancy,” noting that Redken and L’Oréal Richesse are her favorites. Post-salon, George recommends using “a concentrated treatment designed for chemically treated hair and/or a masque” within the first week of having your color done. “I love the Pure Shots from Neil George hair care,” says George. “Also, the Leonor Greyl Palm Oil put on dry hair then shampooed off with their Bamboo Shampoo.”

And to make sure you get the best results during your coloring, head in with oily hair. “It is easier to apply color to hair that hasn’t been washed for a couple days,” notes George. “You can also apply a small amount of hair oil each day for 2-3 days before you come in to the salon to make your hair as moisturized as possible. The more moisture your hair has the better it will be able to absorb the color and not get damaged in the process.”