When humidity levels are at an all-time high, our hair has a mind of its own. Here’s why: Moisture from hot, humid air clings to the hair shaft, causing the flyaways we’re all too familiar with on sweltering summer days.
There’s nothing wrong with a little seasonal frizz, but it’s nice to know there are plenty of options for the days we don’t want to deal with it. We enlisted the help of top hairstylists for the best advice on fighting humidity. Whether your hair is frizz-prone or frizz-prone, here are 10 tips and tricks to help you achieve your frizz-free dreams—because hot weather should be heading to the beach for warm weather, not fixing your hair.
Why Does Humidity Hate Curls?
Okay, this is a bit dramatic, but it makes sense if you see curls falling to the floor after going out/in the car/going to pick up the mail. Solano tells us that moisture has the habit of returning hair to its natural state. If you have straight hair, maybe that’s what’s left of you. Think about it – humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air. Water naturally transfers hair proteins back to their natural state. Curling irons only temporarily shape your hair. So it’s not as harmful as splashing a bucket of water on your head, but it can still loosen tightly coiled curls.
Don’t wash your hair this morning
You already know that curls and braids are better for dirty or “old” hair, and the same goes for wet-weather curls. “Yes, it’s best not to wash and use this style on less clean hair—second or even third day hair is fine. If you must wash, don’t use conditioner,” says Sola Says No. “And avoid very polished blow-dries—a rough blow-dry is best. ”
If you must use conditioner, try to find something lighter and silicone-free to reduce buildup.
This will prevent it from pressing down on your lock. Rough drying prevents heat from being applied to one area for an extended period of time, which can inadvertently straighten and change the physical condition of the hair.
Put your hair up
Hairstylist Matthew Monzon recommends relaxed hairstyles, especially if you’re prone to extreme frizz. This, he notes, will help manage the stool while still retaining its texture. ‘Unfortunately, women with tight curls or wavy hair are more prone to frizz, so it’s best to opt for styles that are more moisture-wicking. A cute braided look or sexy neck bun is a great option to keep your hair frizz-free.’ The ‘casual hair’ trend is great for embracing frizzy styling to keep flyaways at bay,” he says.
“Putting wet hair into a braid or bun is a stylish way to look beautiful and brave the humidity,” says hairstylist Kelly Sayers. One effortless way to avoid dealing with humidity entirely is to opt for a A style that pulls the hair up. We love the Invisibobble’s spiral hair ties, which are strong enough to hold your style without frizzing your hair.
Get rid of frizz with the right shampoo
Hairstylist Aviva Perea knows from experience just how much moisture can damage hair. Your solution is to eliminate as much frizz as possible in the shower and in other ways so the humid air doesn’t make the problem worse. “Use and leave on a smooth shampoo and conditioner, and use a microfiber towel after showering,” says Perea. “I’m not a paid endorser of this product, but I recently tried it and was obsessed. It’s the Sun Bum Shampoo and Conditioner, Leave-in and Oil. Since using this line, my hair has dried to natural waves and zero Frizz,” she said excitedly. “It means I save time and don’t use heat, which makes my hair healthier. It smells great and uses mainly herbal ingredients.”
Seal your strands with a serum
Celebrity hairstylist Derek Yuen is also an expert when it comes to moisture and hair. “The trick to dealing with moisture is to keep the outermost layer of the hair, the cuticle, as flat as possible,” he says. “Most moisture-proof products use silicone, but this cuts down on volume. Living Proof Satin Hair Serum ($29) is silicone-free, so you don’t have to sacrifice smoothness and shine for volume.” She opts for Deesse Elujuda Serum ($29) “It’s a great way to seal the ends and keep moisture out,” she says.
Consider Keratin Treatment
When it comes to a universal moisturizer for all hair types, renowned hairstylist Christian Wood says keratin treatments not only help, but save time. “The best thing I can recommend to combat frizz and humidity is a keratin treatment or a Brazilian blow dry,” he says. “It cuts styling in half and keeps hair shiny. It helps all hair types and lengthens styling. There are only so many products that can help.”
How to curl
Before letting the flat iron touch curls, Solano recommends using a mousse like Shu Uemura Kaze Wave, which gives weight and hold to hair before curling, even if the hair is dry. “This way, the hair has more texture and shape when ironed,” says Solano.
Once prep is done, our experts recommend “tightening” your curls by wrapping smaller sections around the curling iron. This makes it harder for curls to fall out once they come into contact with moisture. While she says she’s not a huge fan of hairspray, it’s a great preventative step in the process.
To style your curls, let them cool completely before you start. Hair strands should not be warm when you touch them with your fingers. You can even pin them, but Solano says pinning less will ensure you don’t look too “done.”
