The warmer weather has finally decided to make an entrance and we’re here for it! Ok, the humidity may be a bit of a drag, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay posted up by the AC unit all season. So how do we deal when the weather has our hair feeling like our worst enemy? It’s aaaaall in the products.
MOISTURIZE
Creating a moisturizing barrier before you even leave the house will help prevent excessive amounts of water vapor from getting into the hair – Humidity actually drives water molecules into your hair which cause it to swell and expand as much as 16% of the diameter. Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are important in how your hair wears throughout the day. Think of these as your foundation for setting up a good style. If your hair is prone to frizz or puffiness, using moisturizing products in the shower will help minimize some of the water vapor absorption. We also recommend adding a leave-in conditioner to your routine for extra frizz-fighting power. If your hair is on the finer side and tends to feel heavy and flat during humid months, opt for a volumizing shampoo and conditioner and lightweight products. Shea Moisture has a great line of hydrating shampoos and conditioners.
Tip: Dry or damaged hair can retain 55% of the water from the atmosphere. That leaves the hair looking dull, fuzzy, and puffy. It also will not swell the strands evenly so it tends to look extra wonky and awkward. Keeping your hair healthy is the first step to fighting frizz.
Photo by Garett Mizunaka on Unsplash
LAYER UP
Products are your new best friend. If you’re like us and are a part of the frizzy-fuzzy club (hello wavy and curly haired babes) it’s time to go shopping. Layering your products when when your hair is still super wet (think: dripping) is your best chance to get all the goodies the product has to offer without creating friction and therefore frizz/fluff. If your hair is on the finer side make sure you choose products that are light and won’t weigh the hair down. Start with your moisturizing product like a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray, then add your styling product like a curl cream/mousse, thickening cream/spray, or texturizing spray. Finish by topping everything off with a UV protectant. Layer up and you’re all set to keep your hair moisturized and humidity free!
Our fav styling products? The Living Proof Instant De-Frizzer works like a charm. Finish off with Ouai Rose Hair and Body Oil and you can't go wrong (it's silicone free, and you can use it on your, body too!)
AVOID SILICONES… KINDA
Here’s the thing about products with silicones in them: they make the hair feel super soft and shiny at first, plus they can repel water which is a big win in humid environments. But eventually they will dry your hair out, weigh it down, and attract more dirt and oils than you have time to deal with. Why is there always a catch?! Silicones honestly aren’t great for your hair, but if used intermittently they can be ok (a heavier serum like VERB ghost oil will give frizz a good fight). Just be aware, once you start using them you’ll have to follow up with a few shampoos with something silicone-free in order to get them off your hair. Always read the ingredients list on the back of your products.
RINSE, CONDITION & REPEAT
Sweat…it’s basically a beauty product. It’s pretty much just salt (which is drying), so why are we scrubbing it out of our hair with shampoo that’s also drying? If you’re feeling sweaty and grimey give it a good rinse and scrub with water (the same way you would if you were scrubbing it with shampoo). Apply your conditioner from the midshaft down to the ends and style as usual. Then you can shampoo way less often, maybe as little as once a week. Try this and you’ll notice shinier and softer hair which = less frizz for you!
GO WITH IT
Occasionally humidity just can’t be tamed and that’s a fact. Or maybe you simply don’t have time to be dealing with your hair. In these cases, you can always go for braids, buns, ponytails, or a slicked back “wet look”. Sometimes the most undone and relaxed styles are the most flattering. If you can’t be bothered to do more, we get it, and that’s okay, too!
Cover photo by Bruno Gomiero on Unsplash
